Celebrating the "M" word

For most women, menopause is something to be frowned upon. But the women who participated in the World Menopause Day think otherwise.

A big crowd of women formed at the Ayala Activity Center last October 22 to join the celebration of World Menopause Day. The Philippine Society of Climacteric Medicine or PSCM and The Philippine Obstetrical and Gynecological Society or POGWS Cebu chapter brought the first ever’ World Menopause Day celebration in Cebu with the theme, “ Think ahead, Think of your Health.”

According to medicinenet.com, menopause is usually preceded by 10 to 15 years during which the ovaries gradually stop producing eggs and sex hormones, a period called climacteric. Average age of menopause is 51 years old but menopause may occur as early as in the 30s or 40s.

Dr. Ma. Virginia Santos Abalos, regional drector of PSCM and overall chairperson of the event said that the main objectives are to educate women regarding menopause and to encourage women to protect their health. With no registration fee, participants got to listen to lectures on menopause, role of calcium in menopause and understanding osteoporosis. They were also provided with bone density test, blood sugar test, and exercises conducted by the rehab medics. The ultimate girl bonding culminated on a fun note with the search for “Madame Fitness.”

The World Menopause Day actually falls on the 18th of October but it has always been a month-long celebration. For quite some time, such celebration is usually done in hospitals but the organizers are starting to move to malls so as to reach to more women.

With sufficient knowledge on menopause; a woman need not fear the “M” word. For all it requires is thinking ahead, and thinking of one’s health.