Assoc. Dr. Statement from Pınar Yalçın Bahat on Menopause Awareness at Work

Menopause can affect not only women's daily lives and health, but also their experiences in working life.

Making a statement on the occasion of "Menopause Day at Work", Assoc. Dr. Pınar Yalçın Bahat stated that the physical, mental and emotional difficulties encountered during menopause should be made more visible in business life.

The most common symptoms during menopause include hot flashes and night sweats, also called vasomotor symptoms (VMS). While these symptoms disrupt sleep patterns, they can also lead to fatigue, loss of energy and concentration problems.

“BRAIN FOG” CAN MAKE WORKING LIFE DIFFICULT

One of the symptoms that has become more popular during menopause in recent years is "brain fog". Symptoms such as difficulty concentrating, feeling of forgetfulness and mental slowness can be difficult, especially for women in active working lives.

According to the research cited in the text, the effects of vasomotor symptoms are not limited to physical discomfort; It can also affect women's daily and working lives.

On the other hand, it is stated that some women accept the symptoms they experience as a natural part of menopause and the rate of resorting to treatment options remains low.

MENOPAUSE SYMPTOMS CAN LAST FOR YEARS

Studies conducted in Turkey indicate that a significant portion of menopausal women may experience moderate or severe symptoms.

In a study using the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS) included in the text, it is reported that symptoms were moderate, severe or very severe in approximately 95 percent of women. In another study conducted in Turkey, it is stated that approximately half of the women had moderate or severe menopausal symptoms.

It is stated that long-term observational studies indicate that vasomotor symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats can last longer than 7 years in some women.

“WE SHOULD TALK ABOUT THE EFFECTS OF MENOPAUSE EVERY DAY”

Pointing out the importance of raising awareness about menopause in workplaces, Bahat said that the issue should not be limited to a certain day only.

Bahat used the following statements:

"We need to talk about many issues, from encouraging open discussion of menopause-related issues in the workplace to how employers and institutions should treat those experiencing the symptoms of menopause. We need to do this every day, making the effects of menopause on life visible."

Pointing out the importance of knowledge and awareness, as well as physician support when necessary, Bahat stated that women can manage this period more healthily in terms of their lives and careers.

NEW APPROACHES IN MENOPAUSE TREATMENT

Bahat stated that treatment approaches in menopause management have also changed and focused on hormone-free treatments that target the formation mechanisms of vasomotor symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats.

Stating that the effects of new approaches on the frequency and severity of symptoms, sleep and quality of life are evaluated in clinical studies, Bahat stated that long-term safety and tolerability data continue to be investigated.

While it is important that the choice of treatment be made with a personalized medical evaluation, it was emphasized that the effects of menopausal symptoms on work and social life should not be ignored.