Dear Members & Partners in the Care and Management of Menopause,

We recently concluded the World Menopause Day (WMD) 2007 celebration with great joy at the exciting programme and the enthusiastic turnout. I am personally very grateful to the Organizing Chair Dr. Ho Choon Moy and the Secretariat Merck Sdn. Bhd. and the expert panel of speakers who shared their expertise in educating the participants. Judging from the frequent roaring laughter, I know the crowd was “enjoying” menopause issues. The number of men attending was encouraging.

The potential symptoms of menopause may have a negative impact on the quality of daily life. Consequences of menopause can lead to a host of age-related diseases including heart disease and osteoporosis. We will continue to educate women about menopause and the benefits of preventive health care. WMD challenge calls on every healthcare provider to help women treat unpleasant symptoms that can affect family and social relations, productivity and quality of life.

The risks of the most effective treatment – hormone replacement therapy (HRT) – have often been greatly exaggerated, particularly for women initiating HRT around menopause. Re-analysis of data from the major epidemiological trials, such as the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) and the Nurses’ Health Study (NHS), showed that HRT is safe and beneficial when started below the age of 60 and continued for at least several years.

HRT is the most effective way to relieve moderate to severe menopausal symptoms, such as hot flushes, night sweats and vaginal dryness. It also helps prevent postmenopausal osteoporosis and has been shown to reduce fractures at all sites. HRT may improve the quality of life for women, but there are small increased risks of thrombosis and other disorders such as gallbladder disease that vary with the age and health of the woman.
Recent studies concluded that there is a lower risk of coronary heart disease when HRT is initiated before the age of 60, but not when started after 60.

As the world’s population becomes increasingly older and female, it is important to address the health issues faced by menopausal women. I encourage women to talk to their doctors and create a plan to take charge of their health.

May God continue to bless you with health in the menopause.
 

Dr. Liew Fah Onn, President, MMS 2007-2009