NASSAU, The Bahamas -- October is recognized as Menopause Awareness Month and a press conference was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, to announce activities that will be held to educate the public on menopause.

“We want to remind everyone that menopause effects every woman and yet many women are unaware of how we can experience menopause, what happens to our bodies and the challenges that come with it,” said Mrs. Ann Marie Davis of the Office of the Spouse of the Prime Minister at the press conference.

Mrs. Davis said, “This month all of these activities are planned to provide education, resources and support to women across The Bahamas, so they can navigate this transition with confidence and understanding.”

Also in attendance at the press conference were members of Menopause Ambassadors.

Obstetrician and Gynecologist at the Womencare Center, Dr. Pamela Carroll explained that menopause is a natural transition for all females.

“You go through different stages in your life.  In your younger years, you are in your reproductive years.  Then on the other end, there is menopause which is defined as 12 consecutive months without the period.  It is not defined by the symptoms; it is defined by the ceasing of your periods.”

Dr. Carroll said the middle time between a female’s reproductive years and her menopausal years is the transition period known as perimenopause.  “In that stage, you can go through a lot of menopausal symptoms.  It can cause a lot of disruption in women’s personal and work lives.”

She explained that menopausal symptoms go beyond hot flashes, night sweats and dryness of the vagina.  Other symptoms include hair loss, skin changes, irritability, mood swings, depression and anxiety.

Retired Nurse and Health and Wellness Coach, Doretha Miller said women going through menopause need to make sure that they eat nutritious meals, exercise and drink lots of water.

The coach explained that doing those three things will help calm the symptoms of women going through menopause.

Menopause Health Practitioner, Patrice Lockhart said the country will be celebrating World Menopause Awareness Day and National T-shirt day on Friday, October 18, 2024.

Other activities planned for the month include special presentations on menopause in North Eleuthera and Harbour Island on Friday, October 5.

On October 19, there will be a workshop for the women in New Providence and a workshop in Grand Bahama on October 26.

Ms. Lockhart also announced that the first ever 'Involve the Menopause Chapter' magazine will be launched this month when women from across the country will be sharing their menopausal stories.

 
Mrs. Ann Marie Davis of the Office of the Spouse of the Prime Minister spoke at a press conference at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, to announce plans for the month of October, which is known as Menopause Awareness Month.  Members of Menopause Ambassadors also attended the press conference.    

(BIS Photos/Kristaan Ingraham)