Most women in their late 40s and 50s will immediately recognize the symptoms of menopause. While up to 80 per cent of menopausal women will experience some symptoms, up to 25 per cent will suffer enough to seek medical relief.
And yet, not only are far too many women not prepared for “the change of life” when it comes, say experts in mature women’s health, widespread ignorance is causing unnecessary harm.
It prompted U.K. women’s health activist Diane Danzebrink to launch a national awareness campaign called #MakeMenopauseMatter, devoted to providing training for physicians, guidance in the workplace and curriculum in sex education.
“There’s not enough awareness, especially on the mental health issues, and we need to be talking more about it,” said University of Alberta pharmacy professor Nese Yuksel, who is on the board of the Canadian Menopause Society and a menopause clinic team member at the Lois Hole Hospital for Women.