These groups are designed to discuss various topics on menopause and its related areas. They are designed to be educational within the structure of an organized discussion group. They provide up-to-date and accurate information on menopause and its symptoms, osteoporosis, all types of incontinence, sex and sexuality during menopause, weight changes in midlife, adequate nutrition, vaginal bleeding during and after menopause, breast cancer and gynecologic cancers, hormone replacement therapy and its alternatives among other topics.
However, this group is not only educational; it is also a “process” group. Thus, the primary focus is on the participants and their desire to share their experiences, help one another understand their choices, and empower one another to be informed and to take care of themselves. The atmosphere should be one of encouragement, acceptance, and inclusion.
Members of a group who are comfortable in expressing their feelings and thoughts find a therapeutic benefit to group participation. The peer support is valued and motivates women to explore their own uniqueness and seek peer feedback. These women who participate in groups report more often feeling less self- critical, more appreciative of their strengths and better able to achieve their goals.
Who Can Participate in a Menopause Discussion Group?
Women participating in these discussion groups do not need to be actual patients of Pink Women’s Center, however if desired, appointments could be made to benefit from the experience of the only Certified Menopause Group in Katy and west Houston by the North American Menopause Society. Target audience for these groups are patients around menopause or post menopause, or who has experienced a premature menopause due to a surgical approach or chemotherapy. Optimal group size is 8-10 participants with a maximum of 15 participants, so pre-registration is encouraged. Agendas will be emailed to participants as these will serve to structure the meetings. Individual participation is encourage although not mandatory.
Menopause Group Location
Exact location of the meetings will be on the campus of Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital/Medical Office building. Exact timing is yet to be determined. Meetings will be once a week for 4 weeks. For optimal success, commitment is essential. A small fee will be charged . Cash and checks are accepted. Fees will include a well managed structured, take home material and refreshments. More information will be discussed during initial meeting and via email.
Please include [email protected] to your email contacts. Email us and subscribe to our newsletter for more information. These groups will follow NAMS ( North American Menopause Society) guidelines and recommendations.
Dr. Joel Rivera
Certified Menopause Practitioner