About this episode
Before we talk about symptoms, hormones, or interventions we have to examine the words we use to describe women, aging, and the most natural biological transitions of our lives. Because language doesn’t just reflect our attitudes—it actively shapes how we experience our bodies, our worth, and our place in the world.Drawing from personal experience, cultural history, etymology, and media portrayals, I explore why menopause and women’s aging have been shrouded in silence, stigma, and shame—and how deeply sexist assumptions are embedded in the very words we use.In this episode, we explore:* Why women “age out” of relevance while men “age into” status* The origins of words like spinster, crone, hag, hysterical, and old maid—and what they reveal about cultural bias* How euphemisms around menstruation and menopause reinforce secrecy and shame* Why even the word menopause frames it as a loss rather than a transition* The surprising animal origins of words (“animalogies”) like estrus, estrogen, and crone* How media has (rarely) addressed menopause* Why reclaiming language is a powerful act of self-respect, agency, and healingThis conversation is for women navigating perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause—and for anyone who loves, lives with, or wants to better support them. 🎧 Listen to the full episode of Food for Thought, celebrating 20 years of practical inspiration for living compassionately, sustainably, and healthfully.For the animals,—ColleenSupport the Podcast (20-Year Anniversary)!To keep Food for Thought Podcast ad-free and accessible to all, I rely on the support of paid subscribers. If you’re already one—thank you. If you’re not, please consider becoming one. None of the companies below sponsored this episode. They’re simply brands I personally use, love, and trust—which is why I agreed to be an affiliate.If you find this episode helpful, please consider giving it a like, share, comment, or restack. Remember Food for Thought is a listener-supported podcast, and your support as a paid subscriber helps me continue creating content that inspires compassion and action—for animals, people, and the planet.If you make a purchase using the links below, I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you—and you’ll receive exclusive discounts using the codes provided!* Complement SupplementsEverything you need, nothing you don’t. Complement makes targeted supplements for plant-based eaters, including B12, D3, DHA, and more—all from clean, trusted sources.🔗
