Menopause is a natural stage in a woman’s life, yet across much of West Africa, it remains one of the most misunderstood and least discussed health transitions. For many women, menopause arrives quietly, often without information, support, or understanding from family, workplaces, or even health systems.

In West Africa, these symptoms are often compounded by cultural silence and stigma. In some communities, menopause is wrongly associated with ageing, loss of value, or weakness. As a result, many women suffer in silence, afraid to speak openly about what they are experiencing or to seek medical help.

For 58-year-old Madam Ladi Maman, who said that at her Perimenopause, the natural transition leading up to menopause, she witnessed drastic changes, hot flashes and excessive sweating, Sleep disturbances, fatigue and mood swings.

She is urging women to speak up and we hope her story will help other women feel seen, families become more supportive, and communities start talking more openly about menopause.