Waridi is a Swahili word for rose,the mystical symbol of love, royalty, beauty and sensuality. Roses, nature’s perfect symbol of life’s seasons, exist in over 100 varieties, each unique in shape, size, color, and care needs.
Similarly, a woman, like a waridi, requires nurturing conditions that vary through each stage of her life. Limiting women’s health to annual check-ups is like watering roses once a year —stunting their full potential to blossom.
Women’s health is dynamic, evolving from infancy to post-menopause. Embracing care early on cultivates a thriving physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual life. This journey unfolds across key stages: infancy, puberty, reproductive years, climacteric transition, and elderly years.
Infancy
We often underestimate the early years, assuming children will “outgrow” issues. Yet research shows seeds for obesity and lifestyle diseases are planted in infancy, often through overfeeding and reliance on comfort foods. Early nurturing sets the stage for lifelong wellness.
Puberty (8–24 years)
This is a season of self-discovery and rapid hormonal change, impacting eating habits, body image, relationships, stress management, and school performance. Mental health must be prioritized, equipping young women with stress management tools and boundary-setting skills.
Sexual health education—including HPV and Hepatitis B vaccinations, STI prevention, HIV risk, and access to birth control—is critical. Menstrual issues like heavy bleeding or painful periods must be addressed early to avoid long-term consequences.
Reproductive Age (15–49 years)
Women in this stage juggle career growth, self-love, and fertility concerns. Fertility planning, preconception health, and hormonal awareness should guide discussions. Laying a strong foundation in nutrition, mental health, and exercise is essential to prevent lifestyle diseases and prepare for future transitions.
Midlife and Climacteric Period (40s–55 years)
Midlife often brings sleep disturbances, metabolic shifts, and emotional changes. Stress management, diet adjustments, and strength training become increasingly vital. Family history should be explored to personalize preventative screenings for cancers, heart disease, and diabetes.
Perimenopause, starting as early as the mid-40s, brings irregular periods, mood swings, and sexual health concerns. Declining estrogen levels elevate risks for heart disease, osteoporosis, and certain cancers. Routine checks for blood pressure and blood sugar, combined with weight-bearing exercise and nutrition shifts, are essential.
Elderly Years (60+)
These years often reflect a quieter season, marked by an empty nest and the reality of physical decline. Risks of heart disease, stroke, falls, and cognitive impairment rise sharply. Regular evaluations of functional ability, sensory loss, and social health are crucial to maintaining independence and quality of life.
Promoting community connection helps mitigate loneliness and supports mental well-being during this vulnerable stage.
The true woman’s health is a continuous journey of nurturing—like tending a beautiful waridi through all the seasons of life.
Dr. Evelyn Ndinda Muthoka
Consultant Obstetrician – Gynecologist
