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Menopause Is Not the End – It is a Critical Transition Hidden Behind Silence and Stigma 

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*Menopause Is Not the End – It is a Critical Transition Hidden Behind Silence and Stigma* 

– *Dr Nelson Aluya MD, MBBS* 

 

Menopause is universal, inevitable, and often misunderstood.

It is not merely the end of menstruation; it is one of the most consequential biological transitions in a woman’s life. The danger of menopause does not lie in the transition itself, but in how poorly it is understood, recognized, and treated—by societies, healthcare systems, and often by women themselves.

Women constitute approximately 49.6–49.7% of the global population, amounting to over 4 billion women worldwide as of 2024–2025. Although slightly more boys are born than girls—about 106 boys for every 100 girls—higher male mortality means women increasingly outnumber men in older age groups. Globally, the sex ratio evens out to nearly 50/50, with women dominating later decades of life (United Nations; World Bank; INED). And every woman who lives long enough will experience menopause.

 

Menopause is defined as 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period, typically occurring between ages 45 and 55, with an average age of 51–52. Today, over one billion women globally are experiencing perimenopause, menopause, or postmenopause. In the United States alone, 1.3 to 2 million women enter menopause annually, roughly 6,000 women every day. As populations age and life expectancy increases, this number will continue to rise.

Yet despite affecting nearly half of humanity and 100% of women who reach midlife, menopause remains one of the most neglected and poorly integrated areas of modern meLimitations?

 

*A Critical Biological Turning Point:*

Menopause represents a sharp decline in estrogen and progesterone—hormones that influence far more than reproduction. Estrogen plays a protective role in cardiovascular health, bone density, brain function, metabolic regulation, and emotional stability. When estrogen levels fall, risk rises.

This is why menopause is increasingly recognized as a critical health inflection point, not a benign milestone.

 

*Cardiovascular Disease: The Greatest Threat:*

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in women worldwide, surpassing all cancers combined. Before menopause, estrogen confers relative cardiovascular protection. After menopause, that protection rapidly diminishes.

Menopause Is Not the End – It is a Critical Transition Hidden Behind Silence and Stigma*  - *Dr Nelson Aluya MD, MBBS* 

Research shows that the menopausal transition is associated with: Worsening lipid profiles Increased insulin resistance

Central weight gain

 

Vascular stiffness and endothelial dysfunction

Collectively, these changes double the risk of heart disease compared with premenopausal women.

Compounding this risk is misdiagnosis. Women experiencing myocardial infarction often do not present with classic symptoms such as crushing chest pain or dramatic shortness of breath. Instead, they may report fatigue, nausea, heartburn, dizziness, jaw or shoulder pain—symptoms frequently dismissed as anxiety, stress, or “menopausal complaints.”

The consequences are stark. Studies show that women aged 45–64 have higher mortality following a first heart attack than men of the same age. One-year mortality rates approach 23% in women versus 18% in men, and within five years, 47% of women die, develop heart failure, or suffer a stroke compared with 36% of men.

 

“Menopause does not cause heart disease.

Ignorance of menopause does.”

 

*Mental Health, Depression, and Suicide Risk:*

Menopause is also a period of heightened psychological vulnerability. Fluctuating and declining estrogen affects neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine, increasing susceptibility to major depression, anxiety, irritability, and emotional dysregulation.

 

*This risk is not theoretical:* Epidemiological data indicate that women are more likely to die by suicide between the ages of 45 and 49, coinciding with the late perimenopausal and early menopausal years. While suicide is multifactorial, menopause represents a biological and psychosocial stressor that intersects with caregiving burdens, career pressures, aging awareness, and sleep deprivation.

 

“o dismiss these symptoms as “normal” is to trivialize a period of genuine risk.”

 

*Cognitive Decline and Neurological Vulnerability:*

Emerging evidence suggests that estrogen plays a role in maintaining synaptic health and cerebral blood flow. The menopausal transition has been associated with brain fog, memory lapses, and reduced processing speed, symptoms frequently minimized or ignored.

 

Women account for nearly two-thirds of Alzheimer’s disease cases worldwide. While causality remains under investigation, declining estrogen during menopause is increasingly viewed as a potential contributor to long-term neurological vulnerability, particularly when combined with cardiovascular risk factors.

 

*Bone Loss and Physical Frailty:*

Bone density declines precipitously after menopause. Without estrogen, women experience accelerated bone resorption, placing them at high risk for osteoporosis and fractures. Nearly half of a woman’s lifetime bone loss occurs during the menopausal years.

 

Hip fractures, in particular, are associated with loss of independence, chronic disability, and increased mortality—yet bone health screening and prevention remain underutilized.

 

*The Burden of Symptoms—and Silence:* Hot flashes, night sweats, sleep disruption, fatigue, vaginal dryness, reduced libido, and cognitive changes are not trivial inconveniences. Moderate-to-severe vasomotor symptoms peak in the first two years after menopause and can persist for a decade or longer.

