“Cyprus leaves us in the dark!”

What do orcas, elephants and half of our island have in common?

30 percent of Cypriots may have a health problem that can jeopardize their careers and destroy relationships, and 15 percent of us may struggle with the symptoms for the rest of our lives.

Many pay hundreds of euros out of their own pocket (or even travel north) to get the medicine they need. And the island loses thousands of working days every year because of this problem.

For centuries, this particular health problem was dismissed as a “simple part of life.” Even today, it remains a poorly researched and misunderstood condition. And yet, it may currently directly affect over 300,000 of us on the island.

Who are these people? Well, here's a clue: They're not men!

Welcome to the menopause. It won't be fun. Especially not in Cyprus.

Menopause, a natural but life-changing transition , includes perimenopause (the time before the peak of hormone fluctuations and disabling symptoms), menopause (when periods stop and hormone levels drop), and postmenopause (when symptoms persist and long-term health risks increase).

This has always happened to women. And also to some animals – including orcas, pilot whales and some elephants.

"I can't speak for orcas," smiles Kathy Kattashis, Cyprus' only menopause expert and founder of the MITRA Cyprus Menopause Centre. "But I can tell you that menopause in humans is still shrouded in stigma, misinformation and silence - especially on this island."

While countries like the UK, US, Australia and Canada are promoting menopause awareness through government initiatives, workplace policies and national support groups, in Cyprus there is a deafening silence , says Kathy. "Most women don't know where to turn: medical staff are often clueless and the lack of education means many suffer in isolation."

But this is not a new problem. Women have always had menopause. Why the fuss?

“The world has changed since the time of our Yiayias ,” says Kathy. “We are living longer, having children later, staying in the workforce longer. A century ago, a 50-year-old woman was probably at home, the kids were grown, the parents were gone. Now she is juggling kids, jobs and older family members – all at the most challenging time of life. It’s a perfect storm!”

What we have today, however, are the tools, knowledge and platforms to address and manage menopause. But in Cyprus, this is not always happening…

"Let me give you an example," says Kathy. "Elena is 51. She suffered from severe hot flashes, sleepless nights, crippling anxiety and joint pain so severe that she quit her demanding job in foreign exchange trading.

"Her GP said she was 'just a little down' and prescribed antidepressants. Her gynecologist said it was 'part of aging' and recommended vitamins. And she had been waiting a year for an appointment with an endocrinologist.

"At no point did she receive any information about menopause, hormone replacement therapy or ways to alleviate her symptoms," says Kathy. "Cyprus leaves us in the dark."

But why? What has gone so wrong that we don't get the care, support and understanding we need during menopause?

In Cyprus, menopause is a taboo subject , explains Kathy. There is a lack of public awareness. And doctors still refer to outdated studies or dismiss the symptoms as stress.

"Even if you find a doctor who will prescribe you hormone replacement, Cyprus sticks with one-size-fits-all HRT: one patch type in one dosage - no variety, no estrogen sprays or progesterone creams. In fact, I know many women who go to the occupied territories just to get the medication they need."

Most importantly, Kathy adds, women in Cyprus are still viewed as childbearing.

"Follow the money and you'll find that the big money is in IVF, childbirth and endometriosis - conditions that involve the ability to have children. Once she's reproductive, most doctors seem to lose interest in a patient, as if a woman's health and worth are defined solely by her fertility."

It's a devastating picture. But Kathy - who has been through the same frustrating journey herself - is working hard to change that.

Over the last two years, she founded MITRA (a non-profit organization that advocates for non-judgmental healthcare during perimenopause and menopause, promoting awareness, education and empowerment), led menopause workshops and worked extensively to raise awareness across the island.

She is also keen to mention other initiatives, such as the Facebook group Menopause Support Cyprus , which helps women across the island by providing a space for them to share experiences, seek advice and support each other through this difficult transition.

But this month, Kathy is going one step further: on Tuesday she is hosting Cyprus' first-ever Menopause Café.

"Menopause cafes are all over the world," she explains. "They started in Scotland in 2017, courtesy of Rachel Weiss, who wanted to create a safe, open space where people could talk about menopause without prejudice or stigma. Since then, they have spread to countries like the UK, the US, India and even Bahrain."

"But as far as I know, this will be the first time in Cyprus. And boy, is it necessary!"

This first Menopause Café is open to all genders and ages and will take place in Nicosia, but Kathy hopes to make the event monthly in the future and expand to other cities.

"We offer a relaxed, judgement-free space where people can share stories, ask questions and talk openly about the menopause," she explains. "And I will be on hand to offer support, share insights and give practical advice."

"In short, if you are in perimenopause, menopause or postmenopause, you no longer have to go through it alone . And sometimes having accurate and up-to-date information can make all the difference.

"Despite half of the population of Cyprus going through menopause, support is simply lacking," she concludes. "Our system is woefully outdated; it fails women everywhere. I think it's time to change the conversation, starting with events like the Menopause Café."

Cyprus' first Menopause Café will take place on 28 January at 6pm at the OPU Collective in Agioi Omologites. For more information, visit the Instagram account @mitra_cyprus_menopause_centre , the MITRA Cyprus Menopause Centre Facebook page or menopausecafe.net.

Source: CyprusMail.com

Author:

Alix Norman

Alix Norman is a feature journalist for the Cyprus Mail. Her interests include alliteration, artificial intelligence and the quirky charms of her cat.