Discussion group about menopause: Girls' evening in Lienz was exciting!

Discussion group about menopause: Girls' evening in Lienz was exciting!

Around a million women in Austria are currently experiencing menopause, including around 5,300 women in East Tyrol. The topic of menopause often carries a stigma that makes it difficult for women to speak openly about their experiences. In order to counteract this taboo, the first girls' evening “For women in midlife” took place, which received a great response. This initiative comes from Michaela Häusler-Monitzer and the gynecologist Maria Castellan. The meetings will take place quarterly at Nadl’s Café in Lienz and are open to all interested women. The aim is to provide a platform on which the symptoms and challenges of menopause can be addressed.

Symptoms such as sleep disorders, hot flashes or mood swings are often not recognized or trivialized by affected women. This often leads to unnecessary visits to the doctor. The decline in hormones such as estrogen, progesterone and testosterone has a direct impact on these symptoms. One of the most serious consequences of hormonal changes is osteoporosis, a disease that leads to porous and unstable bones and primarily affects women.

Osteoporosis and its risks

Osteoporosis is not only a relevant topic in Austria. In Germany, around 6 million people are affected, with 80% of those affected being women. The decline in estrogen levels as the fertile years end reduces natural bone protection, increasing the risk of bone fractures. Symptoms often appear late, which can lead to injuries from minor falls. Other signs include a hunched back or a deformed stomach, often referred to as “osteoporosis tummy”.

A bone density measurement is recommended starting at age 50 or 60, especially for women with multiple risk factors, such as: B. family history, underweight or lack of exercise. The costs for the examination are between 50 and 80 euros and are only partially covered by health insurance companies.

Prevention and treatment

The prevention and treatment of osteoporosis involves a combination of a healthy diet, exercise and, if necessary, drug therapy. Exercise, especially strength training, helps strengthen bones, while a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D is important. Products such as milk, nuts, seeds and green vegetables are recommended. In addition, medications can slow down bone loss or promote bone formation.

Hormone therapy (HRT) may be used for prevention or treatment, especially in women at high risk of bone loss. Studies show that transdermal use of estrogen can efficiently prevent bone mass loss. For example, in the Million Women Study, a significant reduction in fracture frequency of 25% was found. The WHI study also shows the positive effect of hormone therapy on the frequency of fractures.

Although hormone therapy is treated restrictively in Europe, professional societies such as the International Menopause Society support its use to prevent fractures in early menopause. Individual medical advice is crucial for choosing the appropriate therapy.

The next girls’ evening “For women in midlife” will take place on January 29, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. in Nadl’s Café in Lienz. This offers another opportunity to discuss menopause, its symptoms and possible help.

For more information about menopause and specific health issues such as osteoporosis, visit their websites Dolomite town, Explosive and Hormone specialists.