Menopause is a natural biological process that marks the end of a woman’s menstrual cycle and fertility, usually occurring between the ages of 45 and 55. Menopause is diagnosed after a woman has not had a period for 12 months. The period leading up to menopause is called perimenopause, during which hormone levels fluctuate, resulting in symptoms such as irregular periods, mood swings, and hot flashes. After menopause, women enter the postmenopausal stage, where estrogen levels drop significantly, often leading to additional health issues such as osteoporosis and heart disease.
Symptoms of menopause vary greatly from woman to woman and can range from mild to severe. Common physical symptoms include hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, weight gain and sleep problems. Emotional symptoms include anxiety, irritability and depression. For many women, these symptoms can significantly interfere with their daily lives. World Menopause Day is celebrated every year on 18 October to raise awareness about menopause and help women understand and cope with this life transition.
Theme for 2024
According to the International Menopause Society, the theme for World Menopause Day 2024 will be “Menopausal Hormone Replacement Therapy”, highlighting the role of MHT in managing menopausal symptoms and improving women’s long-term health. Menopausal hormone replacement therapy, also known as hormone replacement therapy (HRT), uses estrogen or a combination of estrogen and progesterone to relieve common symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness and mood swings.
Research has shown that MHT can have significant benefits for women, including reducing the risk of osteoporosis and heart disease, and improving overall quality of life during menopause. However, this treatment also carries risks, including an increased risk of certain cancers, so it is important that women make an informed decision based on individual medical advice.
Read more: Gynaecologist’s View: How to control hormones during menopause
History of World Menopause Day
World Menopause Day was established in 1984 in collaboration with the International Menopause Society (IMS) and the World Health Organization (WHO). The main objective of the day is to raise awareness about menopause and address the physical, emotional and social challenges women face during this period. Over the years, World Menopause Day has expanded to include educational campaigns, medical research and public discussions to help women better understand and cope with menopause.
Each year, IMS publishes a report or white paper focusing on a specific topic related to menopause, providing the latest scientific research, guidelines and recommendations for health professionals and women. This annual event has become an important platform to break the silence around menopause, reduce stigma and promote open conversations about women’s health.
Read more: How to protect your heart health after menopause
The meaning of World Menopause Day
World Menopause Day plays an important role in eliminating the stigma surrounding menopause and encouraging women to seek support and treatment. Many women feel isolated and embarrassed when talking about menopause, causing unnecessary suffering and denying them access to treatments such as MHT. The day aims to encourage an open dialogue between women and healthcare professionals, so that women are aware of their options and feel empowered to make choices that will improve their quality of life.
By focusing on MHT in 2024, IMS aims to address common misconceptions and provide clear information about why hormone therapy can be a safe and effective option for many women. The day also highlights the importance of personalised healthcare, as the decision to use MHT should be based on a woman’s medical history, symptoms and risk factors.
in conclusion
With a focus on menopausal hormone therapy, World Menopause Day 2024 is a reminder that menopause is a major life transition that requires attention, support and education. By raising awareness about the benefits and risks of MHT, the day will empower women to make informed decisions about their health. As society becomes more open about discussing menopause, World Menopause Day continues to play a key role in improving the lives of women around the world.
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