MENTAL HEALTH

 Last week, we received the shocking news that one of my husband’s close friends had taken his life. All his friends and family members were devastated. I had met him briefly just before we immigrated to Ireland. He was moving between houses and staying with his sister. His bike was parked by my parents’ house for months. My dad was furious to get him to move the bike. His friends found him in his house when it was too late, with a note. 

I know this is a blog about women and women’s health, but today we want to dedicate this post to men and their well-being. We know that most men do not do well with life crises, especially going through a divorce, or loss, or a separation. They tend to keep their struggles to themselves, not to cry or talk to friends or family, because it is a sign of weakness. They often resist seeing a therapist. The easiest way out seems to be drifting to alcohol and substances, which makes matters worse. The studies show that 1 in 8 men experience mental health issues, and men are three times more likely to die by suicide than women. Only 1 in 4 men seek help for mental health concerns. 

As a health care worker, I fight for our patients’ well-being to make sure they recover from their physical ailments. Mental issues in women may be neglected in the process, especially if we are dealing with chronic illnesses such as polycystic ovary syndrome, which presents with irregular menstruation, weight gain, or infertility. Endometriosis is another condition that causes a lot of mental health problems due to chronic pelvic pain and fertility struggles. 

It is important to talk about mental health and break the stigma. Mental health is not a weakness;, it is a human issue. Suppressing emotions can lead to more anxiety and depression. Seeking help is a sign of strength not weakness. We should encourage open conversation about mental health, support friends and loved ones struggling, and create a culture where men feel comfortable discussing their mental health. 

GENITOURINARY SYNDROME OF MENOPAUSE

 Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM) is a term used to define a compilation of signs and symptoms arising from decreased estrogenic stimulation of the vulvovaginal and lower urinary tract. The main signs and symptoms of GSM include burning, irritation, vulvovaginal dryness, dyspareunia, and urinary symptoms such as urgency, dysuria, or recurrent urinary tract infection. Labial atrophy, vaginal introitus narrowing, and clitoral atrophy may also be observed.

The Topic of sexual intercourse should not be something that we shy away from when consulting women in the 60s or even 80s. most women in this age category are very sexually active and suffer from vaginal dryness, dyspareunia. It should not be that way. They deserve to enjoy that aspect of life like younger women. 

Each symptom alone may indicate a specific diagnosis; however, in women undergoing menopause or perimenopause, it is important to consider the overall pattern of symptoms and rule out other potential causes of these symptoms. Isolated urinary symptoms should prompt a targeted evaluation of the urinary tract, including urinalysis with dipstick, urine culture, and ultrasound, to identify causes such as polyps or bladder cancer. Sexual symptoms, including reduced libido or dyspareunia, require assessment of the patient’s emotional and relational well-being, along with screening for depression or intimate partner violence. Similarly, genital symptoms appearing alone may reflect various gynecologic conditions, including infections, pelvic organ prolapse, and vulvar lichen sclerosus.

Using non-hormonal treatment for GSM, such as lubricants, may not be sufficient. Local hormonal treatment can then be considered the treatment of choice. Options include vaginal estrogen in the form of suppositories, rings, or creams, which restore vaginal pH, epithelial integrity, and microbiota balance. Dehydroepiandrosterone suppositories are also effective for vulvovaginitis and dyspareunia.

Systemic hormonal treatment may be required in selected cases. Tibolone has beneficial effects on the vagina and bladder. Ospemifene is particularly indicated for the treatment of severe dyspareunia and vaginal dryness.

CO₂ laser treatment is a nonhormonal alternative that has shown effectiveness, particularly for vaginal dryness and urinary symptoms. Treatment restores vaginal epithelium, microbiota, and pelvic vascularization.

In conclusion, GSM affects most postmenopausal women but remains undertreated despite the availability of effective treatments. General practitioners play a key role in the detection of this condition, and early management can improve symptoms and quality of life.

MY FIRST DAY IN IRELAND

 There are those moments in life that we will probably never forget: the first day of school, the first day of university, the day I had my baby, or the day I had a miscarriage. It was September 9, 2025. The plane was about to land. The flight from Doha to Dublin was about 6 hours from midnight to early morning. Aryana slept for most of the flight; she had neither eaten nor had a nappy change. I dragged myself to brush my teeth and freshen up. The good thing about flying with children is that the flight attendants serve the children first, and when they don't eat the food, which is mostly the case, we tired adults end up eating it. 

After a short wait, it was time for us to exit the plane. The line at the passport check was quite long. We presented our visas and my work permit, took some photos, and entered the other side of the airport. I almost cried when I saw that I had to climb down another escalator with a child and my heavy hand luggage. My mother-in-law was bragging to me about how she always travels light with only one handbag on the last day. I was not impressed with that comment!I am immigrating with my husband and child, for goodness' sake!

waited with our eight big bags, my husband’s snowboard, and my Persian carpet for an Uber van to drop us at our hotel in Dublin. It was my husband’s idea to have a stop at Dublin, eat, shower, and then drive to Sligo to our new home the following day. We had another round of breakfast, and we waited to check into our room at 2pm. We had a good shower, baby had a very pleasant bath with her bucket and favourite toys. While daddy and baby had a nap, I decided to do some admin on my computer. My husband woke up and ordered some takeaway food. We ate, Aryana was watching some TV, and I passed out. I could not remember anything until the next morning. According to my husband, Aryana continued to watch the kids' channel, and while I was fast asleep, he managed to slip out of the hotel room to have a couple of drinks in the Pub across the road. It is not easy to leave your family, your home, and your job and end up in a country you have never been to. Thanks to the internet these days. you are able to look at YouTube and watch videos of places you have never been. With Google Maps, we can navigate the streets, and with FaceTime and WhatsApp, we can stay in touch with our loved ones.