Nollywood veteran Kate Henshaw has taken a bold step in advocating for women’s health by shining a light on menopause awareness, a topic often shrouded in silence and stigma in Nigeria.
The actress, known for her decades-long career in the industry and her commitment to fitness and wellness, shared her personal journey during a high-profile health event in Lagos on Friday.
Henshaw served as the brand ambassador at the official Nigerian launch of Efamol Evening Primrose Oil (EPO), held as part of the 2026 Continuing Education Conference of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN), Lagos State Chapter. The event brought together pharmacists, healthcare professionals, wellness advocates, and industry stakeholders to discuss preventive care and science-backed solutions for women’s health.
Speaking on a panel, the veteran actress opened up about her own experience, revealing that she only fully understood what she was going through after turning 50.
“I never knew the symptoms and effects of menopause until just after age 50, when I realised that what I was feeling in my body were actually menopausal symptoms,” she said.
Henshaw stressed that while hormonal changes are a natural part of life, many women suffer in silence due to limited awareness. She called for more open conversations, better access to scientifically grounded information, and informed choices to manage symptoms such as hot flashes, mood swings, skin dryness, reduced elasticity, and other discomforts that can affect daily life and overall well-being.
She urged women to look beyond surface-level solutions and focus on internal wellness, discipline, and proper support during this transition.
The event also featured contributions from menopause advocate and coach Mosunmola Dosumu, who explained how declining oestrogen levels during perimenopause and menopause can impact skin hydration, elasticity, and comfort. She highlighted the role of nutritional support, including essential fatty acids like Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA), in easing symptoms and improving quality of life.
Ibukun Tola-Ogunyemi, Managing Director of Pontisalus Pharmacy, noted the growing demand among Nigerian consumers for evidence-based supplements that pharmacists can confidently recommend.
Ogheneochuko Omaruaye, CEO of New Heights Pharmaceuticals Limited (the exclusive distributor of Efamol EPO in Nigeria), assured that the product would be widely available through partnerships with pharmacies nationwide and online platforms. He described the launch as a response to increasing demand for clinically proven wellness solutions.
Efamol Evening Primrose Oil is a premium supplement rich in essential fatty acids, backed by clinical studies. It is positioned to support hormonal balance, skin health (improving hydration and elasticity), and relief from certain premenstrual and menopausal discomforts.
Experts at the conference emphasised shifting from merely treating symptoms to embracing preventive care and internal health management, with pharmacists playing a key role as trusted advisors in a market filled with unverified remedies.
Kate Henshaw’s involvement underscores her long-standing reputation as a health advocate who uses her platform to address issues that matter to women, encouraging a cultural shift where menopause is viewed as a natural life stage rather than something to hide or endure without support.
Her message was clear: greater awareness, open dialogue, and science-led approaches can empower women to navigate hormonal changes with confidence and maintain their quality of life.