Can the menopause trigger a crisis of faith?

Anna Faro was unprepared for the effect that perimenopause would have on her mind, body – and spiritual life. Understanding this important life stage isn’t just a women’s issue, she says, it’s one we all need to take seriously

In the last few years, the menopause has become (if you’ll pardon the pun) a hot topic of national conversation. 

In 2021, Davina McCall’s Sex, Myths and the Menopause documentary hit our TV screens. As well as urging women to be more open about their menopause experiences, the show addressed the scaremongering that had long been present around the risks of synthetic Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). ‘The Davina effect’, as it has become known, has heralded a new frankness about a subject which was previously barely discussed – and certainly never mentioned in church. 

Since then, a flurry of podcasts, articles and social media reels have highlighted the impact of this life stage on women’s physical and mental health. But what about its impact on their spiritual health?