Experts help women better understand midlife hormonal changes
IN a world where midlife often arrives quietly – yet carries seismic shifts within – a workshop on menopause, relationships and emotional resilience created a space for women to learn and share.
Held at a bistro in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, the event drew over 20 female attendees who gained insights to better navigate their health and well-being.
It was hosted by menopause coach and advocate Karen Tan and Klang Valley’s first full-time female urological surgeon Dr Siti Nur Masyithah Ma’arof.
Alongside them were art therapist Charis Chin and life coach and entrepreneur Yvonne Woi.
The event dived into real experiences of menopause, evolving dynamics of relationships and the inner strength needed to navigate it all.
Starting off the workshop was Dr Siti who offered her insights on understanding and managing urinary tract infections (UTIs) as well as urinary incontinence.
Her expertise in female urology helped workshop attendees understand how hormonal changes impact urinary tract health.
Unlike urinary incontinence and prolapse that occur later in life, Dr Siti said UTIs could happen to women in their 20s.
She said women are predisposed to this because the female urethra is shorter than the male’s and located closer to other organs.
“It is important for all women to know the signs and symptoms of UTI and seek medical help.
“If symptoms are not treated early, one can become very sick,” she said.
For women experiencing peri-menopause and menopause, Dr Siti said this was when estrogen levels dropped and could cause thinning of the tissues in the pelvic region involving the urethra and bladder.
While a lot can be found regarding menopause online, especially through social media, this deluge of information can often be overwhelming.
As a menopause advocate who experienced her own struggles, Tan wants women to understand that they are not alone in their journey.
“Menopause is not a disease, and it not only affects women in their 50s, but those as young as 35.
“If you know your symptoms, you can advocate for yourself and get the right help.
“Talk about it and you will see that people will be more empathetic,” she added.
“Getting the right support is vital to get through it.”
The workshop topics also included identifying common signs of menopause, and how it impacts daily life.
Attendees also learnt natural and holistic approaches in navigating this life stage, and simple daily habits to reduce UTI infection risks, with discussions including safe treatment options to restore urogenital health.
One of the participants, events manager Shasha Merican, found the workshop to be extremely beneficial.
“The topic of menopause is still taboo among many women; it’s good that there is an avenue to address this together,” she said.
