By Tasi’u Hassan
World Menopause Day is observed annually on October 18, to raise awareness, break the stigma and highlight the available support for improving health and wellbeing of those experiencing menopause.
The day is also dedicated to raising awareness and promoting understanding of this transformative phase in a woman’s life.
Menopause is the woman’s final menstrual period, which comes usually between the age of 45 to 55, but after the last menstrual period, a woman needs to spend one year without menses for menopause to be confirmed.
The theme for this year’s World Menopause Day, is “Cardiovascular Diseases”, an indication that the reproductive health of a woman can affect her cardiovascular health, and it is an important aspect of menopause that women need to be aware of.
A Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital Bauchi, Dr. Umma Hani Ja’afaru, said a post menopausal woman is at risk of various medical conditions, especially cardiovascular diseases.
She added that most women after menopause tend to develop hypertension, which also poses the risk of ischemic heart disease as well as stroke.
Dr. Umma Hani Ja’afaru reiterated the need for menopausal women to modify their lifestyle, as there are several changes in their body at that important stage.
On the occasion of this year’s World Menopause Day, it is important to remind women of some of the common symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes, and sleep disturbances.
Menopause can also cause anxiety, depression, and increase the risk of other diseases like osteoporosis among others.
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