RECORDER REPORT

KARACHI: According to most recent study in Pakistan, 76.7 percent of women in menopausal stage reported depression, 71.8 percent reported anxiety and 75.4 percent reported irritability.

The study from Lahore reported agitation (50.8 percent) and depression (38.5 percent) as common symptoms during menopause. In rural districts of Sindh the percentages for somatic, psychological and urogenital symptoms were significantly high in women at postmenopausal stage as compared to pre-menopausal women,” said Prof Dr Imran Bashir Chaudhry, Department of Psychiatry Chairman Dr Ziauddin Hospital.

He was addressing the audience in an interactive public awareness session themed “Menopause and its Significant Impact on Physical and Mental Health” to create awareness about Menopause at Ziauddin University in collaboration with Pakistan Menopause Society.

Prof. Dr Imran Bashir Chaudhry focused on the Menopause and its impact on women’s mental health including Menopause and Anxiety, Quality of Life of Menopausal Women with Depression, Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder, and Lifestyle Modifications.

While talking about Menopause and Mental Health he said “there is a higher risk of common mental disorders (CMDs) such as stress, anxiety, and depression among women who are experiencing menopausal symptoms. Difficulties in maintaining sleep, cognition and mood quality, among others, overlap the psychosocial experiences of maturity during menopause, requiring an absolute balance so that life can continue its course.”

Prof Dr Rubina Hussain, Chairperson, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Ziauddin University while stressing the need of Osteoporosis Prevention and Treatment said “diet, exercise and a healthy lifestyle are keys to prevent and manage the complicated health issues in women.

Hence, it is essential to start prevention at childhood by adding at least 2 glasses of milk and 8-10 glasses of water per day to your diet.