RTL Today - Conference at University of Luxembourg: Women feel 'left behind' in menopause

Due to high demand, a conference on women's health and menopause was held for the second time on Saturday at Uni-Pop in Belval.

As with the first edition of the conference, the university auditorium was full to the brim for Saturday's event, indicating that the menopause should no longer be a taboo topic. Organiser Guy Brandenburger emphasised the need for action on this point, to tackle fake news, dangerous advice and snake-oil cures circulating on social media. The menopause is a question of public health and politics should respond appropriately, he said.

Guy Brandenbourger, Organisateur vun der Konferenz

Every woman may experience menopause differently, and not every woman displays symptoms. Many women are often not aware that it is the menopause triggering their symptoms for some time, as peri-menopause can often start 2-8 years before the actual menopause sets in.

On average, women start the menopause, or the end of their reproductive period, at the age of 51. French gynaecologist and oncologist Dr. Mouly says many women will suffer symptoms for the rest of their lives. With an ageing population, the issues are continuing to increase. As the female hormone, oestrogen, declines with age, it can bring many more health problems. So-called "hot flashes" are just the tip of the iceberg.

This hormone also protects against cardiovascular disease until menopause. In France, around 200 women aged 45-55 die each day. Many women are nervous about starting hormone therapy, but there are continuous new treatments which can be taken as a precaution and which are even suitable for former cancer patients.

A recent campaign in the UK sought to re-frame menopause in society. Among other things, midwives are able to prescribe hormonal treatments, which in cooperation with doctors ensures better care for menopause patients. In late 2021 the British government issued recommendations for employers on how best to support women in transition years at work, in part to address the potential economic impact, not just due to absenteeism, but because it can render certain careers useless.

Due to hormonal changes during the menopause, women can be affected by other diseases, or they can be put at increased risk of developing illnesses such as diabetes, chronic cystitis, insomnia, depression, obesity, Alzheimer's and osteoporosis, where the bones become brittle.

In addition, women are also likely to lose muscle mass, as much as 50% by the age of 70. Prevention for this includes strength training and eating a healthy, protein-rich diet, as well as seeking medical support and consistent follow-ups.

The conference audience was made up of women and men, but both sexes came to the same conclusion - there needs to be more information available on the treatment of the menopause.