Women have been urged to adopt stress management techniques to safeguard both their reproductive health and mental well-being. Speaking at the launch of the Women’s Genital and Fertility Health Foundation (WOGAF) in Surulere, Lagos, Dr. Haleemah Olalere, CEO and Medical Director of Triple H Fertility Hub and Specialist Hospital, emphasized the detrimental effects of chronic stress on women’s reproductive systems.
At the event, Dr. Olalere, who served as the guest lecturer, addressed the topic ‘Female Reproductive Health and Mental Well-being’, noting that stress could severely disrupt menstrual cycles, cause fertility issues, and lead to hormonal imbalances. She explained that persistent stress triggers the body’s ‘fight or flight’ response, releasing stress hormones like cortisol, which can interfere with reproductive hormones such as estrogen and progesterone. This disruption may lead to irregular or missed periods and can impair ovulation, resulting in difficulties conceiving.
Dr. Olalere highlighted that stress also affects the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, which regulate the release of reproductive hormones, contributing to conditions like anovulation (lack of ovulation). She underscored the importance of addressing these issues by seeking timely medical intervention and raising awareness about women’s reproductive health.
“Reproductive health problems can have profound psychological impacts on women,” Dr. Olalere noted. “By understanding the link between reproductive health and mental well-being, women can make informed decisions, seek medical help, and better advocate for their health.”
The specialist also encouraged women to maintain a healthy, balanced diet that includes vitamins, minerals, healthy fats, and proteins to support hormonal balance and overall reproductive health.
The event was chaired by Barrister Mutiat Orolu-Balogun, a prominent Hijab Rights Advocate, who emphasized the vital roles women play in shaping society and their deserving need for quality healthcare. In her remarks, Barrister Orolu-Balogun expressed the mission of WOGAF to improve the health, well-being, and empowerment of women and girls across Nigeria and beyond through education, advocacy, and community engagement.
“Women often suffer in silence when dealing with fertility issues, exacerbating their emotional and psychological burdens,” she stated. “WOGAF is committed to breaking this silence and offering much-needed support and resources for women experiencing fertility challenges.”
Fertility issues, according to the foundation, affect approximately 1 in 4 couples in Nigeria. The foundation seeks to address these challenges by offering educational materials on menstrual health, contraception, STIs, pregnancy, and menopause. Additionally, WOGAF plans to collaborate with healthcare providers to offer affordable screenings, treatments, and counseling services. The foundation will also integrate mental health services to tackle the psychological effects often associated with reproductive health struggles.
Through these initiatives, WOGAF aims to empower women with the knowledge and resources they need to take control of their reproductive health and improve their overall quality of life.
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