GCC Menopause Summit highlights symptom impacts on health, work, and family
Wed 23 Oct 2024The inaugural event of menopause summit explores why women leave the workforce and how AI can transform care.
Dubai: To mark World Menopause Day, the first-ever GCC Menopause Summit took place at the stunning Museum of the Future. This important event brought together over 350 healthcare professionals and industry experts to discuss menopause, a topic that has often been surrounded by stigma.
The opening panel set a positive tone by addressing how conversations about menopause have evolved over the years. Speakers highlighted the 37 symptoms and seven areas of life that can be affected during this phase, sharing personal stories about their experiences, including entering menopause early. This heartfelt sharing helped create an atmosphere of understanding and support.
Several keynotes featured healthcare professionals who discussed various treatments and therapies available to help manage menopause symptoms. Nurbanu Mergaliyeva from Nabta Health emphasised the benefits of working with a psychologist to navigate the challenges of menopause. Dr Marlain Mubarak from King’s College Hospital London explained the different types of hormone replacement therapies. Dr Rupinder Ruprai from HealthBay Clinics debunked myths surrounding bioidentical hormone therapy, revealing how it can be a safe and personalised way to manage symptoms.
The summit also focused on lifestyle factors like diet, nutrition, exercise, and sleep. Panellists shared their personal experiences with different approaches, noting that there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Dr Khalid Shukri from Wellth highlighted the potential of peptides to help manage symptoms effectively.
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Another important discussion revolved around women’s participation in the workforce. Leah Cotterill from Cigna Healthcare MEA shared survey results showing that eight out of ten menopausal women feel unsupported at work. Alarmingly, one in ten have left their jobs because of their symptoms. During a session titled “Hot Flashes, Cool Careers,” Cheryl Thornton from the CIPD Middle East Advisory Board discussed how simple adjustments to workplace policies can greatly improve the situation. Barry Harwood of Harwood Partners stressed the need for visible male allies to help prevent talented women from leaving the workplace.
The event concluded with a keynote from Her Excellency Mubaraka Ibrahim, Chief AI Officer at Emirates Health Services UAE. She spoke about the exciting potential of artificial intelligence to improve care for menopausal women by enhancing symptom tracking and personalising treatment solutions. The summit wrapped up with a discussion on the similarities and differences between andropause and menopause, providing a broader understanding of these life stages.
Sharon James, one of the summit’s founders and a women’s wellness coach, expressed her gratitude for the overwhelming response to this groundbreaking event. She noted, “This summit has shown that open conversations about menopause are long overdue. There is a strong desire to lead change in our region to support women’s health and well-being.” The commitment to addressing these crucial topics ensures that every woman feels acknowledged and supported as she navigates this significant life transition.