What Women Want during Perimenopause | Pantai Hospital KL x Parenthood (March 2026)

What women want during perimenopause. This is the next phase of a woman's life; thus, we first need to learn more about ourselves. Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur, in collaboration with Parenthood Media community - Kita Parents succesfully hosted the Sip & Share event at an intimate cafe style and talk series designed to foster open conversations about women's health.

What's Perimenopause?

Perimenopause is the transitional phase before menopause, where hormonal changes begin to affect a woman’s body—sometimes years before menopause actually occurs.

Common Perimenopause Symptoms:

• Irregular periods
• Mood swings and anxiety
• Fatigue and low energy
• Brain fog and forgetfulness
• Sleep disturbances
• Hot flashes

Many women in Malaysia often dismiss these symptoms as:

• “Just stress”
• “Hormonal imbalance”
• “Normal ageing”

But in reality, these could be early signs of perimenopause.

Breaking the Silence with a Medical Expert

The evening featured Dr Premitha Damodaran, Consultant Obstetrics and Gynaecologists from Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur, and also the Board Members of the International Menopause Society (IMS), who led an interactive session, allowing attendees to seek professional guidance on symptoms that are often suffered in silence.

By becoming more aware and attuned to these changes early on, women can reclaim control over their well-being. Understanding that you do not have to suffer in silence is the first step toward thriving with confidence and grace.

Why Awareness of Perimenopause Matters?

• Early detection improves quality of life - recognising symptoms early allows women to seek proper care and manage changes effectively.
• Women stop blaming themselves - understanding hormonal shifts helps reduce guilt, confusion, and self-doubt.
• Better support systems- open conversations encourage support from partners, families, and communities.

The Power of Community Support for Women

The gathering was attended by a group of moms from the Parenthood and KitaParents community. These participants engaged with table prompt cards featuring topics such as “One thing I blamed on stress… but now I’m not so sure” and “The symptom I Googled at 2 am but didn’t dare ask anyone about” to spark authentic dialogue that resonates with the modern Malaysian woman.

“Women today juggle multiple roles, as mothers, professionals, and caregivers often at the expense of their own physiological well-being,” says Teresa Chin, CEO of Parenthood Media. “By bringing Dr Premitha out of the clinical setting and into a café, we are making essential health knowledge accessible and community-driven.”

To maintain a "safe zone," the event also featured a Live Q&A session where women could submit anonymous questions that were then addressed neutrally by Dr Premitha to ensure every participant felt heard without judgment. The evening concluded with a Buka Puasa and mingling session, providing a space for networking and community bonding over refreshments.

Where to Get Help for Perimenopause in Malaysia?

Perimenopause is a significant transition, and no woman should have to go through it alone. If you are experiencing symptoms that affect your quality of life or simply feel like you need support during this phase, do not hesitate to reach out for help. Women are encouraged to visit a specialist, such as the experts at Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur, to discuss their health concerns and find a management plan that works for them.

“What Women Want”: A Movement for Malaysian Women

This initiative is more than an event—it’s part of a broader shift toward preventive healthcare, women-centred medical conversations, and accessible expert knowledge. By bringing healthcare into everyday spaces, this movement is helping women feel heard, supported, and empowered.