Ignorance about menopause is one of the reasons for women’s health risks

Women experience menopause at some point in their lives. But ignorance, misconceptions and silence about this natural physical change are creating a dangerous situation for many women.

Women experience menopause at some point in their lives. But ignorance, misconceptions and silence about this natural physical change are creating a dangerous situation for many women. Experts say that not being able to recognize the symptoms in time, not seeking treatment and ignorance of society have a detrimental effect on women's health in the long term.

What is menopause: Very few people have an idea about menopause. Menopause is a time when a woman's menstrual cycle stops permanently and she is no longer able to conceive naturally. Menopause usually occurs between the ages of 45 and 55. However, there are many who experience menopause before the age of 40.

The first stage of menopause is 'perimenopause' where hormone deficiency gradually causes various changes in the body. Although irregular periods, frequent hot flashes, sleep problems, mood swings, etc. are common symptoms, most women do not know that these are signs of menopause. Studies have shown that 90 percent of women in the UK have never been taught about menopause in school. Many women do not get the necessary information or advice from their doctors, which increases confusion and stress.

Symptoms of menopause: Symptoms of menopause can vary from person to person. The most common symptoms include—

Hot flashes and night sweats

Insomnia

Mood swings

Headaches and migraines

Joint and muscle pain

Weight gain

Changes in sexual desire

Skin and hair problems

Rapid heartbeat

Trouble urinating
Sometimes these symptoms are similar to other diseases, as a result of which women do not realize that they are entering menopause.

The danger of ignorance: According to experts, ignorance about menopause poses a major risk to women's physical and mental health.

1. Risk of heart disease increases

After menopause, estrogen in the body decreases, which increases bad cholesterol and significantly increases the risk of heart attack, stroke and coronary heart disease.

2. Possibility of shortness of breath and lung disease

Research says that premature menopause increases the risk of chronic shortness of breath.

3. Mental health crisis

Decreased hormones can cause depression, anxiety, insomnia and a sense of being on edge. However, many women ignore these, thinking that they are 'getting old'.

Read more: Is it a disease when your body itches in winter?

4. Risk of bone loss

Osteoporosis or bone fragility is one of the biggest risks of menopause.

5. Wrong treatment and unnecessary surgery

In India and other low-income countries, poor women often undergo unnecessary hysterectomy due to ignorance, which pushes them towards early menopause.

Why menopause occurs earlier: The rate of premature menopause is increasing among poor, rural and less educated women. In India, it has been seen that many women undergo hysterectomy for gynecological problems without considering alternative treatments on the advice of their family or doctor. This causes various symptoms of menopause in them at an early age.

Coping with menopause: The main treatment for menopause worldwide is hormone replacement therapy, which replenishes the reduced estrogen and progesterone in the body.

Treatment methods include—

Estrogen therapy
Estrogen-progesterone combination
In some cases, antidepressants
Vitamin supplements
Introducing healthy habits into the lifestyle
However, in underdeveloped countries, disparities in treatment are evident due to economic constraints, low awareness and limited training of doctors, women do not get proper treatment.

Menopause is a normal part of life and not a disease. However, lack of information, cost of treatment, ignorance, shame and misconceptions make it dangerous. If awareness increases, timely treatment is sought, and psychological support is provided, women can easily cope with this change.

Menopause does not mean the end of a woman's life. This is thought to be the wrong idea in society. So now is the time to be aware. The ignorance of society is harming women's health, so if we are not aware, this problem will continue to increase. Family members, society, and policymakers must all come forward together, so that every woman understands that menopause is not a matter of shame. Menopause is a normal chapter in a woman's life.

Source: CNN