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‘Don’t suffer in silence’
They have played a major role in society as wives, mothers and grandmothers. With Sri Lanka having to grapple with a rapidly-ageing population, there are serious concerns that older women may fall through the system.
Consultant Gynaecological Oncosurgeon Dr. Samanthi Premaratne giving a demonstration at the colposcopy training programme
The Menopause Society of Sri Lanka, however, has taken up their cause and is striving to better their lot.
“Sri Lanka has a population of about 21 million of which 52% are women. We are also a rapidly-ageing population and women are living longer than men. What we should remember is that 1/3rd of a woman’s life would be in the menopausal period and we need to look after them, arm them with knowledge and treat and manage any symptoms they may have during this period,” reiterates the President of the Menopause Society of Sri Lanka, Dr. Sanath Lanerolle.
Pointing out that the advancement in the field of medicine and the advent of new technology have contributed to the longevity of human beings, he says that elderly women may sometimes become a burden to society as they will not be contributing to the economy but would be dependent on the economy. This may lead to their neglect.
Many are the health issues that women in the menopausal age face including “costly” conditions such as non-communicable diseases (NCDs) including diabetes, hypertension and stroke and other issues such as mental health disorders, sexual disorders and more, says Dr. Lanerolle, picking up osteoporosis which could result in hip fractures which, in turn, cause severe lifestyle changes.
He laments that many women “suffer in silence”, with a grin-and-bear attitude that it is natural to undergo debilitating symptoms not knowing that there is treatment which provides relief.
This is why the Menopause Society launched ‘Mihiri Mediwiya’ in the form of public awareness programmes throughout the country this year under his stewardship, it is learnt.
Menopause Society President Dr. Sanath Lanerolle
The work of the Menopause Society is multi-pronged and as Sri Lanka steps into 2020, it will continue a concerted campaign to strengthen and empower women in the menopausal age.
These programmes include:
- Public awareness programmes – for both healthcare workers including midwives, nurses and doctors and also the public.
- Being part of the advocacy group, the Menopause Task Force of the Health Ministry.
- Supporting the setting up of Menopause Clinics in private sector hospitals
- Production of educational material for healthcare workers and the public.
- Conducting training programmes for professionals on how to identify menopause and treat its symptoms.
Operating from a room in the Sri Lanka College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists (SLCOG) down Model Farm Road, Colombo 8, the Menopause Society goes far and wide to hold awareness programmes.
“Some of the areas where we have done so recently include Seenigama, Hikkaduwa and Avissawella,” says Dr. Lanerolle, explaining how they secure the help of social service officials and women’s organizations to go into remote areas and talk to women in village and estate community halls.
Consultant Gynaecological Oncosurgeon Dr. Chinthana Hapuachchige demonstrating the use of the colposcope at the training programme
With regard to training of professionals, the Menopause Society has just this Thursday, like many others before, held a hands-on basic colposcopy training programme at the Cancer Hospital, Maharagama, under the guidance of Consultant Gynaecological Oncosurgeon Dr. Samanthi Premaratne. Colposcopy is a procedure which uses a colposcope to identify cervical cancer which is common in menopause.
This is while a whole range of programmes will be held in the New Year, starting in Walasmulla and Teldeniya in January.
A few months ago, the society held its 19th annual academic sessions, focusing on critical issues involving menopause. The Chief Guest was Sir Sabaratnam Arulkumaran, Professor Emeritus of Obstetrics & Gynaecology from the United Kingdom and the Guest-of-Honour Dr. Anil Jasinghe, the Director-General of Health Services.
The Menopause Society was founded in 2000 with Dr. M.D.P. Gooneratne as President to promote a better quality of life for women in middle age and beyond. It is in appreciation of his work that the first M.D.P. Gooneratne Endowment Lecture was held this year.
Consultant Gynaecological Oncosurgeon Dr. Sharada Kannangara conducting a lecture at the colposcopy training programme
A public awareness programme on menopause being held in Nuwara Eliya for estate workers