Menopause: Let’s Talk About It
By: Joni Boyd
Menopause is hugely misunderstood – which is why we thought it was time to speak to Associate Professor Bronwyn Devine, an esteemed obstetrician, gynaecologist, and fertility specialist.
With a career spanning multiple decades, Dr. Devine has guided numerous women through the various stages of their reproductive lives, including childbirth and menopause. Her expertise lies in hormonal health, fertility treatments, and menopause management, making her a highly sought-after expert in her field.
Let’s get started with the basics.
What is menopause?
“We define menopause as the time when we get to twelve months of no periods,” Dr Devine said. “When you get to menopause, you’ve got about 1000 eggs left in your ovaries, but those eggs are pretty much done and dusted.”
There are different stages of menopause – perimenopause, menopause, and post-menopause – and each stage has unique symptoms and therefore requires a different approach.
Why is menopause such a dirty word?
Menopause can be a challenging journey for many women, characterized by a variety of symptoms such as hot flushes, vaginal dryness, and brain fog.
With 85% of menopausal women experiencing at least some symptoms and 25% facing severe effects, understanding and managing menopause is crucial.
“Hot flushes are a really quite unpleasant experience where you can really feel like your whole body’s on fire,” Dr Devine said. “One of the things people say is that I just can’t seem to get my thoughts together, I feel like I’m not thinking clearly, I’m forgetful.”
Is it hard to keep working through menopause?
While women often continue their careers well into their menopausal years, this can become increasingly difficult, if the workplace lacks support.
“Improving understanding among peers and supervisors about menopause ensures that women can continue to be vibrant, healthy contributors,” Dr Devine said. “Covid has spurred significant workplace changes, emphasizing employees’ wellbeing and accommodating health-related needs.”
Corporations are beginning to recognize the need for policies that account for menopausal health challenges, including flexible working hours, work from home options and health and wellness programs.
How can we better support menopausal women?
Attitudes towards menopause – and women’s’ health in general – are shifting as people become better educated. Ensuring that women can address their health without fear of stigma is pivotal.
Many women who are experiencing menopause are parenting young children, managing senior roles, and possibly supporting elderly parents. It’s not easy.
Supporting menopausal women at work, and in the community is not just an act of compassion but a productivity- and culture-booster.
Dr Devine says more personalized, empathetic, and knowledgeable support networks are invaluable, ensuring that women can navigate this natural transition with confidence and dignity. She reminds women of the importance of listening to their bodies, seeking appropriate medical advice, and fostering environments of support and understanding.
While it may be challenging, with the right knowledge and support, menopause can also be a time of empowerment and renewed vitality.
Article supplied with thanks to Hope Media.
Feature image: by Nickolas Nikolic on Unsplash
About the Author: Joni Boyd is a writer, based in the Hawkesbury Region of NSW. She is passionate about the power of stories shared, to transform lives.
