Menopause: 1 in 3 S'pore women
suffer in silence
ABOUT a third of women in Singapore do not prepare for menopause,
and half of those who have gone through or are going through it do
nothing about the symptoms.
Fewer than 40 per cent have consulted their family doctor and only
15 per cent have seen a gynaecologist or obstetrician about
menopause.
A third may seek help but end up not using any treatment.
These were the findings of a Synovate survey of 300 women
commissioned by local life-sciences company Bionutra, with support
from the Menopause Support Group.
According to a media release announcing the findings yesterday, the
top three symptoms that menopausal women experience are tiredness,
hot flushes and forgetfulness.
These symptoms affect fewer than four in 10 women.
Said Dr Khong Chit Chong, head and senior consultant of KK Women's
and Children's Hospital's menopause unit: "Menopause can be
uncomfortable but Singaporean women need to know that they don't
have to suffer in silence because menopause can be managed safely
through lifestyle changes, medical and natural treatments.
"Many women try to live with menopause symptoms, which can cause
unbearable discomfort like breaking out in a severe sweat, having
sleepless nights or constantly having no energy for normal
activities."
Said Dr Chua Yang, an obstetrician and gynaecologist in private
practice: "Women are sometimes afraid to ask for help because of a
stigma or they feel menopause is part of ageing and the symptoms
are supposed to be endured just as their mothers have done before
them."
The majority of women were aware of hormone replacement therapy
(HRT), but only about 12 per cent were aware of botanical or herbal
treatments to ease discomfort.
Said Dr Chua, the medical adviser of the Women to Women Menopause
Support Group: "While menopause cannot be prevented, there are many
options for symptom relief. Women who experience significant
symptoms should consult their health-care professionals."
- Courtesy of STREATS.