{"id":23205,"date":"2023-11-10T14:19:11","date_gmt":"2023-11-10T14:19:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/news.pakistaninewspaperlist.com\/iffat-omar-unpacks-stigma-around-menopause-the-express-tribune\/"},"modified":"2023-11-10T14:19:11","modified_gmt":"2023-11-10T14:19:11","slug":"iffat-omar-unpacks-stigma-around-menopause-the-express-tribune","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pakistaninewspaperlist.com\/news\/iffat-omar-unpacks-stigma-around-menopause-the-express-tribune\/","title":{"rendered":"Iffat Omar unpacks stigma around menopause | The Express Tribune"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Actor and host Iffat Omar delved into the nuances of menopause in the recent episode<\/a> of The Good Life Show<\/em> 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.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow that life expectancy has increased, you typically spend one-third of your life in menopausal stage,\u201d 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, \u201coestrogen, progesterone, and testosterone,\u201d as per Dr Saamiya.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat changes does the body undergo as it transitions from puberty to peri-menopause, menopause, then post-menopause?\u201d Iffat posed the crucial question, relaying her personal experiences. In response, Dr Saamiya pointed out the \u201cup-down cascades\u201d triggered by changing hormonal levels over the years.<\/p>\n

\u201cAfter menarche, women enter the \u2018next stage\u2019 of their lives. To be pregnant or not to be pregnant? To continue studies or not? That\u2019s another stage marked by rapid instability,\u201d she added. \u201cTo get pregnant, you need specific concentrations of hormones to achieve that.\u201d<\/p>\n

The healthcare professional further explained how hormonal changes vary alongside social conventions and expectations. \u201cYou 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

According to Saamiya, this is when you enter peri-menopause and your hormones begin to \u201cdwindle\u201d. 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.<\/p>\n

The symptoms of peri-menopause are not always easy to spot as Iffat recalled she didn\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis means that sometimes you\u2019ll get your period only after two weeks and other times you won\u2019t get one for three months. Sometimes you may bleed only for two days, in the next cycle you may experience unusually heavy bleeding,\u201d she said, adding how DUBs are typically accompanied by mental fog and low concentration.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Reiterating the necessity of open conversation on menopause, the hosts highlighted how most people refrain from talking about it. \u201cNobody wants to talk about it. My school and college batchmates who I know are my age pretend to be younger than they are,\u201d Saamiya disclosed how women feign their age to avoid the stigma of menopause.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf even women don\u2019t take ownership of it, how can we expect anything to change?\u201d she added.<\/p>\n

Have something to add to the story? Share it in the comments below.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n