It is fitting that in this edition, with a women’s health theme, we cover the breadth of female reproductive life, from having babies to the ‘change of life.’
Our profile on fertility specialist Dr Tamara Hunter brings home the fact that while some women can fall pregnant in the blink of an eye – weren’t we warned about that in school sex ed classes? – for others having a baby remains elusive.
IVF has been a huge game-changer but fertility treatments can come at a high price, financially and emotionally. And there are no guarantees that a bouncing baby will be forthcoming.
Having children is regarded as a pivotal life event by many people – and even the gender-reveal of the unborn baby has been turned into a social media event, complete with secretly coloured balloons and cakes.
However, [menopause] can be anything but smooth sailing for women with significant and debilitating symptoms. Many are left to ‘put up with it’ for fear of talking openly about what is still considered secret women’s business.
At the other end of the reproductive spectrum is menopause – a bit less exciting but a time of great relief for some women who no longer have to worry about monthly periods or contraception.
However, as our feature story explores, it can be anything but smooth sailing for women with significant and debilitating symptoms. Many are left to ‘put up with it’ for fear of talking openly about what is still considered secret women’s business.
Perhaps the ‘change of life’ needs an image make-over.
With the feminisation of the workforce, menopause is increasingly impacting on many women while they are still working or enjoying productive lives. A bit of support can go a long way.