Perimenopause and menopause are a phase in life that all women who menstruate go through when their periods stop. The change, which occurs due to lower hormone levels, can cause both physical and psychological symptoms that can have a significant impact on women’s lives.
But despite being experienced by half of the population, in Greece – just like many other parts of the world – perimenopause and menopause are rarely discussed. As a result, women in Greece often lack access to clear information or support. According to experts, this often makes the experience more difficult, and they urge greater awareness and support.
Natasa Kefallinou, communications expert at Diotima, a centre for gender rights and equality in Athens, describes menopause as a “silent experience”, linked to stereotypes around youth, appearance and motherhood.
Now, a new survey by BIRN shows that while experiences vary, stigmatisation and ageist stereotypes affect how menopausal women in Greece are perceived both socially and professionally.
Of the 145 survey respondents, almost two-thirds said they thought menopause had a negative social impact on women’s lives in Greece.
Speaking about their own experiences, around 40 per cent said that menopause had affected their personal lives, while some 30 per cent said it had affected their professional lives. More than half of those surveyed said menopause had affected their sex lives.
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