Ms. Dorcas Adekunle is a registered Nurse and Healthcare Delivery Expert.
In this interview with FirstNigeriaTV’s Victoria Adekunle, she focuses on what women can do to support their reproductive health and practices capable of delaying the onset of menopause in women, while also debasing some common misconceptions about the imminent stage of life.
Question 1: What is menopause, and at what age does it usually occur?
Menopause is a natural stage in a woman’s life when she permanently stops having menstrual
periods because the ovaries gradually produce less estrogen. It is confirmed when a woman
has gone 12 consecutive months without menstruation. It usually occurs between the ages of 45
and 55, with the average age being around 50 to 51 years.
Question 2: Are there practices that can delay natural menopause?
There is no proven way to delay natural menopause because it is mainly influenced by age and
genetics. However, women can support their reproductive health by maintaining a healthy
lifestyle. This includes eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, avoiding smoking, limiting
alcohol intake, managing stress, maintaining a healthy weight, and going for regular medical
check-ups.
Question 3: Can a healthy diet help delay menopause?
Nurse Adekunle:
A healthy diet may not necessarily delay menopause, but it helps the body function well and
supports hormonal and reproductive health. Eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains,
lean proteins, and foods rich in calcium and vitamin D can help reduce some of the health
challenges associated with menopause, especially bone loss.
Question 4: What role does regular exercise play?
Regular exercise has many benefits, such as helping to maintain a healthy weight, improving
heart health, reducing stress, and strengthening bones. While there is no strong evidence that it
delays menopause, it can help women cope better with menopausal symptoms and improve
their overall well-being.
Question 5: How do smoking, alcohol, and stress affect menopause?
Smoking has been shown to increase the risk of earlier menopause because it affects the
ovaries and reduces estrogen levels. Excessive alcohol intake can also have negative effects on
general health. Stress does not directly cause menopause, but long-term stress can affect
hormone balance and make menopausal symptoms feel worse.
Question 6: Are there medications or supplements that can safely delay menopause?
At the moment, there are no medically approved treatments or supplements that can safely
delay natural menopause. Some products claim to do so, but there is little scientific evidence to
support them. Women should always consult a healthcare professional before using any
supplement or medication.
Question 7: What are some common misconceptions about menopause?
One common misconception is that certain herbs or supplements can prevent menopause.
Another misconception is that menopause is a disease. In reality, menopause is a normal part of
aging.
Some women also believe that life becomes unhealthy or less productive after menopause,
which is not true. With proper care, women can continue to live healthy and active lives.
Question 8: What advice would you give to women who want to prepare for menopause?
My advice is to adopt healthy habits early. Eat a balanced diet, stay physically active, avoid
smoking, limit alcohol intake, manage stress, and attend regular health screenings.
It is also important to seek medical advice whenever there are unusual changes in the
menstrual cycle or overall health.
Question 9: What is the most important message you would like women to take away from this
discussion?
I would like women to know that menopause is a natural phase of life and not something to fear.
Rather than looking for ways to delay it, the focus should be on maintaining good health and
preparing for this stage through healthy living and regular medical care.
Early education and routine check-ups can make the transition much easier and improve quality of life..
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