Professor Martha Hickey leads The Lancet Menopause Series
Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology & Newborn Health's Professor Martha Hickey leads a world-first series on Menopause published in The Lancet.
Pictured: Prof Martha Hickey
Through the series, the international researchers are calling for a change in our society so we can better prepare, support and empower women as they move through midlife and experience menopause.
Professor Hickey and her international colleagues argue that by talking about menopause as part of healthy ageing, we reduce stigma and overmedicalisation.
They say women can be empowered to navigate this life stage if they have the acknowledgement and support of health professionals, researchers, their workplaces, and society as a whole.
“The misconception that menopause is always a medical issue that signals a decline in a woman’s physical and mental health should be challenged across the whole of society,” Prof Hickey says.
“Changing the narrative to view menopause as part of healthy ageing may help more women to navigate this life stage and reduce fear and trepidation amongst those who have yet to experience it.”
Professor Hickey highlights that the experience of menopause differs for every person. Consequently, an individualised approach is needed.
“Women need accurate, consistent and impartial information to make informed decisions that are right for them over the menopause transition,” she says.
“Symptoms such as hot flushes and night sweats can range from mild to extremely debilitating.
“Menopausal hormone therapy may be right for some women, after they’ve had discussion with their doctor about the risks and benefits.
Alternatively, some women may choose psychological therapies, such as cognitive behavioural therapy, to reduce the psychological impact of hot flushes and night sweats and improve sleep.
Professor Martha Hickey is the Chair of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at University of Melbourne, Co-Head of the Gynaecology Research Centre and Head of Menopause Services at the Royal Women's Hospital.
Text taken from Menopause beyond medication story from the Royal Women's Hospital website.
View The Lancet series online here.
View the series here: