MENOPAUSAL hormone therapy (MHT) can offer significant relief to women struggling with symptoms of menopause, but Fijian women face major barriers in accessing it, says women’s health specialist Dr Tema Rasoki-Windust.
“MHT can be life-changing,” said Dr Rasoki-Windust.
“The response to treatment is very high and most women find significant relief on commencing it.”
She said many women suffered years of hot flushes, sleep disturbance, mood changes, and memory loss without knowing that effective treatment existed. However, access to MHT in Fiji remains inconsistent.
“Availability of MHT in Fiji is varied and generally limited to hospital pharmacies. This means most women can’t just go to their local pharmacy to access it,” she said.
“This needs to change because untreated menopause symptoms can severely affect a woman’s quality of life.”
Dr Rasoki-Windust said it was also important for doctors and pharmacists to understand how to prescribe and manage MHT safely.
“There are some important contraindications,” she said.
“In women who have a history of breast cancer that is hormonally responsive to oestrogen and progesterone, MHT is contraindicated.”
For the vast majority of women, she said, MHT was safe and effective when managed properly.
“MHT is the most effective treatment for vasomotor symptoms of menopause — the hot flushes, night sweats, sleep disturbance, and cognitive issues. It’s important that women know their options.”
She said some women were told to “just put up with it” because menopause was natural.
“That’s not acceptable.
“Just because it’s natural doesn’t mean women should suffer through it without support.”
Dr Rasoki-Windust said there was a clear need for updated training across the health sector and for public education to improve menopause literacy.
“Women deserve to be believed, to be supported, and to have access to care that helps them live full and healthy lives, including during menopause.”
