Shrouded in neglect and secrecy, menopause remain a challenging phase for most women in Sierra Leone.
Although menopause is a natural part of aging, in Sierra Leone it is buried in neglect and secrecy. For countless women in Sierra Leone, menopause is not just a natural part of aging but a silent struggle making the transition a difficult experience. Women are left with little guidance, deepening the challenges of an already demanding phase of life
“My earlier experience with menopause was traumatic.
I thought I was pregnant, and that troubled me because my husband had passed a couple of years back,” shared Theresa Gathering.
Theresa, now in her seventies, reached menopause in her fifties. She recalled spending the early days of that transition filled with doubts and fears of the unknown. “I would stand in front of the mirror and break into tears at the thought of being pregnant. Questions like, how is it possible for an old woman like me who has not engaged in any sexual intercourse to be pregnant? clouded my mind,” she recounted.
Desperate for answers, she visited a hospital for a pregnancy test. Her concerns were initially dismissed as hallucinations, but later, her anxiety and unanswered questions were identified as symptoms of menopause.
Rosaline Demby, another senior citizen, had a similar experience. Her swollen and tender breasts were mistaken for pregnancy, further deepening her confusion.
Speaking to this medium, Hadijatu Salam, Head Sister at the Well Uman Clinic in Sierra Leone, a non-governmental organization providing health service to women, explained that while menopause is a natural phase for all women, the majority in Sierra Leone remain ignorant about it and the challenges it brings.
“Even though our clinic provides awareness-raising, the overall level of awareness in the country is very low,” she noted.
Sister Salam emphasized that awareness is critical because it helps women manage the condition. Drawing from her personal experience, she shared, “I have found ways to manage the emotional flares that come with menopause. When I notice my emotions spiking, I sometimes jokingly caution my staff or those around me.”
She stressed that poor education about menopause does not only affect women but also impacts families and society at large. “When women experience mood swings or emotional flares, their children, husbands, and even their jobs suffer the consequences,” she explained.
Marie, who entered menopause at age 49, said her symptoms were once mistaken for malaria. “Medical practitioners should be trained to handle menopause-related issues so that other women won’t go through what I experienced,” she urged.
A World Health Organization (WHO) publication in October last year highlighted that although women in this stage urgently need access to quality health services, both awareness and access to menopause-related care remain limited in many countries.
Sister Salam described menopause as a natural process marking the end of menstrual cycles in women, which can be either natural or induced. “Induced menopause usually results from illness, surgeries, or treatments such as radiotherapy or chemotherapy,” she explained.
While most women experience menopause between ages 45 and 55, Sister Salam noted that some enter it as early as their 30s due to illness, medical treatments, or excessive contraceptive use.
Commenting on its phases, she said during Premenopausal hormone levels fluctuate, causing irregular periods. This phase can last two to three years. According to her, during the menopause phase, monthly Periods stop permanently and the post menopause: Hormonal fluctuations end, but risks of health issues such as fragile bones remain.
She added that symptoms vary from woman to woman but commonly include hot flushes, mood swings, sleep disturbances, weight gain, low libido, and memory loss.
“As someone in menopause myself, I’ve experienced these firsthand,” Sister Salam shared. “There were times when I misplaced things and wrongly accused my children of taking them. I’ve also had to change outfits before leaving home because of sudden, profuse sweating. Many women are unaware of these symptoms and, when they visit clinics, often attribute them to diabolism.”
She recommended that communities and families play a supportive role by staying informed and assisting women through the transition. She also called for health centers to maintain an open-door policy, encouraging women to share their experiences freely.
Sister Neneh Jum, Clinic Coordinator at one of the Planned Parenthood Association Sierra Leone SRH Clinics, also shared her story. As a senior citizen currently in menopause, she said the phase has disrupted her sleep. “Sometimes I have to use sedatives to regulate my sleeping habits,” she explained.
“Menopause is not a disease; it is an inevitable stage in a woman’s life. It doesn’t come suddenly,” Neneh emphasized. She advised women to eat healthy diets rich in magnesium and potassium to manage the challenges.
Addressing myths and misconceptions, she said linking menopause to diabolism has put women at risk by discouraging them from seeking medical attention. Neneh also pointed out that the situation is worse for rural women and for those who enter menopause earlier than their older co-wives. “Some women hide their condition from their husbands, especially in cases of early menopause, and this creates further problems. The stigma is particularly heavy for women in their 30s, who are often associated with witchcraft or diabolism,” she explained.
The Dorwontony Organization for the Aged (DOFA) provides free health services for older people but has not focused specifically on menopause. Its CEO and Founder, Doreen Barrie, said the government has paid little attention to the welfare of the aged. “Caring for the aged in Sierra Leone has been a herculean task for organizations like DOFA. Even though we ensure the dignity of older people, issues around older women, including menopause, continue to be neglected,” she stated.
Barrie emphasized the need for national-level action. “Health efforts should be inclusive of older women. Sometimes we do referrals where we can, but the government must work with CSOs like DOFA to close these gaps,” she said.
In a country like Sierra Leone, where more than half of the population are women, the neglect of menopause an inevitable stage in every woman’s life demands urgent attention.
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