These are the questions about the menopause that gynaecologist Dr Kathrin Kern would like her patients to ask.
I have been working as a gynaecologist for a long time and have been able to accompany many women during important phases of their lives and over many years.
Recently I have realised more and more clearly that there is alarmingly little knowledge about the processes during the menopause and the influence of hormones on women’s health and well-being. However, misinformation and prejudices are still very common.
For example, when I talk about the menopause during an annual check-up, I often hear “Oh, that’s okay, I don’t want to take hormones” and the topic is ticked off for the woman. There is much more to it than “hormone replacement yes or no”, but many women still avoid the topic in general.
Menopause and postmenopause mean drastic changes in a woman’s life with major effects on body and psyche – and all women should know that they have to inform themselves about it!
That’s what I’m campaigning for.
What almost no woman has ever asked me, but every woman should ask or know:
1- What happens in my body during the menopause?
2- What symptoms can occur?
3- What are the medium and long-term consequences when hormone levels drop?
4- Are there any health risks or can my well-being be affected?
5- What measures can I take for my own health?
6- What are the advantages and disadvantages of HRT and alternatives?
I am very happy that the relevance of the topic “menopause and after” is finally getting the attention it needs and that committed women with different backgrounds are working tirelessly for education and knowledge transfer.
Dr Kathrin Kern has her gynaecology practice in Horgen near Zurich.
