What do orcas, elephants and half of our island have in common?

Thirty per cent of Cyprus potentially has a health issue that can disrupt careers and destroy relationships. Fifteen per cent of us may be facing symptoms for the rest of our lives.

Many are paying hundreds of euros out of pocket (or even crossing to the north) to secure the medicine they need. And the island is losing a combined total of thousands of workdays each year to the issue.

For centuries, this particular health issue has been brushed off as ‘just a part of life’. Even today, it’s an under-researched, misunderstood condition. And yet, it may be directly affecting over 300,000 of us on the island right now.

Who are these people? Well, here’s a clue: they’re not men!

Welcome to menopause. It’s not going to be fun. Especially in Cyprus.

Menopause, a natural but life-altering transition, includes perimenopause (the lead-up with fluctuating hormones and debilitating symptoms), menopause (when periods stop and hormones plunge), and post-menopause (when symptoms linger and long-term health risks increase).

It’s happened to women since the start of time. And also, to some animals – including orcas, pilot whales and some elephants.

“I can’t speak for orcas,” smiles Kathy Kattashis, Cyprus’ only menopause expert and founder of the MITRA Cyprus Menopause Centre. “But I can tell you that human menopause remains shrouded in stigma, misinformation, and silence – especially on this island.”

While countries such as the UK, US, Australia and Canada are advocating for menopause awareness through government initiatives, workplace policies and national support groups, in Cyprus the silence is deafening, says Kathy. “Most women don’t know where to turn: healthcare professionals are often clueless, and the lack of awareness means many suffer in isolation.” 

But this isn’t a new issue. Women have been going through menopause since time began. Why the fuss?

“The world has changed since the time of our yiayias,” says Kathy. “We’re living to be older, having children later, staying in the workforce longer. A century ago, a 50-year-old woman would probably be at home, children grown, parents gone. Now, she’s juggling kids, jobs and aged family members – all during the most challenging phase of life. It’s a perfect storm!”

What we do have now, however, are the tools, knowledge and platforms to address and manage menopause. But in Cyprus, that doesn’t always happen…

“I’ll give you an example,” says Kathy. “Elena is 51. She was having severe hot flashes, sleepless nights, crushing anxiety and joint pain so bad she’d quit her high-powered job in Forex.

“Her GP dismissed her as ‘just a bit down’ and prescribed antidepressants. Her gynaecologist said it was ‘part of ageing’ and suggested vitamins. And she’d been waiting a year to see an endocrinologist.

“At no point was she given any information about menopause, HRT or options to improve her symptoms,” says Kathy. “Cyprus leaves us in the dark.”

But why? What’s gone so wrong that those of us going through menopause can’t access the care, support and understanding we need?

In Cyprus, menopause is a taboo topic, Kathy explains. Public education is lacking. And doctors are still referencing outdated studies or brushing off symptoms as stress.

“Even if you do manage to find a doctor willing to prescribe hormone replacement, Cyprus is stuck with one-size-fits-all HRT: one type of patch, in one dosage – no variety, no oestrogen sprays or progesterone creams. I actually know a lot of women who cross into the occupied areas just to find the medication they need.”

Most importantly, Kathy adds, woman in Cyprus are still seen as child-bearers.

“Follow the money, and you’ll find the big bucks are in IVF, birth and endometriosis – conditions that revolve around the ability to have children. Once she’s reproduced, most doctors seem to lose interest in a female patient, as if a woman’s health and worth are solely defined by her fertility.”

It’s a damning picture. But Kathy – who has been through the same frustrating journey herself – is working hard to change it.

In the last two years, she’s founded MITRA (a non-profit organisation that advocates for unbiased healthcare during perimenopause and menopause, and fosters awareness, education and empowerment), run menopause workshops and worked diligently to raise awareness across the island.

She’s also quick to acknowledge other initiatives, such as the Menopause Support Cyprus Facebook group, which helps women across the island by providing a space to share experiences, seek advice and support one another through this challenging transition.

But this month, Kathy is taking things one step further. On Tuesday, she’ll be hosting Cyprus’ very first Menopause Café.

“Menopause Cafés happen all over the world,” she explains. “They started in Scotland, in 2017, courtesy of Rachel Weiss, who wanted to create a safe, open space where people could talk about menopause without judgment or stigma. They’ve since spread to countries like the UK, USA, India, and even Bahrain.

“But to the best of my knowledge, this will be the first in Cyprus. And boy is it needed!”

Open to all genders and ages, this first Menopause Café will take place in Nicosia – though Kathy hopes to hold a monthly event, and expand to other towns.

“We’re offering a relaxed, judgment-free space where people can share stories, ask questions and discuss menopause openly,” she explains. “And I’ll be on hand to offer support, share insights and provide practical tips.

“In short, if you’re going through perimenopause, menopause or post-menopause you don’t have to do it alone anymore. And sometimes, just having accurate, up-to-date knowledge can make all the difference.

“Because although half of Cyprus will go through menopause, the support just isn’t there,” she concludes. “Our system is woefully archaic; it’s failing women left, right and centre. I think it’s time to change the conversation, starting with events like the Menopause Café.”

Cyprus’ first Menopause Café will take place on January 28, 6pm, at OPU Collective in Agioi Omologites. For more information, visit the Instagram account @mitra_cyprus_menopause_centre, the Facebook page MITRA Cyprus Menopause Centre, or menopausecafe.net