On the elegant evening of July 6, 2024, the Hilton Kota Kinabalu was abuzz with anticipation and excitement as it hosted the OGSM Gala Dinner, a night dedicated to celebrating advancements in women’s health. The highlight of the evening was the launch of the “Mend-your-Pause” patient education pamphlets on menopause, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at empowering women with the knowledge and confidence to navigate perimenopause and menopause.
The launch ceremony was graced by the esteemed presence of Prof. Rosella Nappi, President-Elect of the International Menopause Society, and Assoc. Prof. Ang Seng Bin, General Secretary of the International Menopause Society. Their participation underscored the global significance of this initiative, bringing international attention to the cause of menopause education and support in Malaysia.
Dr. Premitha Damodaran, Chair of the Menopause & Midlife Women’s Health Subcommittee of the Obstetrical & Gynaecological Society Malaysia (OGSM), during her keynote address during the launch, recounted the journey from the inception of the idea to the execution and eventual creation of the quadrilingual pamphlets. Highlighting the meticulous process, she emphasized that the pamphlets’ content draws from the national Clinical Practice Guidelines on Management of Menopause (2022), a project she also chaired. She detailed the collaborative effort into translating the pamphlets into the main languages spoken in Malaysia: Bahasa Malaysia (translated by Dr Aini Hanan Azmi), Mandarin (translated by Assoc. Prof. Ng Beng Kwang) and Tamil (translated by Dr Alvin Isaac Sukumar).
Perimenopause and menopause are significant life stages that bring about various physical and emotional changes. These changes can often feel overwhelming, confusing, and distressing. Recognizing this, it is hoped that the “Mend-your-Pause” patient education pamphlets would provide comprehensive and compassionate support to women undergoing these transitions.
The concise infographics and layman’s terms used in the pamphlets are designed to help women embrace the change, stay informed, and take charge of their health. They cover a wide range of topics, including:
- Understanding perimenopause and menopause
- Common symptoms and how to manage them
- Hormone therapy options and considerations
- Non-hormonal treatments and lifestyle adjustments
- Emotional well-being and mental health support
The “Mend-your-Pause” pamphlets are not only thorough in content but also accessible to a diverse population. The availability of these resources in multiple languages ensures that women from various linguistic backgrounds can benefit from the information provided. Additionally, the pamphlets feature QR codes linking to detailed online resources, making it easy for women to access further information and support, apart from being in line with global efforts to go green.
Healthcare professionals are encouraged to display the multilingual posters with QR codes in their clinics and share them with patients. Each QR code links to detailed information on menopause and its management, empowering women to handle their transition with ease and confidence. The goal is to support women every step of the way, ensuring they do not face this journey alone.
The launch of the “Mend-your-Pause” patient education pamphlets marks a significant step forward in menopause awareness and education. By providing women with the knowledge and tools they need, this initiative aims to transform the menopause experience from one of confusion and distress to one of empowerment and confidence. As we continue to support and educate women through their menopause journey, we move closer to a future where every woman can embrace this life stage with strength and assurance.
For more information and to access the “Mend-your-Pause” pamphlets, please go to Resources
