No one wants to talk about it: Iffat Omar unpacks stigma around menopause

Actor and host Iffat Omar delved into the nuances of menopause in the recent episode of The Good Life Show with co-host Saamiya Raazi. Addressing the prevailing stigma around a natural biological process experienced by many women, Iffat underscored the need to create safe and healthy avenues to raise awareness.

“Now that life expectancy has increased, you typically spend one-third of your life in menopausal stage,” Iffat began, stressing the urgency of this conversation. Menopause, often referred to as "the change," is the result of a gradual decline in the production of three key hormones, “oestrogen, progesterone, and testosterone,” as per Dr Saamiya.

This hormonal shift brings about various physical and emotional symptoms. Hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and vaginal dryness are some of the most common symptoms experienced during menopause. It can be a challenging time for many women as they adjust to these changes.

“What changes does the body undergo as it transitions from puberty to peri-menopause, menopause, then post-menopause?” Iffat posed the crucial question, relaying her personal experiences. In response, Dr Saamiya pointed out the “up-down cascades” triggered by changing hormonal levels over the years.

“After menarche, women enter the ‘next stage’ of their lives. To be pregnant or not to be pregnant? To continue studies or not? That’s another stage marked by rapid instability,” she added. “To get pregnant, you need specific concentrations of hormones to achieve that.”

The healthcare professional further explained how hormonal changes vary alongside social conventions and expectations. “You give birth and your family is complete now and you think you have entered the easy phase of your life, say, by 35 or 37. As you near 40, you run into new problems.”

According to Saamiya, this is when you enter peri-menopause and your hormones begin to “dwindle”. However, she also clarified that some women may experience peri-menopausal symptoms as early as mid-twenties owing to increasing levels of toxins and artificial hormones entering our lifestyles.

The symptoms of peri-menopause are not always easy to spot as Iffat recalled she didn’t realise until much later that she had reached that phase. To administer proper care, Dr Saamiya recommended that women primarily look out for dysfunctional uterine bleeds (DUBs) which signal changing overall duration of a menstrual cycle.

“This means that sometimes you’ll get your period only after two weeks and other times you won’t get one for three months. Sometimes you may bleed only for two days, in the next cycle you may experience unusually heavy bleeding,” she said, adding how DUBs are typically accompanied by mental fog and low concentration.

A key aspect of the menopausal experience is its impact on the aging process. During menopause, bone density may decrease, increasing the risk of osteoporosis. Cardiovascular health can also be affected as estrogen plays a protective role in heart health. To manage these health concerns, it's crucial for women to maintain a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and a balanced diet. Additionally, consulting with a healthcare provider can help assess and mitigate specific risks.

Reiterating the necessity of open conversation on menopause, the hosts highlighted how most people refrain from talking about it. “Nobody wants to talk about it. My school and college batchmates who I know are my age pretend to be younger than they are,” Saamiya disclosed how women feign their age to avoid the stigma of menopause.

“If even women don’t take ownership of it, how can we expect anything to change?” she added.

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