Video: Sexual health expert explains other ways menopause can affect women’s health – fox23.com

Report on Women’s Health During Menopausal Transition and Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

An examination of the health impacts associated with perimenopause and menopause reveals a range of symptoms that directly affect the well-being of women, a core component of Sustainable Development Goal 3. Comprehensive health support during this life stage is critical for promoting lifelong health.

• Physiological Symptoms: Commonly discussed symptoms include hot flashes, but extend to skin changes, hair thinning, and heart palpitations, all of which require medical awareness and management.
• Psychological and Cognitive Symptoms: Mood swings and cognitive difficulties, such as “brain fog,” can significantly impact a woman’s mental well-being and daily functioning.
• Sexual Health: Changes in sexual desire are a significant, though often unaddressed, aspect of the menopausal transition that affects intimate relationships and overall quality of life.

SDG 5: Gender Equality

The frequent lack of open discourse surrounding menopause, particularly its effects on sexual health, underscores a gap in achieving gender equality. Empowering women with comprehensive health information is a fundamental step toward fulfilling SDG 5.

1. De-stigmatizing Women’s Health: Normalizing conversations about all symptoms of menopause is essential to ensure women’s health issues are not marginalized.
2. Ensuring Access to Information: Providing access to sexual health experts and reliable information allows women to manage their intimate relationships and personal well-being effectively.
3. Promoting Holistic Healthcare: A healthcare framework that acknowledges and treats the full spectrum of menopausal symptoms supports women’s autonomy and contributes to a more equitable society where the health needs of all genders are prioritized.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

   • The article is centered on health issues, specifically the physical, mental, and sexual health symptoms associated with perimenopause and menopause in women. It discusses symptoms like hot flashes, mood swings, brain fog, and heart palpitations, all of which directly impact a person’s health and overall well-being.

2. SDG 5: Gender Equality

   • The topic is a health issue that exclusively affects women. By bringing awareness to often unspoken symptoms of menopause, the article contributes to gender equality by ensuring that women’s specific health needs are acknowledged and addressed. It highlights the importance of providing information and resources for health challenges that can impact women’s personal and professional lives.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. Target 3.7: Ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health-care services, including for family planning, information and education…

   • The article explicitly mentions changes in “desires in the bedroom” and references a “sexual health expert.” This directly points to the need for information, education, and access to healthcare services related to sexual health, which is a key component of this target. The article itself serves as a form of public information on this topic.

2. Target 3.4: …promote mental health and well-being.

   • The mention of “mood swings” and “brain fog” as symptoms of perimenopause connects directly to mental health and well-being. Raising awareness about these symptoms is a first step in promoting mental health support for women going through this life stage.

3. Target 5.6: Ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights…

   • This target is closely related to Target 3.7 but is framed within the context of gender equality and rights. The article’s focus on a women-specific sexual health issue (changes in desire during menopause) and the need for expert insight aligns with ensuring women have access to the information and care necessary to manage their reproductive and sexual health throughout their lives.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

1. Implied Indicator for Target 3.7 and 5.6: Availability of information and specialized health services.

   • The article does not state a formal indicator, but it implies one. By highlighting a “lesser-known” symptom and quoting a “sexual health expert,” it points to the need for public information and specialized care. Progress could thus be measured by the **availability and accessibility of public information campaigns and specialized healthcare professionals focusing on menopause and sexual health.**

2. Implied Indicator for Target 3.4: Public awareness of mental health symptoms.

   • The article’s framing of “mood swings” and “brain fog” as common but not always discussed symptoms implies that public awareness is a key factor. An indicator for progress would be the **level of public awareness and open discussion about the mental and cognitive health impacts of menopause**, leading to better support and treatment.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: fox23.com