Kolkata: Women are more aware of menopausal issues these days compared to earlier years, experts said on Wednesday on the occasion of ‘World Menopause Day’. Menopause, a natural phase in every woman’s life when ovaries stop making estrogen and other sex hormones, typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55. Dr Swati Mishra, Consultant at Birla Fertility and IVF Clinic told PTI, “Our data from the clinics underscores the significance of this issue. Over the past five years, we have witnessed a 30 per cent increase in women seeking guidance and treatment for menopausal symptoms.
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Women during menopause often experience a range of challenges – from hot flashes and mood swings to sleep disturbances and osteoporosis concerns, she added. She further said,
In recognition of World Menopause Day, we delve into the significance of this occasion in the context of women’s health. This day serves as a pivotal moment to address the often-overlooked challenges that women face as they navigate the transition into menopause.
Talking to PTI, senior obstetrician-gynaecologist Dr Pervinder Kaur said that she gets a monthly average of 25-30 patients approaching her with menopause issues. Dr Kaur said,
More and more women coming to us with menopause issues now. We are also getting more women enquiring about early menopause. This is a very positive sign as it gives us as well as the patient much time to deal with it.
World Menopause Day is observed each year on this day primarily to raise awareness levels of those experiencing menopause besides removing the stigma in order to improve their health and well-being.
According to Dr Mishra, society needs to foster a greater understanding of menopause and its impact on women’s lives.
Menopause is not just an endpoint. It’s the beginning of another journey for women. It’s a phase that can be physically and emotionally demanding. By raising awareness and offering support, we empower women to manage these changes more effectively.
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Dr Arathi Bharat, consultant-obstetrician & gynaecologist, at Motherhood Hospitals, said, “Studies show that the incidence of depression doubles during menopause. Another frequent menopausal symptom is mood swings. Anxiety, despair, and irritability can result from low estrogen levels. Moods can vary widely and alter quickly.” Dr Bharat emphasised the need to raise awareness about menopause of women besides training medical staff to address it.
It is crucial to give postmenopausal women hope and to eradicate the stigma associated with menopause. Ignorance can result in incorrect symptom identification and, occasionally, harmful health effects. Due to conflicting information, several women have suffered anxiety. Women’s mental health must be given priority at this time of life.
(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
NDTV – Dettol have been working towards a clean and healthy India since 2014 via the Banega Swachh India initiative, which is helmed by Campaign Ambassador Amitabh Bachchan. The campaign aims to highlight the inter-dependency of humans and the environment, and of humans on one another with the focus on One Health, One Planet, One Future – Leaving No One Behind. It stresses on the need to take care of, and consider, everyone’s health in India – especially vulnerable communities – the LGBTQ population, indigenous people, India’s different tribes, ethnic and linguistic minorities, people with disabilities, migrants, geographically remote populations, gender and sexual minorities. In wake of the current COVID-19 pandemic, the need for WASH (Water,Sanitation and Hygiene) is reaffirmed as handwashing is one of the ways to prevent Coronavirus infection and other diseases. The campaign will continue to raise awareness on the same along with focussing on the importance of nutrition and healthcare for women and children, fight malnutrition, mental wellbeing, self care, science and health, adolescent health & gender awareness. Along with the health of people, the campaign has realised the need to also take care of the health of the eco-system. Our environment is fragile due to human activity, which is not only over-exploiting available resources, but also generating immense pollution as a result of using and extracting those resources. The imbalance has also led to immense biodiversity loss that has caused one of the biggest threats to human survival – climate change. It has now been described as a “code red for humanity.” The campaign will continue to cover issues like air pollution, waste management, plastic ban,manual scavengingand sanitation workers and menstrual hygiene. Banega Swasth India will also be taking forward the dream of Swasth Bharat, the campaign feels that only a Swachh or clean India where toilets are used and open defecation free (ODF)status achieved as part of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2014, can eradicate diseases like diahorrea and the country can become a Swasth or healthy India.
