Mark your calendars for October 18th—it’s National Menopause Day. Let’s learn its role in raising awareness about women’s health and well-being!
Menopause is a natural phase in a female’s life that brings various physical and emotional changes. Amid these changes, National Menopause Day appears as a sign of support and education. Our blog will focus on its importance, its theme for 2023, and much more!
Table of Contents
By joining us, learn more about the day that has come to stand for knowledge, support, and empowerment for those going through menopause.
Menopause in Focus
According to NHS, menopause typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55 and signifies the end of a woman’s reproductive phase and the cessation of menstrual cycles. Hormonal changes, particularly a decline in the production of oestrogen and progesterone, are responsible for this transition.
Due to these hormonal changes, women often face physical and emotional shifts. In addition, a decrease in oestrogen levels may result in a loss of bone mass, which raises the risk of osteoporosis.
The Essence of National Menopause Day
National Menopause Day is more than just a day on the calendar; it’s an important acceptance of the transformational process women go through during menopause. This annual celebration is a guiding light for those unfamiliar with menopause. Its essence lies in three crucial aspects: awareness, education, and support.
Raising Awareness
Although menopause is common for women, it still carries a stigma and a sense of mystery. By highlighting menopause, National Menopause Day aims to shatter these taboos. It fosters open discussions, dispels myths, and promotes conversations that give women the confidence to embrace this stage of life.
Promoting Education
Knowledge is a powerful tool for navigating the complexities of menopause. Women today have access to various means, including professional counsel and cutting-edge research. These educational tools give them the power to decide what is best for their health and well-being.
Providing Support
Menopause can be difficult, both physically and mentally. On National Menopause Day, people can connect and receive support. It serves as a reminder to women that they are not traveling alone and there is a community of people looking for their welfare.
National Menopause Day celebrates women’s courage and resiliency during this crucial life phase. It’s a day that acknowledges the difficulties while highlighting the chances for growth, wellness, and empowerment.
How is World Menopause Day Celebrated Globally?
World Menopause Day, observed on October 18th each year, is a global platform to address women’s needs and challenges during menopause. Around the world, this day is celebrated in the following ways:
Seminars and Workshops
Seminars and workshops are often held to discuss various aspects of menopause by medical professionals, subject matter experts, and organisations. These gatherings give researchers a forum to share their discoveries, perceptions, and helpful tips for dealing with menopause-related symptoms and health issues.
Public Awareness Campaigns
World Menopause Day is celebrated in many nations through public awareness campaigns. These campaigns spread knowledge, dispel myths, and promote candid conversations about menopause through various media platforms, including print, radio, television, social media, and online forums.
For instance, a public awareness campaign, ‘Let’s Talk Menopause‘ is a platform that launched a campaign named #NotJustInYourHead to foster open communication on menopause.
Informative Webinars
Online platforms host webinars with medical experts to address frequent questions, worries, and myths about menopause. These webinars provide interactive sessions where participants can ask questions and learn insights.
Health Checkups
Health clinics and centres frequently provide special health checkup packages for females approaching or having just entered menopause. These packages encourage proactive healthcare by offering hormonal balance, bone health, and general well-being tests.
Community Events
Support groups, women’s associations, and community organisations host get-togethers to share coping mechanisms and discuss menopause experiences. These gatherings provide safe environments for women to interact, relate, and share knowledge.
Online Initiatives
On National Menopause Day, social media campaigns, hashtags, and online discussions usually take momentum. These platforms are used by women worldwide to share personal narratives, promote awareness, and offer virtual support to those going through similar experiences.
Health Initiatives
On this day, medical facilities often give discounted or free consultations, screenings, and health assessments for women to inspire them to prioritise their health and seek expert advice. For instance, the New South Wales Health Institute of Australia launched a free online toolkit on World Menopause Day 2022 to make women better understand the symptoms of perimenopause and menopause.
The Theme of National Menopause Day 2023
This year, the theme for World Menopause Day 2023 is cardiovascular disease because the hormonal changes caused by menopause can significantly affect cardiovascular health.
This is how menopause impacts heart health:
Hormone Changes
Oestrogen levels drop during menopause, which may be harmful to heart health. Oestrogen helps maintain healthy blood vessel function, and its decline can lead to arterial stiffness and decreased blood flow.
Risk Factors Increase
Menopause frequently comes with weight gain and changes in cholesterol levels, including higher LDL (‘bad’) cholesterol and lower HDL (‘good’) cholesterol. These factors increase the risk of heart disease, including atherosclerosis and heart attacks.
Fluctuations in Blood Pressure
Menopause can cause blood pressure fluctuations, potentially raising the risk of hypertension. Moreover, elevated blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke.
Metabolic Changes
Menopause may modify how the body uses glucose, which can result in insulin resistance. This may contribute to the onset of type 2 diabetes, raising the risk of heart disease.
Also Read: What is the Difference Between Menopause and PeriMenopause?
Final Remarks
In our study of National Menopause Day, we’ve discovered a significant day that extends beyond the calendar. This day, observed every year on October 18, honours women’s resilience and determination as they make their way through menopause’s transformative journey. It serves as a beacon of awareness, education, and support, shattering taboos and fostering open conversations.
As we look to the future, let’s continue to uphold the spirit of National Menopause Day and work towards a society where women can face this stage of life with the confidence and empowerment they deserve, armed with the knowledge and support they need.
Do You Need More Awareness About Menopause? Seek Expert Advice From BioId Professionals To Get Informed About Your Symptoms and Treatment Options!
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