Naturism and the Menopause

Mother Nature can be a bitch to women. Often we are our own worst enemies with our perception of what beauty is, beating ourselves up if we don’t conform to “Societal beauty standards” but I do wish Mother Nature would give us a break!

The first thing the female body has to navigate is puberty. The influx of these hormones doing strange things to a teenagers body and mind is terrifying to many especially in this digital world we live in of compare culture, Social media and the Instagram effect. We learn to manage our monthly influx of hormones and the development of our bodies into womanhood until the next change … for many, Motherhood. Our bodies are changing again in order to grow and nourish a new human into the world. Once we have welcomed our new humans, our bodies have changed again. We are left with a baggy mess where the baby used to be, unsightly stretch marks and everything has travelled southward. However, we learn our new bodies and adjust. Then, when you think Mother Nature is done, she throws in THE MENOPAUSE! Yes, the body is changing again!

Menopause is a significant transition in a woman's life, marking the end of her reproductive years. Obviously I had heard about the Menopause and watched my mother go through it some 30 years prior. Even so, I was not prepared. Menopausal symptoms vary but commonly include hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, changes in libido, brain fog, forgetfulness, random pains in joints and I seemed to have them all. But the one thing I had that my mother didn’t during her menopause was naturism! I only discovered naturism during the UK Covid lockdown but knowing what I know now, I wish I’d discovered it as a young woman. I may have saved myself from decades of psychological torment and body dysmorphia. It was naturism that helped me accept my body for what it was. A vessel that had successfully got me here. One of the most immediate benefits I experienced was a sense of liberation unlike anything I had ever felt before. Stripped of the confines of clothing, I felt an overwhelming sense of freedom wash over me. It was as though the layers of fabric that had concealed my true self for so long had been peeled away, leaving behind nothing but raw authenticity but perhaps the most profound impact of my naturism journey was its effect on my emotional well-being. As I stood among fellow naturists, I was struck by the absence of judgement and the overwhelming sense of acceptance that permeated the air. Here, surrounded by bodies of all shapes, sizes, and ages, there was no room for shame or insecurity. Instead, I found myself enveloped in a warm embrace of solidarity and support.

During menopause, when a woman's body undergoes some changes, naturism can help with fostering acceptance and body positivity towards these changes. It can help ease the distress often associated with the menopause and provide a sense of relief with one learning to accept and cherish the ever evolving body. Naturism can enhance the lives of menopausal women, promoting body positivity, self-acceptance, and overall health, irrespective of age or physical appearance. Being surrounded by others who embrace their bodies can provide a supportive environment that counters negative body image perceptions.

Naturism has many benefits to alleviating menopausal symptoms too. Women, if you don’t already sleep naked now, make that the first thing you do. Those night sweats and hot flushes are difficult to manage so sleeping in the nude allows for increased airflow and decreased perspiration, potentially providing much relief. The relaxation and stress reduction associated with naturist activities, such as sunbathing or swimming, can contribute to improved sleep quality too. Being outside naked or exposed to sunlight can stimulate the production of Vitamin D, which may help alleviate symptoms like mood swings and depression commonly associated with menopause. No wonder Simon and I spent most of the summer outside, it was the only way he could cope with my irrational mood changes! Joking aside, being around other naturists was really therapeutic. Naturist communities offer a supportive and inclusive environment where menopausal women can connect with others who share similar experiences and concerns. I learned from other women that the way I was feeling was normal and most importantly, not permanent. Socialising in a naturist environment helped combat feelings of isolation or loneliness often experienced during menopause. It’s reassuring to know that others can appreciate and understand these confusing symptoms. Sharing common interests and engaging in recreational activities without clothing barriers can lead to deeper friendships and a sense of belonging. Nudity in a naturist environment promotes self-confidence and self-esteem by challenging societal norms and encouraging individuals to feel comfortable in their own skin. This newfound acceptance and confidence can extend beyond the naturist setting and positively impact various aspects of life.

Naturism can seem daunting when you consider it for the first time, mainly because we don’t know what it is. Simply put, it is the practice of embracing nudity in social or private settings. For women new to naturism, it's essential to ease into it gradually. Begin by spending time nude at home or in a private setting. As mentioned before, if you don’t already sleep naked, start now. Take a little bit longer to get dressed after your shower in the mornings to just get used to feeling the freedom of your own skin. Look at yourself in the mirror and be kind to yourself. Your body has got you through some sticky situations despite Mother Nature's best efforts. Don't put pressure and expectation on yourself but open yourself up to the possibility that actually it's alright for you to take steps to begin to start accepting yourself.

Find supportive communities. Seek out naturist clubs, events or online forums where menopausal women can connect with others who share similar experiences and concerns. Menopause affects each woman differently, so it's essential to listen to your body and adjust your naturist activities accordingly. If certain activities or environments exacerbate symptoms or discomfort, explore alternative options that better suit your needs.

Menopause is a natural phase of life that presents unique physical and emotional challenges for women. Embracing naturism offers a holistic approach to navigating this transformative period, providing numerous benefits for menopausal women's physical health, emotional well-being, and body image. By embracing nudity in supportive environments, women can foster self-acceptance, confidence, and connection, ultimately enhancing their overall quality of life during menopause and beyond.

Today, as I reflect on my journey through menopause, I am filled with gratitude for the gift of naturism. I can’t imagine having to cope with all of these symptoms AND clothing, especially at night. And while I may still be navigating the choppy waters of menopause and coping with the physical and emotional changes, I do so with a sense of strength and comfort, secure in the knowledge to love the skin I am in.

(Oh, and the HRT helps too.)