THE ROLE OF LIFESTYLE MEDICINE IN MANAGING MENOPAUSAL CHALLENGES - DR OLUFUNMILOLA MOJOYINOLA

Did you know that Menopause is one point in a continuum of life stages for women and marks the end of their reproductive years?

Did you know that this is caused by the loss of ovarian follicular function and a decline in circulating blood oestrogen levels?

Did you know that the hormonal changes associated with menopause can affect physical, emotional, mental and social well-being?

Did you know that symptoms include hot flushes and night sweats, changes in the regularity and flow of the menstrual cycle, culminating in cessation of menstruation; vaginal dryness, pain during sexual intercourse and incontinence; difficulty sleeping/insomnia; and changes in mood, depression and anxiety?

Did you know that in addressing these very challenging symptoms, Lifestyle medicine, which is a medical specialty that uses lifestyle interventions as a primary modality to treat and prevent chronic conditions, is being promoted as it addresses the lifestyle factors that contribute to menopausal symptoms?

Lifestyle medicine recognizes that healthy behaviors, starting with self-care, eating a high-fiber diet rich in plant-based foods, getting adequate movement, avoiding risky substances, attending to sleep and stress, and engaging with others, are the foundations of health?