TNMU Scientists Participated in the XX World Congress on Menopause in Rio de Janeiro
From September 30 to October 3, 2026, the XX World Congress on Menopause, organized by the International Menopause Society, took place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The congress is the world’s largest forum in the field of menopausal medicine. The program covered hormone therapy, prevention of cardiovascular diseases and osteoporosis, premature ovarian failure, mechanisms of reproductive aging, and the quality of life for women during perimenopause and menopause.
Ternopil National Medical University was represented by a delegation led by Stefan Khmil, Professor of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology No. 1. For the first time, the All-Ukrainian Association of Menopause and Women’s Reproductive Health officially participated in the World Congress of the International Menopause Society.
The congress program included over 130 scientific sessions featuring global experts, focusing on the following key topics:
– new paradigms, dosages, and a personalized approach;
– assessment and management of cardiometabolic risks in middle-aged women;
– prevention and treatment of osteoporosis and sarcopenia;
– sleep disorders, depressive states, and mood changes during menopause;
– genitourinary syndrome of menopause and vulvovaginal atrophy;
– breast health and genetic cancer risk assessment;
– healthy aging and quality of life for postmenopausal women.
Professor Stefan Khmil, Professor of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology No. 1 and President of the All-Ukrainian Association of Menopause and Women’s Reproductive Health, presented a poster report dedicated to poor ovarian response as an early predictor of the menopausal transition. The study combines experience in reproductive medicine with menopause-related issues. It shows that women who respond poorly to ovarian stimulation may require early monitoring regarding the onset of menopause.
Under the scientific supervision of Professor Khmil, PhD Yuliia Bandrivska delivered an oral presentation on the topic of late diagnosis and psychological burden in women under 35 with premature ovarian failure. Yuliia Bandrivska also received the International Menopause Society’s Young Scholars Bursary 2026, which is awarded to promising young researchers. She co-chaired a joint symposium of the International Menopause Society and the European Association of Preventive Cardiology titled “Cardiovascular Disease: What Can Be Done for Prevention in Women?” alongside the Chair of the Congress Scientific Program Committee, Professor Antonio Cano (Spain).
A poster report by Inna Korda, Associate Professor of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology No. 2 at Ternopil National Medical University, was also presented regarding the connection between a history of gestational diabetes and cardiometabolic risk during the menopausal transition.
Team members also presented poster reports on cryopreservation trends in Ukraine (Associate Professor Mariia Khmil) and on skin aging as an early marker of ovarian aging (Professor Svitlana Halnykina).
Professor Stefan Khmil participated in the assembly of the Council of Affiliated Menopause Societies. This is a closed meeting of the heads of national menopause societies from around the world with the leadership of the International Menopause Society. It involves discussions on industry development strategy, educational programs, and international cooperation.
Information and photos were provided by Yuliia Bandrivska.