Empowering Women: Breaking the Silence on Menopause

Women from all walks of life gathered to discuss an often-overlooked yet significant topic: menopause. The event aimed to break the stigma surrounding this natural phase, offering education, support, and a sense of empowerment to those experiencing it. Many left feeling more prepared to navigate these life changes with confidence.

Menopause occurs when the ovaries stop producing reproductive hormones, marking the end of menstrual periods for twelve consecutive months. Perimenopause, the transitional stage leading up to menopause, can last anywhere from two to eight years, bringing fluctuating hormone levels and a variety of symptoms.

Open discussions about menopause help normalise the experience and foster understanding, not only for women but also for their families and communities.

Dr Melissa Diaz-Musa, Director of Public & Wellness, said, “We do have over fifty, almost sixty, health facilities across the country, at different levels. The first step would be going into one of these facilities, seeing the nurse and then seeing a medical officer. In terms of the symptoms that you have, the consultation will then involve looking at the symptoms, and a lot of the menopause treatment is geared towards, essentially, alleviating symptoms.”

Governor General Dame Froyla Tzalam shared her personal experience, highlighting the need for family support. “My family will tell you I have good days and I have bad days, to the point where my son now, in the morning, would say, ‘Mommy, you slept well last night? No hot flashes?’ He knows about hot flashes. ‘Are you okay?’ And it’s amazing that even somebody asking you, ‘Are you okay?’ sets the tone for the rest of the day because it means you’re not alone,” she shared.

Rosanna Briceño, Special Envoy for Women & Children, stressed the importance of breaking the silence around menopause. “Menopause brings with it a complex array of experiences, but perhaps the most complex of them is the silence that surrounds it. We only see the signs. This lack of open conversation often leads to isolation, misunderstanding, and missed opportunities for support,” she noted.

Creating a supportive environment encourages women to seek help, explore available treatments, and adopt strategies to manage symptoms effectively.

By fostering open discussions and awareness, women can approach menopause with greater confidence, ensuring better health outcomes and an improved quality of life.