KUGOMPO CITY- A specialist obstetrician and gynaecologist in KuGompo City(formerly known as East London), Dr. Nontembeko Somlota has taken a significant step in advancing women’s health conversations with the launch of her new book on 21st March 2026;Decoding Menopause: A Woman’s Guide to Understanding Hormones, Navigating Transition and Thriving Beyond Midlife.
In the book she offers a comprehensive and accessible guide to menopause, providing women with a clear understanding of the physical and emotional changes they experience during this phase.
A 16-year-old Grade 11 learner and daughter of Dr. Somlota, Lunathi Dudumashe expressed her pride in her mother saying, “I am extremely proud of my mother for using her knowledge and wisdom, gained from medical school to contribute to the conversation about menopause a topic that is not spoken about enough in our community.”
The book has received early praise from patients and medical practitioners for breaking the silence around menopause and reframing it as a natural and transformative journey.
Furthmore a former colleague of Dr. Somlota from Nelson Mandela Hospital who is a pharmacist Andiswa Ganyile expressed her admiration for the book stating that, “It is an honour for me to review the book and I find it very resourceful. It’s something that I am going to use as a tool to help my clients and my family.”
In addition, one of Dr Somlota’s friends, Nomandla Tsibiyane praised the book as a comprehensive and insightful resource, noting that it transcends the topic of menopause to offer a broader perspective on personal growth and development.
Tsibiyane commended Dr. Somlota’s approach which reframes menopause not as a disease but as a natural transition, offering a more positive and empowering view of this life stage.
Dr. Somlota emphasises the importance of empowering women and educating men about menopause.
“Women have been suffering with menopause because they did not know what to do. It’s time we clarify things because women are key role players in our communities and if they are not empowered, how are they going to carry those duties and tasks?” She said.
She futher explained that we need to pay attention to what our mothers go through at certain phases of life , so we can at least be compassionate, be understanding and be accommodating.
Dr. Somlota combines her medical expertise with relatable insights to empower readers to approach menopause with confidence.
Photographs: Supplied
