Supporting women through menopause

“Take charge of your health instead of bearing with discomfort and hoping for the best.”

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I am a mother of two and a grandmother of one adorable little girl. Prior to joining KKH, I worked in community hospitals as well as a general hospital. My patients were all elderly with multiple medical conditions like strokes and fractures that led to disability. My work then involved rehabilitation and optimising their function as well as well-being.

Over time, I saw how taking early steps to care for our health can make a big difference as we age. As the adage goes “prevention is better than cure” – treating osteoporosis early, can help prevent fractures and preserve mobility; managing blood pressure levels can prevent strokes and disability; proactive management of menopause can improve quality of life and reduce cardiovascular disease. The list goes on.

As I became more interested in women’s health, I realised that the menopause transition is a very important milestone for women in terms of physical, emotional and psychological health. Much can be done to improve women’s health and I was very excited at the opportunity of working at the KKH menopause clinic.

The past 12 years at KKH has been very rewarding, seeing women in their mid-life stage undergoing menopause. I am glad that I can positively impact their health, both medically and psychologically, and make a difference in their life.

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I met a lady in her late 40s during a KKH public forum. She had cancer and was undergoing severe menopausal symptoms. She subsequently became my patient for her menopausal issues.

With the gradual improvement of her condition, she felt that she was given a new lease of life and wanted to give back to society. She developed an interest in sewing and started a sewing group which sewed cloth masks for foreign workers and other marginalised communities during the COVID-19 pandemic.

It is humbling and inspiring to see her strength and resilience during times of adversity, and her desire to help the less advantaged. She always brings a smile to my face when she updates me about her life during her medical appointments.

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Regular exercise makes me feel energised. I have weekly pilates and muay tai sessions and run most days of the week. I am also part of my church choir; I enjoy singing and the sense of community in church.

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Nothing shapes your life like the commitments you choose to make. When I was a junior doctor, I had many great mentors. They taught me the meaning of commitment, to patient care and to our colleagues. They also taught me the meaning of leadership, to be supportive and encouraging to our juniors. Till today, their lessons continue to inspire and guide me in my work towards my patients and colleagues.

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While most are aware of menopause, many do not fully understand it. One common misconception is that there is no point to see a doctor for menopause symptoms and changes to the body. Women must just bear with it and the symptoms will get better eventually.

This is not true! The hormonal changes that a woman undergoes during menopause can affect a woman from head to toe, from her skin, brain, teeth, heart, bones, to her muscles and emotions. These symptoms can be difficult for a woman and leave her feeling vulnerable and uncertain. We have also had patients tell us that their menopausal symptoms, such as mood swings, have caused their loved ones to isolate them, making the process even more challenging.

The good news is that help is available. Growing evidence shows that an optimal management of menopause will greatly contribute to healthier ageing and a better quality of life. Lifestyle adjustments and therapy – hormonal and non-hormonal – can help women undergoing menopause to improve their physical, emotional and psychological well-being.

The KK Menopause Centre brings together gynaecology, family medicine, dermatology, and mental health specialists, to address various aspects of menopause holistically and support women during and beyond the menopause period. With the right support, transiting to menopause can be transformative and empowering.

Most importantly, we need to equip ourselves with knowledge. We encourage all women to not bear with menopause and hope for the best. Stay informed about the changes that are happening to your body, take charge of your health and step forward to seek help.