Dr. Maria Karakoulaki, the Founder of Gýneco Clinic, says women’s empowerment has redefined menopause in modern terms, shifting the narrative from struggle to strength

What inspired the redefinition of menopause in modern terms?
Women’s empowerment has redefined menopause in modern terms, shifting the narrative from struggle to strength and encouraging women to embrace this stage with confidence and dignity. While menopause is inevitable for all women, its symptoms should never be ignored or endured in silence.

Public figures like Michelle Obama, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Oprah, along with experts like Dr. Lisa Mosconi, have helped break the stigma by openly sharing their experiences. Menopause is a natural part of life—why shy away from it? Instead, let’s embrace it, celebrate it, and take charge with the right support and resources.

Can you explain what holistic solutions for menopause entail?
Holistic solutions for menopause begin by addressing the core of a woman’s well-being—her intimate health. At Gyneco Clinic, we place a strong emphasis on Aesthetic and Functional Gynaecology as the foundation of our approach. By addressing often-overlooked symptoms such as vaginal dryness, low libido, and discomfort during sexual intercourse, we help women reconnect with their bodies, enhance their confidence, and restore a fulfilling sex life. Sexual health is an integral part of a woman’s overall well-being, and we prioritise it as a key element of care.

Our goal is to make women feel good in their bodies by treating the issues that truly matter, from intimate health to optimising hormones for balance and vitality at every stage of life. By focusing on the physical and emotional aspects of menopause, we empower women to embrace this stage with confidence, ensuring their overall health and happiness are never compromised. At Gyneco, we believe that liking and feeling confident in your body is essential for a fulfilling and vibrant life.

How does this new approach differ from traditional menopause treatments?
This new approach to menopause sets Gyneco Clinic apart as the first and only dedicated clinic specialising in Aesthetic and Functional Gynecology. I was among the first to introduce hormone therapies in the region when scepticism was high. Today, at Gyneco, we go beyond traditional symptom management to offer a fully personalised and comprehensive approach to women’s health.

While traditional treatments often focus solely on medication or hormone replacement, our holistic approach addresses the entire spectrum of a woman’s well-being—emotional, physical, and social. Alongside advanced gynaecological care, we provide access to specialists in nutrition, physiotherapy, midwifery, and other complementary fields. This integration ensures that every woman receives the tailored support she needs to thrive at every stage of her journey through menopause.

What are some of the key holistic solutions being recommended for women experiencing menopause?
Each woman is different, and each woman is unique. At Gyneco Clinic, we honour this individuality with our tailored Aesthetic and Functional Gynaecology packages. These packages address intimate health concerns such as vaginal dryness, low libido, and discomfort during sexual intercourse or functional concerns such as urinary incontinence etc. By combining functionality and aesthetics, we empower women to feel confident, comfortable, and deeply connected to their bodies.

Beyond these core offerings, we provide a range of holistic solutions to support every aspect of a woman’s well-being. This includes bioidentical hormone therapy, nutritional and lifestyle adjustments, tailored fitness plans, and sleep optimisation techniques. To further enhance our care, we collaborate with a naturopathic medicine specialist, a biohacking chef, and one of Dubai’s top physiotherapy facilities. Together, these services create a comprehensive approach that supports nutrition, fitness, recovery, and vitality, helping women thrive inside and out.

How do these solutions address both the physical and emotional aspects of menopause?
Menopause affects more than just the body; it impacts self-esteem, relationships, and mental health. At Gyneco, we address both physical and emotional aspects with holistic solutions, treating symptoms like hot flashes, fatigue, and sleep disturbances while also focusing on intimate health concerns such as vaginal dryness, laxity, and discomfort during intercourse.

Many of my patients say, “I don’t recognise myself anymore,” highlighting the need for a comprehensive approach. By combining treatments for physical symptoms with emotional support and addressing aesthetic and functional concerns, we help women regain confidence, reconnect with their bodies, and embrace this stage with strength and resilience.

Can you share any success stories or testimonials from women who have benefited from these holistic approaches?
Absolutely. One of my patients, Sarah, a 47-year-old teacher, came to me struggling with extreme irritability that was affecting her relationships and daily life. After creating a customised plan that included natural hormone balancing and nutritional adjustments she experienced a dramatic shift. Within weeks, she reported feeling more in control of her emotions, with improved energy levels and better interactions with her family and colleagues.

Another patient, Lina, a 52-year-old entrepreneur, was struggling with vaginal dryness, low libido, and disrupted sleep. By creating a personalised treatment plan that included a combination of vaginal rejuvenation therapies and solutions to address low libido, along with stress management, Lina experienced a remarkable transformation. She not only regained her confidence but described feeling like a new version of herself. This is just one example of how a tailored, holistic approach can profoundly improve the menopause journey, helping women reconnect with their bodies and rediscover their sense of purpose.

In what ways do these solutions promote overall well-being and quality of life for women going through menopause?
In Gyneco by focusing on prevention and personalised care, holistic solutions go beyond symptom relief to enhance overall vitality. Women often report feeling more in tune with their bodies, experiencing improved relationships, and enjoying a renewed sense of control over their health.

How can holistic solutions be integrated with conventional medical treatments for menopause?
The beauty of holistic care is its adaptability. It always works synergistically with conventional medicine. For instance, women on hormone therapy can also benefit from nutritional counselling or stress-reduction practices to enhance the effectiveness of their treatment. This integrative approach ensures the best of both worlds, optimising outcomes and empowering women at every step.