Op. Dr. Nagihan Tan, Obstetrician and Gynecologist at Özel Sağlık Hospital, delivered an informative seminar on Women’s Health and Menopause for the employees of Ramada Plaza By Wyndham, focusing on the menopause process.
Emphasizing that healthy living begins in childhood, Dr. Tan stated that the body and mind must be healthy from social, emotional, and physiological perspectives.
Dr. Tan highlighted the importance of consulting specialist physicians when necessary, starting from the early years of puberty in girls up to the menopause period.
Op. Dr. Nagihan Tan said, “When girls first enter puberty, irregular menstrual cycles can occur. Girls who experience painful or excessively heavy periods should first be evaluated by a pediatrician and, if necessary, referred to a gynecologist. All women in their 20s and 30s should undergo a gynecological examination annually. Taking folic acid supplements, avoiding alcohol and smoking, maintaining a balanced diet, and engaging in age-appropriate physical activities are also essential. Hormonal changes begin after the age of 30, which also marks the preparation phase for menopause. Choosing appropriate contraception methods and taking calcium supplements becomes important. In their 40s and 50s, women begin to face chronic health conditions. Menopause symptoms also start to appear. In addition to vaginal dryness and frequent urinary tract infections, there is a decline in bone density and quality.”
Stating that menopause is a significant stage in every woman’s life, Dr. Tan added:
“Menopause is diagnosed when a woman has gone one full year without menstruation. It is a long process that forms a specific period of a woman’s life. Continuous medical treatment is not always necessary during this phase. Menopause presents with various symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, palpitations, headaches, joint and muscle pain, decreased libido, irritability, mood swings, anxiety, and panic attacks. It is important to remember that this is a natural process. Some patients may also experience cognitive changes like lack of concentration and forgetfulness. In such cases, staying away from social media and engaging in activities that strengthen brain function—such as sudoku—may be more beneficial.”
Explaining that menopause treatment is tailored to the individual, Dr. Tan said:
“In menopause treatment, we apply personalized hormone replacement therapy, oral or transdermal medical applications, and topical vaginal treatments. To reduce common hot flashes experienced during this period, it is advisable to choose light clothing. Regular exercise, healthy nutrition, and routine check-ups are extremely important. As gynecologists during menopause, our aim is to provide medical, psychological, and physiological support to ensure that a woman’s quality of life does not decline.”
