SRS, it's possibly because we are all living longer...in years gone by more women died in childbirth or other causes much earlier than they do now, so there wouldn't have been as many menopausal women in the world as there are now.

My mother had a hysterical rectomy (love that expression!) in 1971 aged 47, for heavy monthly bleeding - at least I think that was the cause, as she was of the generation that didn't discuss "such things" even with their one-and-only daughters. When it was my turn the reason was different, as I had a prolapse which was getting a tad uncomfortable and wouldn't improve with age.

And like Hazel Pistachio above, I relish the freedom too!

Cheers
JennieG