Kathy Kattashis founded the Mitra Cyprus Menopause Centre to address the needs of perimenopausal and menopausal women in Cyprus, where their healthcare needs are often overlooked. The non-profit organization aims to provide support, spread awareness, and advocate for the integration of menopause education in state healthcare programs, creating a community where women’s health during these life stages is recognized and supported.
How is Cyprus addressing the needs of women in perimenopause and menopause?
In response to the needs of perimenopausal and menopausal women being ignored in Cyprus, Kathy Kattashis established the Mitra Cyprus Menopause Centre. This non-profit organization aims to support women, spread awareness, and advocate for the integration of menopause education into state healthcare programs. It serves as a community for sharing experiences and striving towards a healthcare system that supports women’s health during these life stages.
The Struggle for Attention in the Medical Community
Cyprus, an island where the reverence for doctors is deeply ingrained in the culture, has been facing a pressing issue that’s slowly gaining attention thanks to the efforts of individuals like Kathy Kattashis. In a society where the medical profession is held in such high esteem, questioning a doctor’s advice or diagnosis is often frowned upon. However, this cultural norm has led to a significant problem for Cypriot women—many are feeling dismissed, especially when it comes to conditions related to perimenopause and menopause.
Kathy Kattashis is among the numerous women who have experienced this first-hand. Diagnosed with skin lymphoma at 28 and suffering from stress incontinence shortly after, her journey through various health complications did not end there. By 39, she was dealing with a range of symptoms including heart palpitations, sleeplessness, anxiety, hot flashes, joint pain, and more. Despite these clear signs, she was time and again misdiagnosed, with doctors attributing her problems to depression.
The turning point for Kathy came when she recognized that her symptoms were indicative of perimenopause. It was a simple explanation that had been overlooked by the numerous health professionals she had consulted. Such ignorance is not unique to Kathy’s case; it’s symptomatic of a broader issue in Cyprus where perimenopause and menopause are not given the attention they deserve within the healthcare system.
Mitra Cyprus Menopause Centre: A Beacon of Hope
In response to the pervasive neglect, Kathy established the Mitra Cyprus Menopause Centre in December 2022. Named after the Greek word for ‘womb,’ this non-profit organization aims to offer support and spread awareness about the healthcare needs of women going through perimenopause and menopause.
Mitra is a testament to Kathy’s vision of a healthcare system that upholds unbiased care for women at all stages of life. The center seeks to challenge stereotypes, fight discrimination, and provide factual information, enabling women to make informed decisions about their health. Through its work, the organization is pushing for the integration of menopause education into state programs and advocating for policies that support this critical life transition.
Breaking the Silence Around Menopause
Kathy’s story and the founding of Mitra highlight a significant gap in the healthcare system in Cyprus. For too long, the experiences of perimenopausal and menopausal women have been ignored, often with profound personal and social consequences. The silence surrounding these natural stages of life is slowly being broken, thanks to the voices and actions of those like Kathy who refuse to be sidelined.
At Mitra, an advisory board of qualified healthcare professionals collaborates to guide women through their health choices. The center has already begun forming partnerships with local grassroots campaigns and has been featured at various events, demonstrating the societal impact of its mission.
Collaboration and Outreach
Mitra is not just about healthcare; it’s about creating a community where stories and experiences are shared and respected. Kathy herself, as a menopause support coach, has assisted numerous women in addressing their health concerns with their doctors, ensuring they are not only heard but taken seriously.
This community-centric approach is at the core of Mitra’s philosophy. The center welcomes anyone seeking support or information regarding menopause, whether they are struggling with symptoms themselves, looking to understand more, or wanting to support a partner going through this phase.
A Call to Action
Mitra Cyprus Menopause Centre represents a movement toward better healthcare for women in Cyprus. It stands as an invitation for women to unite, share their stories, and advocate for a healthcare system that recognizes and supports their needs during perimenopause and menopause.
Those interested in learning more or seeking support are encouraged to reach out. Mitra has opened its doors and is actively working towards a society where women’s health during these significant life stages is not just a private struggle, but a shared journey toward empowerment and understanding.
Quick Recap
- Kathy Kattashis founded the Mitra Cyprus Menopause Centre to address the needs of perimenopausal and menopausal women in Cyprus.
- The non-profit organization aims to provide support, spread awareness, and advocate for the integration of menopause education in state healthcare programs.
- The medical community in Cyprus often ignores the healthcare needs of perimenopausal and menopausal women, leading to dismissal and misdiagnosis.
- The Mitra Cyprus Menopause Centre seeks to challenge stereotypes, fight discrimination, and provide factual information about menopause.
- The center aims to create a community where women’s stories and experiences are shared and respected, advocating for a healthcare system that supports women during perimenopause and menopause.
