A mental health specialist, Prof. Mosunmola Tunde-Ayinmode, has stressed the need to educate schoolgirls about the challenges of menopause when the menstrual cycle ceases.
In an interview with reporters on Monday in Ilorin, Tunde-Ayinmode explained that menopause comes with its “baggage of problems”.
Tunde-Ayinmode, of the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH), said educating young girls means the next generation would not suffer in silence and would also ensure they seek help.
She described menopause as a time in a woman’s life when her menstrual period permanently stops, marking the end of her reproductive years.
The expert pointed out that many women suffer symptoms years before they even know what they are.
According to her, some symptoms include heavy bleeding, mood swings, hot flashes and anxiety, which some people ignorantly attribute to spiritual attacks or a disease.
“There is a need to prepare our girls about menopause and what comes with it, so that if those things happen, they can handle it,” she said.
Tunde-Ayinmode noted that when young girls are empowered with the knowledge, the cycle of stigma and fear in many Nigerian communities will be broken.
She observed that many women experience severe hot flashes, insomnia, joint pains, urinary issues and emotional breakdowns without knowing the cause or ever seeing a doctor.
“Women need to be educated that these menses must one day end, and there are issues that can come with it.
“There is need to prepare our young women for the challenges that come with it,” she said.
The expert advised women to seek medical help and not to suffer in silence when faced with the challenges of perimenopause.
