Cook Islands women keen to change conversation around menopause

A group of women from the Cook Islands is advocating for greater awareness and conversation around menopause, highlighting the importance of breaking the silence surrounding this natural biological phase. Menopause occurs when a person has gone 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period, typically between the ages of 45 and 55. However, many women feel isolated and unsupported as they navigate this transition, often due to societal taboos and lack of information.

On August 14, a menopause awareness event was held in Rarotonga, bringing together local and international health experts to discuss the topic. The event was organized by Te Marū o te Vaine, a group of Cook Islands women who believe menopause needs to be talked about more openly. Pacific Society for Reproductive Health secretariat head Dr Amanda Noovao-Hill emphasized that while menopause is a normal biological process, it is also a culturally sensitive issue that is often stigmatized.

Dr Noovao-Hill noted that the event aimed to gather insights directly from Cook Islands women about their experiences and needs. Currently, there is limited access to local health services to support women through menopause, and Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) has only recently become available by prescription in Rarotonga. The organizers also recognized the importance of understanding how Pacific women experience menopause differently from women in other regions, as data and information collected overseas may not always apply to the Pacific context.

Symptoms of menopause, such as sleep disruptions, mood changes, hot flushes, fatigue, and loss of confidence, are often misunderstood, leading to social problems for those affected. Some women have been wrongly diagnosed with mental health issues due to their symptoms, while others have faced skepticism from their partners. Dr Noovao-Hill emphasized that recognizing menopause as a normal biological transition can help women better cope with its physical and emotional challenges.

Health and aging researcher Dr Wendy Sweet pointed out that menopause should not be seen as the end of a woman's reproductive years, but rather as a transition into another stage of life. Her research revealed that many women are seeking vigorous exercise and healthy diets to prevent age-related health problems they associate with their mothers. However, despite experiencing symptoms like hot flushes, poor sleep, fatigue, and weight gain, these women did not identify menopause as a possible cause.

Dr Sweet stressed the need for more conversations about menopause and its impact on women's health, particularly focusing on cardiovascular health, which is the leading cause of death for women during and after menopause. She advocated for nutrition and exercise as crucial components of a healthy menopause transition, highlighting the importance of addressing these issues within families and workplaces to ensure adequate support for women going through this phase of life.