Breaking the silence : Addressing menopause and reproductive health in Fiji

The new research aims to highlight issues such as menopause, which have not been significantly discussed in open spaces.

Fiji Women’s Rights Movement Executive Director, Nalini Singh highlighted as she says the research focuses on a particular aspect of women’s reproductive health that is often overlooked and not adequately addressed in healthcare.

According to the report titled The ‘M’ Word : Ending The Silence – Fijian Women’s Perceptions and Experiences Journey To and During Menopause, 80 percent of the women in Fiji strongly agree that increasing awareness on menopause can help women understand the menopause process, gain more knowledge, and learn how, where, and when to seek help.

Many women have been suffering in silence, with family members not understanding what the women are going through.

Many even end up getting ridiculed or attacked leading to issues like gender based violence.

The most common symptoms impacting women who took part in this all-important FWRM survey included hot flushes, change in period (irregular or heavy bleeding), mood swings, fatigue, disturbed sleep and poor concentration.

According to research, every woman goes through menopause, and the symptoms normally start in the mid-40s.

Menopause is when a woman's reproductive years come to an end, and the lead-up to this is known as peri-menopause, which usually starts when women are in their mid 40s.

The hormone levels change during menopause - most significantly oestrogen, which controls the menstrual cycle and contributes to a number of other bodily processes.

Singh says in many iTaukei communities, discussions about reproductive health and sexuality are topics that people do not talk about, creating a barrier for many women experiencing challenges related to menopause.

She stresses that when discussions about menopause take place, the involvement of men is also necessary.

She adds that, as a result, many women remain silent about the challenges they face and struggle to find solutions on their own.

Singh also highlights that capacity building and awareness creation are vital.