Women across Armidale and the New England region are invited to a free community event on Saturday, 7 November, which aims to make menopause easier to talk about.
Menopause to MenoPeak will run from 12 noon to 4 pm at Legacy House, 89 Faulkner Street, Armidale. It is hosted by the Country Women’s Association (CWA) Armidale Branch and sponsored by Armidale Regional Council.
The event will bring together five local health professionals to explore perimenopause, menopause and life beyond. Women of all ages are welcome, along with partners, friends and health professionals.
CWA Armidale Branch President Donna Harris said the idea began with a conversation with Dr Mandana Arshi, a medical doctor who specialises in hormonal changes through perimenopause and menopause. Dr Arshi is a passionate advocate for women’s health and has a network of local health professionals who also wanted to be involved.
“Menopause is something that affects so many women, yet it’s not always talked about openly or given the attention it deserves,” said Ms Harris.
Ms Harris said many women have questions but are not sure where to turn. Some struggle with symptoms they do not connect with menopause, while others feel they should simply put up with it.
She said many older members wished they had access to this kind of information and openness in years gone by, while some younger members still find the subject awkward.
The program features speakers from across a range of fields. They are Dr Julie Collins, a yoga and mindfulness practitioner, Megan Dart, a pelvic floor physiotherapist, Marni Hietbrink, a psychologist who specialises in emotional and psychological wellbeing, and Kylie Ling, a psychologist and sex therapist who specialises in sexual health and intimacy through menopause.
“Menopause isn’t just one thing, and it certainly doesn’t affect every woman in the same way,” said Ms Harris.
She said the branch chose the speakers to look at the bigger picture rather than one single aspect of menopause.
“No single speaker can answer every question, but together they can provide a more rounded picture of the options and support available,” said Ms Harris.
The afternoon will include presentations, a question and answer session, and time to mingle over an afternoon tea provided by CWA Armidale. Ms Harris said the branch wanted women to feel comfortable asking the questions they had been holding back.
“There’s no judgement, no silly questions and absolutely no expectation that anyone has to share anything personal,” said Ms Harris.
Ms Harris said she hoped women would leave the event with more than just information.
“We’d love women to leave feeling more informed, reassured and empowered to take charge of their own health and wellbeing,” said Ms Harris.
She said partners and friends were welcome because menopause did not happen in isolation. It can affect relationships, families, friendships and the workplace.
“Partners and friends may want to be supportive but simply don’t know how,” said Ms Harris.
Bookings are essential, as places are limited. People can book online at https://www.trybooking.com/DQCDB.
“Ultimately, this event is about bringing people together, breaking down some of the barriers around talking about menopause, and reminding women that their health and wellbeing matter at every stage of life,” said Ms Harris.
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