Despite this, menopause remains dramatically under-treated. Many women are told to endure symptoms without explanation or support. This silence has consequences—not only for individual health, but for families and communities.

 

*Menopause and the Social Fabric:*

Menopause often coincides with peak life stress: caring for aging parents, supporting adolescent or adult children, managing career demands, and confronting aging itself. The cumulative effect can strain relationships.

 

Surveys suggest that up to 70% of women report menopause as a contributing factor to marital breakdown, citing increased conflict, reduced intimacy, and emotional distress. Divorce rates among adults over 50—so-called “gray divorce”—have risen dramatically in recent decades, with menopause frequently acting as an unrecognized catalyst.

When menopause is misunderstood, women are blamed for biological changes they cannot control.

A Shift Toward Evidence and Empowerment

Menopause is not a disease, but it demands medical respect.

 

Lifestyle interventions—regular physical activity, balanced nutrition, smoking cessation, reduced alcohol use—remain foundational. Medical care is equally vital: cardiovascular screening, bone density assessment, mental health support, and treatment of genitourinary symptoms.

 

Hormone therapy, long stigmatized, is undergoing reevaluation. In November 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration initiated the removal of outdated “black box” warnings from most hormone replacement therapies, acknowledging that prior risk assessments were based on misinterpreted data. Current evidence indicates that for women under 60 or within 10 years of menopause, hormone therapy can reduce cardiovascular risk, fractures, and possibly dementia when appropriately prescribed.

 

Legislative efforts, such as the New Jersey Menopause Coverage Act, reflect growing recognition that menopause care is not optional—it is essential healthcare.

 

Beyond Survival: The Postmenopausal Years

For many women, life after menopause brings increased confidence, clarity, and freedom—a phase sometimes described as postmenopausal zest. But reaching that stage safely requires awareness, education, and systemic change.

 

Conclusion

Menopause is not a footnote in women’s health.

 

It is a defining chapter.

Ignoring it places billions of women at unnecessary risk—of heart disease, depression, cognitive decline, fractured families, and preventable death.

 

“Menopause does not weaken women.

Silence does.”

 

Recognizing menopause as a critical health transition is not only a medical obligation—it is a moral one.

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Sahara weekly online is published by First Sahara weekly international. contact [email protected]

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Police Officers Detained as Family Property Dispute Sparks Demolition Controversy in Lagos

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4 days ago

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June 2, 2026

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Police Officers Detained as Family Property Dispute Sparks Demolition Controversy in Lagos By Ifeoma Ikem

Police Officers Detained as Family Property Dispute Sparks Demolition Controversy in Lagos

By Ifeoma Ikem

 

A property dispute within the Omotayo-Ojo family has taken a dramatic turn following a controversial demolition exercise at a residential building in Ikosi-Ketu, Lagos State, which reportedly left tenants displaced and led to the detention of some police officers allegedly involved in the operation.

 

 

The property, located at 23B Loveall Street, Ikosi-Ketu, has been the subject of a prolonged ownership tussle since the death of its owner, Chief Oludola Omotayo Ojo, the Babaalaje of Imesi-Ile, Osun State, in 2019.
Residents said tension erupted when a group of individuals, accompanied by security operatives, stormed the premises and commenced demolition activities.

 

 

According to eyewitnesses, portions of the building were pulled down while tenants rushed to salvage their belongings from affected apartments.

 

 

The residents alleged that windows, doors and roofing sheets were damaged during the exercise, exposing parts of the building to the elements and causing significant losses to occupants.

 

 

At the centre of the dispute is Mrs Mojisola Omotayo Ojo Alolagbe, who claimed that the property was allocated to her by her late father during his lifetime as a source of financial support.

 

She alleged that some family members had persistently challenged her ownership claim despite ongoing legal proceedings relating to the administration of the deceased’s estate.
Alolagbe further claimed that the latest incident was part of a series of attempts to wrest control of the property, citing previous cases of alleged vandalism and partial demolition in November 2025, January 2026 and February 2026.

 

 

The situation escalated further when reports emerged that police officers allegedly involved in the demolition were later apprehended and conveyed in a Black Maria vehicle over questions surrounding the legality of their participation in the operation.

 

Sources familiar with the matter said those behind the demolition had initially claimed to be acting on approval from the Lagos State Ministry of Lands. However, the authenticity and extent of such approval could not be independently verified as of the time of filing this report.

 

 

The development has generated concern among residents and community members, who questioned the involvement of security personnel in what they described as a civil matter.

 

 

Some tenants, who said they had recently renewed their tenancy agreements, lamented the destruction of their property and appealed to the authorities for protection and possible compensation.

 

They also called for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the demolition, insisting that the rights of all parties involved should be protected.
Stakeholders have urged the Lagos State Government, security agencies and the judiciary to intervene and ensure that the dispute is resolved through lawful means to prevent further escalation.

 

 

The controversy has continued to draw public attention, raising concerns over property rights, estate administration and the role of law enforcement agencies in civil disputes.

