Menopause and aging stereotypes: International Day of Action for Women’s Health, 2024
Every year on May 28, the world observes the International Day of Action for Women’s Health to bring attention to the health problems that affect women everywhere. It is a day to emphasize the value of women’s health and their unalienable right to get high-quality medical treatment. This day supports women’s empowerment and autonomy in making health-related choices in addition to raising awareness of the concerns pertaining to women’s health. In honor of this unique day, we will talk about common myths and preconceptions regarding menopause and aging in this essay.
Speaking with Dr. Astha Dayal, Lead Consultant in Obstetrics and Gynecology at CK Birla Hospital in Gurugram, we learned that announcing a woman’s menopause to her is equivalent to delivering terrible news for a gynecologist. The misconceptions and preconceptions that menopause represents the end of a woman’s femininity or womanhood, that aging denotes deterioration, and that incapacity often causes unwarranted anxiety and confusion. This idea not only minimizes the worth of women, but it also ignores the wealth of knowledge and experience that women have accumulated over time.”
Menopause: What Is It?
Menopause is the natural end of a woman’s menstrual cycle and her ability to conceive naturally. Between the ages of 45 and 55, periods often begin to become less frequent over a few months or years before stopping completely.
Menopause and aging stereotypes and misconceptions
The idea that menopause is just a bodily process is a prevalent one. Although hot flashes, exhaustion, dry vagina, incontinence, and osteoporosis are among the physical symptoms that women face, the effects of this condition go beyond the body.
Emotional and psychological changes associated with menopause might include mood fluctuations, decreased desire for sexual activity, forgetfulness, difficulty sleeping, and emotions of doubt or loss. Recognizing the comprehensive aspect of menopause allows us to better help and comprehend individuals who are experiencing it.
Furthermore, contrary to popular assumption, not all women experience menopause in the same way. The good news is that most women find the process to be facilitated by eating a healthy, balanced diet, exercising often, keeping a healthy weight, and being physically fit and strong.
Improved bone health may be attained by dietary calcium and vitamin D supplementation, weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening workouts, frequent health check-ups, abstaining from alcohol and tobacco, and physical inactivity.
However, some women may require treatments like cholesterol-lowering medication to prevent heart problems, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to relieve menopausal symptoms by replacing oestrogen, or cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a talking therapy that can help with anxiety and depressive symptoms.
There is a common misconception that menopause causes a decrease in sexual satisfaction and desire. Even though vaginal lubrication and desire may be affected by hormonal fluctuations, intimacy may still be rewarding and pleasurable. For vaginal dryness or physical pain, apply vaginal oestrogen creams, lubricants, or moisturizers.
Menopause is a transition, not a sign of deterioration, and should be cherished. We must arm women with factual knowledge, recognize the resiliency and wisdom that accompany these life phases, and welcome them as chances for development, rejuvenation, and ongoing vitality.
