by Veronica Ventura, AWC Bern
The first part of an exciting new webinar series on the phases of womanhood launched successfully with a session on perimenopause, attracting 27 engaged participants. The online event, part of a four-part series focused on different stages of a woman’s life, provided valuable insights and information on perimenopause, a critical yet often misunderstood phase that marks the transition towards menopause.
This interactive session, designed to foster both education and discussion, left attendees feeling informed and connected. The participants, a diverse group of women from various backgrounds, brought a range of questions and personal experiences to the table, creating a dynamic atmosphere that encouraged open conversation.
Setting the Stage: Perimenopause Demystified
The webinar kicked off with a presentation by Dr. Veronica Ventura, AWC Bern FAWCO Representative and gynecologist. The session started by outlining what perimenopause is, highlighting its common symptoms, and explaining how it fits into the broader context of a woman’s reproductive health. This stage, which can last for several years, often begins in a woman’s 40s, but can start earlier or later. It involves hormonal fluctuations, changes in menstrual cycles, and various physical and emotional symptoms, all of which were addressed in detail.
The speaker also discussed the importance of recognizing and addressing perimenopausal symptoms early, such as irregular periods, hot flashes, mood swings, and sleep disturbances, all of which can significantly impact a woman’s quality of life. Attendees were provided with useful tips for managing this phase with lifestyle changes, such as diet, exercise, and stress management techniques.
Interactive Engagement: Polls and Audience Participation
What set this webinar apart from traditional information sessions was its interactive approach. Participants were not just passive listeners but actively engaged through online polls and a fun Word Cloud, the results of which were rather comical. The most common word offered to describe perimenopause was “Confusing.” Thus, the reinforcing the need for a webinar!
A Promising Start to the Series
As the first in a four-part series, this perimenopause webinar set a strong foundation for the sessions to come. Participants left with a better understanding of what perimenopause entails and how to manage its effects. Feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive, with many appreciative of the format, which allowed them to engage directly with experts and peers alike.
The remaining sessions in the series will cover the other phases of womanhood, including menopause, post-menopause, and reproductive health in earlier life stages. Each session aims to offer both practical advice and emotional support for women navigating these important transitions. If you have a topic worth presenting, please contact Veronica Ventura through . She’s open to all options!
With such a successful start, there is great anticipation for the next three webinars in this empowering series.