There is so much to be aware of and respectful of, as well as the opportunity to grow and learn more about the world in which we live and the beautiful people we meet along the way. In support of this continued growth, there are many things celebrated in March, including:

• International Women’s Day 
• World Wildlife Day
• World Bipolar Day
• World Theatre Day
• Brain Injury Awareness Month
• National Peanut Month
• National Craft Month
• National Ethics Awareness Month
• Endometriosis Awareness Month
• Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month
• National Nutrition Month

And there may be more.

I will highlight two in which I have lived experience- International Women’s Day and Brain Injury Awareness. I survived a near-fatal brain injury on July 17, 2018. I was born a female on June 1, 1973. Given the intersection of these two events, it seems fitting to highlight the overlap of both experiences. My Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is the gift that keeps on giving, now coupled with the joys of aging and changes to my female body, mind, and spirit. Let’s cover some facts first.

By 2025, an estimated 1.1 billion women around the globe will be in the final reproductive stage of their lives. Perimenopause and menopause are normal health cycles that affect all women. How long the transitional stage lasts and the symptoms it triggers vary widely among women. The median age of onset is 47, with the median age of menopause (the point at which a woman has gone for 12 consecutive months without a period) is between 51 and 52. (source: University of Colorado Anschutz Medical)

Every year, more than 10 million people suffer a TBI. ~32% are females (3,200,000 annually have a TBI). How long the recovery journey lasts and the temporary and permanent symptoms vary. (source: Science Direct & PubMed Central)

Putting it all together:

• 1.1billion in menopause/3.25 billion women worldwide = ~34% of population in menopause
• 3.2million women suffered a TBI
• 34% in menopause of 3.2 million TBI survivors = 1,088,000 women with TBI’s in menopause

I am one of the over 1 million women who get to experience the symptoms of both. (source: Kathleen’s math) The Venn diagram below highlights the overlapping relationships between the two sets of symptoms associated with TBI and Menopause. 

I want to thank the human brain- the most complex and misunderstood organ in our body. I apologize to those who get to experience me when I’m not at my best and many symptoms and behaviors kick in at once.

I am thankful to live in a safe, welcoming environment where I can continue healing, rebuilding, openly discussing this topic, and showing resilience. I appreciate the community that listens, understands, and offers support. I am grateful to be of service to others on their journey, whatever twists and turns it brings.