Actor and host Iffat Omar, in a recent episode of The Good Life Show alongside co-host Saamiya Raazi, explored the challenges associated with menopause and the widespread stigma surrounding this natural biological process affecting many women.
Iffat highlighted the importance of creating safe and open platforms to raise awareness about menopause, considering that individuals now spend a significant part of their lives in the menopause stage due to increased life expectancy.
Menopause, often referred to colloquially as “the change”, results from the gradual decline in the production of three key hormones: estrogen, progesterone and testosterone.
Dr. Saamiya provided insight into the physical and emotional symptoms that accompany this hormonal shift, such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and vaginal dryness.
Recognizing the difficult nature of this period, particularly in terms of adapting to bodily changes, Iffat questioned the bodily transformations from puberty to peri-menopause, menopause and post-menopause.
Dr. Saamiya highlighted the hormonal fluctuations and “up and down cascades” experienced during different stages of life, highlighting the complexity of women’s health and societal expectations.
She explained that after giving birth, women may believe they have entered an easier phase of life, but as they approach midlife, new challenges emerge, marking the start of perimenopause. . Saamiya also noted that perimenopausal symptoms may manifest earlier, under the influence of toxins and artificial hormones from modern lifestyles.
Perimenopausal symptoms, such as dysfunctional uterine bleeding (DUB), have been discussed as indicators of changes in menstrual cycle length. DUBs, characterized by irregular bleeding, can include periods occurring every two weeks or absent for three months, as well as mental fog and poor concentration.
Recognizing these symptoms is essential for women to seek appropriate care and support during this transition phase.
Presenters highlighted the impact of menopause on the aging process, highlighting the potential decrease in bone density and increased risk of osteoporosis, as well as the effect on cardiovascular health due to the role of estrogen in cardiac protection.
To manage these health issues, it is essential to maintain a healthy lifestyle with regular physical activity and a balanced diet, supplemented by consultations with healthcare providers for personalized assessments and risk mitigation.
Highlighting the need for open conversations about menopause, the facilitators recognized the prevailing reluctance to address the topic.
Saamiya revealed instances where women concealed their age to escape the stigma associated with menopause, highlighting the importance of women taking ownership of this natural phase and fostering a more supportive and understanding societal narrative.
