The 31st Congress of the Obstetrical and Gynaecological Society of Malaysia (OGSM), held on July 5-7, 2024 in Sabah International Convention Center (SICC), Kota Kinabalu showcased a comprehensive agenda addressing various aspects of women’s health. Among the myriad of topics discussed, the symposiums on Menopause and Midlife Women’s Health stood out as crucial discussions for an aging nation like Malaysia. These sessions emphasized the importance of managing menopause and midlife health issues to improve the quality of life for women in their later years.
Saturday, 6th July 2024
Breakfast Grand Rounds in Menopausal Health
Moderator: Prof Ng Beng Kwang
The day began with an insightful session on menopausal health during the breakfast grand rounds. Esteemed speakers, including Prof Rossella Nappi from Italy, Assoc Prof Ang Seng Bin from Singapore, and Dr Premitha Damodaran from Malaysia, shared their expertise on various facets of menopause. This session set the stage for the day, highlighting the need for proactive management of menopausal symptoms and promoting a better understanding of this natural transition.
Symposium 5: Midlife Women’s Health
Moderators: Prof Ng Beng Kwang & Dr Aini Hanan Azmi
1. Breaking the Silence: Addressing Menopause, Vaginal Health, and Overcoming Stigma in Medical Conversations
Speaker: Prof Rossella Nappi (Italy)
Prof Nappi emphasized the need to destigmatize menopause and vaginal health issues. She discussed how open and informed medical conversations can help women navigate this phase with confidence and better health outcomes. Addressing the taboo surrounding these topics is essential for effective healthcare delivery.
2. Wearables and AI: Towards Better Health Insights for Midlife Women
Speaker: Assoc Prof Ang Seng Bin (Singapore)
Assoc Prof Ang Seng Bin presented innovative approaches to monitoring and managing health in midlife women using wearables and artificial intelligence. These technologies offer real-time health insights, aiding in the early detection and management of potential health issues.
3. Fertility and the Menopause
Speaker: Dr P. Kannappan (Malaysia)
Dr. Kannappan explored the relationship between menopause and fertility, discussing options and considerations for women who may wish to conceive later in life. This session provided valuable information on the interplay between aging and reproductive health.
4. Understanding the Socioeconomic Aspects of Menopause at Work in Malaysia
Speaker: Dr Premitha Damodaran (Malaysia)
Dr. Premitha Damodaran shed light on the socioeconomic impacts of menopause, particularly in the workplace. The delegates were also given a preliminary insight of her soon to be published research, “Menopause At Work in Malaysia” which involved an astounding 1700 working women from various backgrounds and walks of life in Malaysia. This groundbreaking study will shed a light on the economic impact of menopause in Malaysia, and call for changes in policy in the workplace.
Sunday, 7th July 2024
Plenary 8: Navigating Challenges in Menopause Care amidst Google Mania
Moderator: Dr. Premitha Damodaran
Speaker: Prof. Rosella Nappi (Italy)
Prof Rosella Nappi discussed the complexities and challenges in providing effective menopause care. This session underscored the need for an empathetic approach of healthcare providers and gave useful tips on assessing menopausal symptoms that can often be a taboo among women.
Conversations and Innovations in Midlife Women’s Health: Vital in Ensuring Healthier and More Fulfilling Life
The symposiums on Menopause and Midlife Women’s Health at the 31st OGSM Congress highlighted critical issues and advancements in the field. The discussions emphasized the importance of destigmatizing menopause, leveraging technology for better health management, understanding the impact of menopause on fertility, and addressing the socioeconomic challenges women face during this phase. As Malaysia continues to age, such conversations and innovations are vital in ensuring that midlife women receive the support and care they need for a healthier and more fulfilling life.
