The First ‘Menopause Cafe’ Debuts in Connecticut

Just ask any woman who's been through it. Menopause is complicated and uncomfortable to talk about until now.

Connecticut's first Menopause Cafe was introduced this past August by Nathalie Bonafe. She is an official Menopause Cafes facilitator based in New Haven, according to an article in the Hartford Courant. You might be asking, what is a Menopause Cafe?

Geared towards women, a Menopause Cafe is a "group directed discussion aimed at breaking down the taboo around menopause, reflecting on the 'third stage of life.' What takes place at these Cafes? In this video, Rachel Weiss, who founded the concept in 2017, explains the process.

Currently, the Cafes in Connecticut are being held via Zoom and meet monthly on the 15th from 6 to 7:30 p.m. For tickets, click on eventbrite.com. According to the Mayo Clinic, menopause is a natural biological process that begins after a woman has gone 12 months without a menstrual period.

The adverse effects of menopause can include hot flashes and emotional issues. Menopause can have an impact on a woman's family, friends, and colleagues, and that is why anyone, including men, is welcome to join the discussion to learn and understand why menopause can be a physical and emotional roller coaster.

Bonafe specializes in topics that can be difficult to speak about. Her day-job is an end-of-life doula where she works with families and individuals to help them cope with impending death and guide them through what needs to be done while giving them as much support so their needs are met.