By Ebele Egoh
Women aged 40 and above have been advised to prepare adequately for menopause by gaining proper knowledge of the physiological and emotional changes associated with the natural end of their reproductive years.
The Anambra State Hospital Administrator, Dr. Frank Ifeanaeme, gave the advice during an interview with a health correspondent in his office on August 14, stressing the importance of early awareness and preparation.
Dr. Ifeanaeme explained that menopause does not occur at a specific age for every woman, noting that it may generally occur between the ages of 40 and 55, depending on individual biological factors and overall health.
He identified some common symptoms of menopause as hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, reduced libido, urinary incontinence, weight gain and the absence of menstrual periods for 12 consecutive months.
According to him, the intensity of these symptoms varies from one woman to another. He noted that while women who have completed childbearing may find the transition easier to accept, those who have not had children may experience anxiety and emotional challenges.
The medical expert explained that menopause occurs when the ovaries gradually reduce their function, resulting in decreased production of hormones such as oestrogen and progesterone, which play important roles in regulating the female reproductive cycle.
He added that menopause could also occur prematurely or be induced through medical interventions, including the surgical removal of the ovaries and certain treatments such as chemotherapy. Such interventions, he noted, can trigger sudden hormonal changes unlike the gradual process associated with natural menopause.
Dr. Ifeanaeme further clarified that although fertility declines significantly during the menopausal transition, pregnancy can still occur before menopause is fully established. He therefore advised women in this stage to remain informed and take appropriate precautions.
He urged women approaching menopause to adopt healthy lifestyles, including eating nutritious meals, engaging in regular physical activity, avoiding smoking and seeking accurate health information. He also cautioned against misinterpreting menopausal symptoms, encouraging women to consult qualified health professionals for proper assessment and guidance rather than self-medicating or attributing every symptom to other health conditions.
Ebele Egoh is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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