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As part of community service, the Endocrinology and Gynecology Oncology Research Group of the Faculty of Medicine (FK) of Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) collaborated with the Indonesian Doctors' Wives Association (IIDI) Surakarta Branch held a seminar themed "Healthy Menopause: A Bridge to a Quality Life with IIDI." The event took place on Wednesday, July 9, 2025 at the FK UNS Auditorium and was attended by approximately 120 participants, including IIDI members and sub-district health workers in Surakarta City and Karanganyar Regency. 

The seminar featured three speakers: Dr. Uki Retno Budihastuti, dr., Sp.OG(K), Subsp. F.E.R., who presented on "Recognizing Menopause Symptoms," followed by Dr. Eriana Melinawati, Sp.OG, Subsp. F.E.R., who presented on "Healthy Tips for Menopause." Asih Anggraeni, Sp.OG, Subsp. Urogin. R.E., with the topic "Urinary Complaints during Menopause."

In her remarks, the Head of the IIDI Surakarta Branch, Nining Reviono, S.E., stated that collaborations like this should be conducted frequently so that health workers who interact directly with the community can obtain health information directly from experts.

"We hope the information gained here will equip participants to provide accurate information to their surrounding communities about menopause and how to manage it effectively," she said.

She further explained that menopause is a crucial topic to understand, yet it is often considered taboo and ignored, leading to a variety of inaccurate information circulating in the community.

"Menopause is not the end of a woman's productive years, but rather a natural phase that should be understood, accepted, and addressed with knowledge and mental and physical readiness," she mentioned.

The Head of Research Group in the Endocrinology and Gynecology Oncology FK UNS, Dr. Uki Retno Budihastuti, dr., Sp.OG(K), Subsp. F.E.R., explained that the goal of this community service program is for participants to become conduits of information about menopause so that women can experience menopause healthily.

According to her, menopause is a natural phase experienced by women caused by aging, which causes the ovaries to produce fewer female hormones. As a result, the ovaries stop releasing eggs, and menstruation stops.

"Before entering menopause, a woman usually experiences a perimenopausal phase, during which her menstrual cycle becomes irregular. This is what often confuses many women," she explained.

Dr. Uki explained that there are several symptoms of menopause that women should be aware of. These symptoms include irregular menstruation, sudden hot flashes, excessive night sweats, and sleep disturbances. Most women also experience fatigue easily without strenuous activity.

Menopause also causes a decrease in estrogen, which slows down the body's metabolism. One effect of this slowed metabolism is that fat accumulates more easily in the body, especially in the abdominal area. Furthermore, the risk of osteoporosis increases, so it is recommended to consume calcium and vitamin D.

"Furthermore, women who have entered menopause should not be lazy and should diligently engage in exercise, such as light weight training, walking, light gymnastics, or cycling," Dr. Uki said. 

Through this activity, it is hoped that participants will gain a better understanding of menopause and gain insight into the physical, emotional, and social changes that occur during menopause, so they can manage them healthily and with dignity.

 

Public Relations of FK UNS