WHO established October 18 as World Menopause Day to emphasize that menopause is a natural stage in life characterized by a decline in sex hormone levels as individuals grow older.
The day's purpose is to enhance public awareness about managing the challenging symptoms associated with this transition.
Menopause in women and andropause in men differ mainly in symptoms and social perceptions, with menopause often being a public topic, while andropause remains a taboo subject.
Women may experience symptoms such as hot flashes, sweating, and emotional instability, while men often deal with reduced libido, fatigue, and a lack of energy, which can sometimes be mistaken for other health issues. It is important to recognize the variety of symptoms and the potential for treatment.
Experts stress the importance of discussing these changes and seeking effective therapies, such as hormone replacement therapy or herbal substitutes. Proper medical care from professionals like endocrinologists and gynecologists is crucial.
Improving availability of supportive healthcare for LGBTQ individuals in Poland
On October 18, we celebrate World Menopause Day, a date established by the WHO to recognize menopause as a natural stage of life characterized by a decrease in sex hormone levels as people age (photo: RDNE Stock project/Pexels.com/CC0)
Access to quality gynecological care in Poland is lacking. In Gdańsk, a northern city, the first database of gynecologists adhering to WHO standards was launched in October.
The professionals in this network assure that they do not shame LGBTQ individuals, do not humiliate patients, and do not invoke ultra-orthodox conscience clauses when performing common medical procedures based on contemporary medical practices, which unfortunately remains a significant issue in Poland.
According to Gazeta Wyborcza, the prototype of this free and publicly available database operates through a chatbot named VirGinia, which helps users find the right specialists.
Source: IAR/GIS/GW
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