The topic of menopause, which has long been considered taboo, has recently become a sensation across politics, workplaces, and the media in countries such as the UK, the U.S., and Australia.
While welcoming the increase in awareness of menopause, the authors of a new four-paper Series published in The Lancet, express concern about the media's tendency to focus on extremely negative experiences associated with the phenomenon of menopause, portraying it as an unfortunate and distressing experience heralding a critical decline in women's health that can only be solved by hormone replacement. A new approach that can better prepare women by providing accurate information on symptoms and treatments, empathic clinical care and workplace adjustments as required needs to be incorporated. Effective planning demands a broader scope beyond medical treatments.
Series co-author, Professor Martha Hickey, University of Melbourne and Royal Women's Hospital (Melbourne), said the following in this context, "The misconception of menopause as always being a medical issue which consistently heralds a decline in physical and mental health should be challenged across the whole of society. Many women live rewarding lives during and after menopause, contributing to work, family life, and the wider society. Changing the narrative to view menopause as part of healthy aging may better empower women to navigate this life stage and reduce fear and trepidation among those who have yet to experience it."
The Series calls for an individualized approach where women are empowered with accurate, consistent, and impartial information to make informed decisions that best suit them over the menopause transition. This may include taking menopause hormone therapy (HRT) for symptoms such as hot flushes and night sweats, which can range from mild to extremely debilitating, after a discussion with their doctor about its risks and benefits; while some women may also choose psychological therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy to reduce the psychological impact of hot flushes and night sweats and improve sleep. However, there is insufficient evidence on the benefit of menopause hormone therapy on other symptoms associated with menopause and aging in women.
Unfortunately, organizations with commercial interests have strongly influenced media messaging about menopause and MHT, thereby understating the small but serious risks of MHT. The series advocates for women to have access to evidence-based information that is devoid of commercial bias. The authors emphasize the necessity of a significant societal shift in attitudes towards midlife and older women, with everyone having a role to play in facilitating this transformation.
In conclusion, every woman should have access to realistic and balanced information about menopause and possible experiences, effective treatment as needed, and shared decision-making to better equip them to navigate this transitional life stage.
(Input from various media sources)
(Rehash/Dr. Vineesha V/MSM)
