Millions of women are being let down by lack of support during and after menopause. We asked six, from Brazil to Bangladesh, to share their stories of fighting stigma, dealing with symptoms and supporting others…
Ecuador
‘Hot flushes are referred to as bochornos, meaning embarrassment in Spanish’
Albeley Rodríguez Bencomo, 51, Quito
Her menopause symptoms are under control, at least for now. After friends told her it would help, the new year resolution for Albeley Rodríguez Bencomo, 51, was to eat better and be more active. She gave up sweets and goes to yoga four times a week. It seems to be working.
But not long ago, she says, her hot flushes were out of control. “I’d be talking to you and all of a sudden I’d get really red, and I’d be sweating really heavily,” she says.
Kimberley Michelle Brown 