On February 10, the inaugural Menopause in Aesthetics (MIA) conference was held at the Waldorf Hilton in London.
350 delegates and 100 live streamers gathered to further knowledge and awareness of the difficulties which are experienced by half of the population, but which are rarely discussed due to stigma or shame.
MIA chair and aesthetic practitioner specialising in menopause and intimate health, Dr Shirin Lakhani, said, “For too long, women’s health has been ignored and their symptoms diminished. Thankfully this is starting to change. The focus of aesthetic medicine is changing away from simply correcting the signs of ageing to the management of the entire ageing process. We need to look after our patients in a holistic manner to maintain their overall health.”
The event covered a wide breadth of topics, including the psychological impact of the menopause, the menopause’s influence on patients’ skin, hormonal treatments for the menopause, weight management and sexual wellbeing.
A focal area of interest proved to be hormonal treatment options for the menopause, including conventional hormone replacement therapy and bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, and how practitioners may be able to aid their patients by prescribing these. The speakers highlighted that aesthetic practitioners build a trusting relationship with their patients, so are well placed to aid them through holistic wellness.
Aesthetic practitioner, founder of Human Health and MIA co-chair Dr Mayoni Gooneratne commented, “When talking about wellness with patients, the conversation shouldn’t even necessarily be about hormones. It should be about what information there is for women and how are they going to support themselves through other lifestyle measures, because there are plenty. Lots of women who come to me walk away without any hormones but are in a better position to make decisions about their health.”
The event ended with a champagne reception, allowing practitioners to connect and share further insights.
Menopause in Aesthetics will return on February 24, 2024 at The Grand Connaught Rooms, London.
