By Eshiorimeh Sebastian, Abuja
H.E. Amb. Dr. Engr. Elsie Halima Ijorogu-Reed, a renowned holistic wellness expert, has urged Nigerian women to speak out against the stigma surrounding infertility and hormonal health.
Dr. Elsie made the call on Friday in an her article titled: The Culture of Silence: Why Nigerian Women Suffer Alone in the Battle Against Infertility and Hormonal Imbalance. She stressed that societal silence and shame are preventing women from seeking help for treatable conditions like hormonal imbalances, fibroids, and PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome).
Her message is a rallying cry for cultural change, aiming to empower women and normalise conversations about reproductive health in Nigeria.
She said many women suffer in silence, fearing judgment, ridicule, or even the loss of their marriages.
Dr. Elsie, CEO of Halima Yard Holistic Wellness Center in Abuja explained that infertility is not a curse, and hormonal issues are not a punishment. “These are medical conditions that can be addressed”, she said.
Dr. Elsie, a certified Traditional Medicine Practitioner, highlighted the cultural pressures that tie a woman’s worth to her ability to conceive. She called for a shift in societal attitudes, urging men to support their partners and for women to seek medical help without fear.
Through her wellness center, she promotes holistic solutions, including herbal medicine, lifestyle changes, and nutritional therapy, to help women regain their health and confidence. She also advocates for creating safe spaces where women can share their experiences and access support.
She advised that silence does not heal; it only deepens the pain, calling on women to break free from the shame and take control of their lives.
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