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.