Menopause, a natural biological transition experienced by virtually all women, remains a topic often shrouded in silence despite its significant impact on health and well-being. Experts emphasize the need for open discussion and expanded treatment options to better support women navigating this phase of life.
Prof. Susan Davis, a Melbourne-based consultant endocrinologist with over three decades of experience, explained that menopause is primarily driven by declining estrogen levels. This hormonal change affects the brain’s temperature regulation center, causing symptoms commonly known as vasomotor symptoms (VMS), such as hot flushes and night sweats. However, Prof. Davis noted that the manifestation of these symptoms varies widely among women. While some experience intense sweating, many report waking up frequently at night without significant sweat, underscoring the diverse nature of menopausal experiences.
Given this variability, Prof. Davis highlighted the importance of having multiple treatment options. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT), although a well-established treatment for VMS, may not be suitable for all women. Women with hormone-dependent cancers like breast cancer or those at high risk for such diseases often cannot undergo HRT, and others may decline treatment for personal reasons. “The biology is really much more complicated than we really understand, and that’s when we need choices,” she said.
Similarly, Dr. Premitha Damodaran, president of the College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and a specialist in menopause with over 30 years of experience in Malaysia, emphasized the broader societal and professional challenges women face during menopause. Untreated symptoms can lead to impacts beyond health, including withdrawal from senior professional roles or exiting the workforce, owing to concerns around age-related stigma. Dr. Premitha also noted that patients often hesitate to acknowledge their symptoms, and healthcare providers may lack sufficient training to provide appropriate care.
She affirmed that while HRT remains effective for many, respect and alternative options are essential for those who cannot or choose not to use it. Both Prof. Davis and Dr. Damodaran called for breaking the taboo surrounding menopause. “Say the word ‘menopause’,” Prof. Davis urged, drawing parallels to how public discourse about puberty has improved over time. Dr. Premitha added that menopause, whether occurring in the mid-30s or mid-50s, should be treated as a normal transition deserving of understanding rather than judgment.
These perspectives were shared during a panel session organized by Astellas Pharma Malaysia on August 7 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Shah Alam i-City, coinciding with the launch of Veoza (fezolinetant), a non-hormonal treatment option for moderate-to-severe VMS associated with menopause. Aycin Oguz, general manager of Astellas Pharma Singapore and Malaysia, described the initiative as part of broader efforts to address the unmet medical needs in menopause care. The company is actively working to raise awareness and enhance healthcare professional education in Malaysia to encourage more open conversations and improved support for women’s midlife health.
“No woman should have to navigate menopause in silence,” Oguz stated, highlighting the importance of collaborative efforts among healthcare providers, advocacy groups, and industry stakeholders to foster better understanding and access to care.
The participating healthcare professionals emphasized that menopause is a complex, individualized experience that calls for nuanced approaches in treatment and support. They encouraged women to seek professional advice tailored to their needs and to engage in open dialogue about this significant life transition.