Forget flowers and candlelit dinners—this one’s for the real MVPs in your life. The women who pick you up when you’re down, who know exactly what you mean when you say, “I just need to lie in a dark room,” and who remind you that you’re still fabulous (even when perimenopause is trying to convince you otherwise).
Because if there’s one thing that makes midlife easier, it’s having a solid crew of female friends. And that’s exactly why Galentine’s Day—the February 13th celebration of women celebrating women—is not just fun, but an essential wellbeing strategy. Galentine's Day is ther perfect celebration of female friendship in menopause.
The menopause-friendly reason why your Gal Pals are a health essential
Ever feel like you can breathe easier after venting to a friend? Or that you laugh approximately 85% harder when you’re with your best mates? That’s not just good vibes—it’s actual biology.
Studies show that strong female friendships:
Reduce stress – Midlife is full of hormonal rollercoasters, but talking things out lowers cortisol, your body’s main stress hormone (so yes, a WhatsApp chat full of peri-rants is basically medicinal).
Help balance hormones – Laughing, bonding, and feeling emotionally supported boost oxytocin—the ‘connection’ hormone that counteracts stress and keeps midlife metabolism in check.
Improve sleep and mental health – Feeling supported reduces anxiety, which means fewer 3 a.m. worry spirals and more actual rest.
Make you live longer – Women with strong social connections have better heart health, lower dementia risk, and higher energy levels.
On the flip side, loneliness can be as bad for your health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. And we all know midlife health is already under enough pressure (hello, cortisol belly and random new food intolerances). So, your friendships? Not just ‘nice to have’—they’re as important as balancing your blood sugar.
Female friendships are sooooo needed in menopause (the ultimate excuse to celebrate this Galentine's Day)
Midlife is a wild ride. One minute, you’re thriving. The next, you’re googling “why am I suddenly allergic to wine?” at 2 a.m. It’s a stage of shifting hormones, changing bodies, career chaos, and family demands—and let’s be honest, not everyone gets it.
But your female friends? They do.
They understand why you suddenly can’t sleep for love nor money.
They won’t judge when you cancel plans because you’re in a deep relationship with your heated blanket.
They get why your waistband feels like it’s trying to strangle you by 3 p.m.
They won’t tell you to ‘just try meditation’ when you mention you have menopause brain fog.
This isn’t just friendship—it’s survival.
Menopause wisdom from the world’s longest-lived women
Ever heard of the Blue Zones? These are the places in the world where people regularly live to 100 and beyond. One of their secrets? Lifelong social connection.
In Okinawa, Japan, women form moais—tight-knit friendship groups that commit to supporting each other for life. In Sardinia, Italy, daily communal meals and social gatherings are the norm. These women don’t just have friends—they prioritise them, weaving friendship into the very fabric of their lives.
The result? Lower stress, better hormone balance, and a longer, healthier life. It’s a menopause survival plan we should all be following.
How to strengthen your female friendships in midlife
If life has been pulling you in a hundred directions and your friendships have taken a backseat, don’t worry—it’s never too late to reconnect or even make new friends.
Here’s how to keep your Gal Pals (and your midlife health) thriving:
Make it a ritual – A monthly dinner, a standing coffee date, or a Sunday morning walk. Lock it in. No flaking.
Send the message – That “thinking of you” text? It takes 10 seconds and could make someone’s day.
Expand your circle – If you’re feeling disconnected, try a book club, a walking group, or even a menopause support group (yes, they exist, and yes, they’re brilliant).
Celebrate each other – Whether it’s a promotion, a birthday, or just getting through a week of hot flushes without throwing something at your partner—raise a glass to the wins, big or small.
Galentine’s Day ideas for celebrating your female friendships
Need an excuse to celebrate your women? Here are some easy ways to make Galentine’s Day a thing:
Host a ‘bring-a-dish’ dinner – Good food, good company, and no one asking you what’s for tea. Bliss.
Plan a self-care night – Think face masks, fluffy socks, and heated blankets. Bonus points if you do it together (virtually or in person).
Have a ‘no-filter’ catch-up – A wine (or herbal tea, if that’s your vibe), an honest chat, and a reminder that no one has it all together, no matter what Instagram says.
Create a mini ‘moai’ – Make a friendship pact to check in regularly, whether it’s a quick voice note, a monthly brunch, or a “let’s vent about our terrible sleep” WhatsApp thread.
The real reason you need your girls
At the end of the day, life is better when it’s shared.
Female friendships in midlife aren’t just a ‘nice to have’—they’re the thing that gets you through. They remind you who you are when you feel lost. They see you at your worst and love you anyway. And they make even the hardest days feel that little bit lighter.
So this Galentine’s Day, don’t just scroll past it. Celebrate your friendships. Make the call. Send the message. Raise the glass. Because the best relationships in your life don’t have to be romantic—they just have to be real.
Happy Galentine’s Day, ladies. ❤️
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