Dr Rudaina Hassan
Doha, Qatar: World Menopause Day, observed annually on October 18, is a crucial occasion that highlights the unique challenges and health considerations faced by women during the transition to menopause.
Consultant obstetrician and gynecologist at Sidra Medicine, Dr. Rudaina Hassan shares the profound impact the institution’s dedicated menopause clinic has had on women’s health and the proactive steps women can take to improve their well-being during this crucial stage of life.
In 2022, Sidra Medicine made history by inaugurating the first dedicated menopause clinic in Qatar, marking a significant milestone for women’s healthcare in the country.
The clinic has played a transformative role in providing a holistic approach to managing the menopause transition and treating associated health issues, providing support that enables women to stay healthy, healthy and active, Dr Hassan told The Peninsula.
“Since the launch of the service, the number of women attending the menopause clinic has continued to increase,” she said, pointing out that with menopause a largely invisible and under-discussed topic in society at large, women Women often face menopause-related complications alone. . Despite recent medical advances and increased public awareness, challenges persist.
“Menopause is an important transition period for women and is an inevitable part of their lives; therefore, many women will experience symptoms and other health issues that will need to be treated,” Dr Hassan said.
World Menopause Day is a global effort to raise awareness about menopause, with the aim of improving the experience of women around the world. This year, the theme is centered on cardiovascular diseases.
“Cardiovascular disease, which includes conditions such as heart attacks, heart disease and stroke, is the most common cause of death among women over the age of 50.
More and more women, especially younger ones, suffer from high blood pressure, obesity or diabetes, leading to an increase in cardiovascular disease.
The trend is expected to continue. The transition to menopause should be used as an opportunity to assess potential risk factors that may lead to cardiovascular disease and begin to proactively manage them,” said Dr Hassan.
She explained that multiple risk factors, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, high cholesterol and smoking, contribute significantly to the risk of cardiovascular disease after the age of 50, coinciding with the average age of menopause in women.
“By regularly screening for cardiovascular disease during and after menopause, women can take steps to reduce their risks of developing this disease, thereby improving their longevity,” she said.
Dr. Hassan also notes that early or premature menopause (before age 45 or 40, respectively) can accelerate the development of cardiovascular disease. In such cases, early treatment is crucial to minimize risks.
Around the time of menopause, reproductive hormones, particularly estrogen, decline.
This hormonal change affects various aspects of a woman’s health and can lead to common symptoms such as irregular periods, hot flashes, night sweats, trouble sleeping, mood changes, and more.
Diseases including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, cognitive decline, dementia and depression also increase during and after menopause.
Dr. Hassan emphasizes the importance of positive lifestyle choices, including eating a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep.
These habits have been shown to have a significant positive impact on health and increase life expectancy. Regular screenings for cervical, breast and bowel cancer, as recommended by the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH), are also essential.
It is recommended to seek the services of a menopause clinic to assess the impact of the menopause transition on a woman’s health and receive a personalized holistic care plan to optimize her well-being. In some cases, medications may be necessary to achieve the desired health benefits.