 

Police Officers Detained as Family Property Dispute Sparks Demolition Controversy in Lagos By Ifeoma Ikem

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UKA Gears Up for Final ATC Exchangeability Test Run as June Preparations Begin

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7 days ago

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May 30, 2026

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UKA Gears Up for Final ATC Exchangeability Test Run as June Preparations Begin.

May 30, 2026 – As the month of June gathers momentum, the *United Kingdom of Atlantis, UKA*, a sovereign nation has unveiled a series of vital guidelines and preparatory packages to ensure citizens and stakeholders run the *ATC Exchangeability* process effectively.

In an official update, the *President of Atlantic Crown Limited, Empress of Attica Empire UKA*, confirmed that the *Final Test Run of ATC Exchangeability* is scheduled for the month of June 2026. The exercise marks a key phase ahead of the *Official Exchangeability Window, set to run from July 2026 to February 2027*.

### Key Highlights from the Presidential Briefing
1. *Final Test Run – June 2026*
The test run is designed to validate systems, procedures, and user readiness before full activation. Citizens, partners, and designated participants are urged to follow all official advisories released by UKA authorities during this period.

2. *Official Exchangeability Period*
Following the successful completion of the June test run, the Official Exchangeability will commence in july 2026 and we are Expecting Full Exchange ability between July Ending, 2026 to February 2026.

UKA stated that detailed schedules, eligibility requirements, and step-by-step instructions will be communicated progressively through verified UKA channels.

3. *Benefiting Packages for June*
In line with UKA’s commitment to citizen empowerment, the month of June will feature “benefiting packages” aimed at education, preparation, and seamless onboarding. These packages are intended to equip the people of UKA with the knowledge and tools needed for effective participation.

4. *Commitment to Transparency*
Addressing the nation, the Empress of Attica Empire UKA emphasized:
_“Final Test Run of ATC Comes up in The Month of June, As We Prepare For The Official Exchangeability, Between July 2026 To Feb 2027. All Information Will Be Communicated.”_
UKA reaffirmed that only information released through official UKA platforms should be regarded as authoritative.

The United Kingdom of Atlantis is encouraging all citizens, representatives, and interested parties to remain alert to official communications, attend designated orientation sessions, and avoid unofficial sources. UKA’s dedication to order, clarity, and the collective benefit of its people as the nation moves into this significant phase.

For updates, advisories, and participation guidelines, citizens are advised to monitor official UKA communication channels.

United Kingdom of Atlantis, UKA, is a sovereign nation, committed to national development, citizen welfare, and structured economic participation through initiatives such as ATC Exchangeability.

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Three Years On, General Buratai Hails Tinubu’s Economic, Security Achievements

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1 week ago

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May 30, 2026

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Three Years On, General Buratai Hails Tinubu’s Economic, Security Achievements

 

 

Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (retd.), has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as bold economic reforms and improved security efforts as the President marks three years in office.

 

 

 

 

In a goodwill message on Thursday to commemorate Tinubu’s third anniversary as President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Buratai said the administration had taken courageous decisions that would leave a lasting impact on Nigeria’s development.

 

 

 

According to him, President Tinubu broke a long-standing cycle that had hindered national growth by removing fuel subsidy and implementing foreign exchange reforms aimed at stabilising the naira and strengthening the economy.

 

 

 

 

He noted that the reforms were beginning to yield positive results, citing the global acceptance of Nigerian debit cards, the gradual revival of local refineries, access to student loans, and ongoing road and infrastructure projects across the country.

 

 

 

“The FCT Administration has also recorded remarkable progress, completing major road projects that remained unfinished for over 16 years,” Buratai stated.

 

 

 

The former army chief also praised the administration’s security efforts, saying renewed military offensives against insurgents, terrorists and bandits had led to notable successes across various parts of the country.

 

 

 

He specifically lauded recent joint operations involving Nigerian and United States forces against Boko Haram and ISWAP in the North-East, as well as intensified counter-banditry operations in the North-West.

 

 

 

 

“We have seen notorious ISWAP commanders being neutralised. I congratulate the Commander-in-Chief, the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Service Chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police and heads of intelligence agencies for their efforts,” he said.

 

 

 

 

Buratai, however, acknowledged that challenges remained, stressing the need for more aggressive military operations and intelligence-driven strategies in the coming year.

 

 

 

 

While urging Nigerians to remain hopeful, he said celebrating the President’s achievements did not amount to ignoring the difficulties facing the nation.

 

 

 

 

“Because you truly care, you have shown the courage to trade short-term comfort for long-term hope. Nigerians need your reassurances, and that is why we remain optimistic and full of confidence,” he added.

The retired military officer reaffirmed his support for the Tinubu administration and expressed confidence that the foundation being laid by the government would deliver a brighter future for the country.

 

He also prayed for God’s guidance, wisdom, strength and good health for the President as he continues to lead Nigeria.

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