Belgian women have insufficient knowledge about menopause
New research shows that Belgian women are less well-informed about menopause and the period leading up to it, perimenopause. When their knowledge on this subject is tested, nearly one in three women (30 percent) fails the test. This means Belgium scores worse than its neighboring countries, the Netherlands and Luxembourg.
Menopause is the life stage in which a woman's menstruation stops permanently. Many women experience physical and mental complaints in the years prior, such as hot flashes, mood swings, or sleep problems. The lack of basic knowledge can mean that women do not always recognize these symptoms or do not know where to go for the right help.
Experts emphasize that more education is necessary. When women better understand what is happening in their bodies, they can seek medical advice more quickly and effectively. This can significantly improve quality of life during this transitional phase.
The results of the study raise questions about the current provision of information in our country. For many women, it is still a subject that is not easily discussed, which increases the barrier to seeking help. There are now calls for more attention to this topic in healthcare and public communication.