LAGOS — Menopause should be understood as a transformative stage in a woman’s life, rather than a condition of decline, a health expert has said.
Dr Adeola Ekine, Special Adviser to the National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), stated this in Lagos, urging a shift in perception and greater awareness of women’s health issues.
She explained that with proper awareness and acceptance, menopause could be seen as a period of reflection, strength and renewed self-understanding, rather than loss.
Ekine identified a major gap in women’s health education as the silence surrounding menopause, noting that cultural norms often discourage open discussions about reproductive health and bodily changes.
The former Chairperson of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Lagos State chapter, observed that while many women were educated about menstruation and childbirth, they remained largely unprepared for menopause.
She noted that emotional and mental health impacts such as mood swings, anxiety, irritability and low self-esteem were often ignored in public discourse.
“There is little guidance on how hormonal changes affect psychological wellbeing, relationships and daily functioning,” she said, adding that sexual health concerns such as reduced libido and vaginal dryness were also rarely discussed.
Ekine further explained that menopause was often misunderstood as a sudden event rather than a gradual transition, noting that many women were unaware of perimenopause, which could last several years.
According to her, the lack of awareness contributes to confusion, anxiety and even misdiagnosis of symptoms.
She advocated the inclusion of menopause education in secondary school curricula alongside puberty education, stressing that early awareness would help demystify the condition and reduce stigma.
“Early education will empower future generations of women with knowledge and confidence to manage their health proactively,” she said.
