FIJI’S pharmacies are limited when it comes to meeting the needs of women and men facing hormonal changes in midlife, says pharmacist Raj Kumar.
Mr Kumar is calling for a stronger supply of wellness products to support those going through menopause and andropause.
“There is room for improvement,” said Mr Kumar, owner of Raj Pharmacy in Nasinu.
“Currently, many pharmacies have limited options for menopause support for females and andropause supplements for males.”
He said demand existed, but needed to be unlocked through better public education.
“There is a lot of awareness needed as many women suffer silently. Talking about menopause openly breaks the stigma.
“Many times, women do not know or realise that their symptoms are hormonal or linked to perimenopause or menopause – so education is necessary.”
Among the most commonly sought supplements, he said, are calcium, vitamin D, omega-3, magnesium, evening primrose oil, black cohosh, ashwagandha, soy isoflavones, collagen and probiotics.
“Most women seeking supplements are between 40 and 55 years, although some begin experiencing perimenopausal symptoms in their late 30s.”
Symptoms reported by women included hot flushes, night sweats, anxiety, mood swings, poor sleep, fatigue, weight gain, genital dryness, brain fog and memory lapses.
“Other symptoms include low libido, joint pain, hair thinning, palpitations, and bone weakness (osteopenia/osteoporosis risk),” he said.
Mr Kumar said men also experienced hormonal changes later in life, but there was less public discussion or support available.
“There are supplements available for men experiencing andropause. These include testosterone support formulas, zinc, magnesium, vitamin D, and herbal supplements like ashwagandha and Tribulus terrestris.”
He said hormone replacement therapy (HRT) was an option for some women, but only on prescription.
“The benefit of HRT is it relieves symptoms, improves bone health and enhances quality of life. The risks associated with this is increased risk of blood clots, strokes and breast cancer.”
To import new supplements, he said pharmacies must apply through the Ministry of Health.
“The application includes a product registration request, documentation of safety and efficacy, a certificate of analysis or Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) and a Compliance Justification of local need.”
Regulations are enforced by the Fiji Medicines Regulatory Authority.
“Approval must be obtained prior to import, and customs clearance is granted upon presentation of the relevant licenses.”
