Health minister Khairy Jamaluddin said the launch marked another milestone in Malaysian healthcare as it will increase awareness of problems brought on by menopause.

A woman’s health during her post-menopausal years was especially important, he said in a pre-recorded video shown to the participants during the launch of the guidelines.

Khairy also said the average life span of a Malaysian woman in 2021 was 78.3 years compared to 73.2 years for a Malaysian man.

“Half of our ladies will live their lives beyond the age of 78. So, it is hoped that the guidelines would be the first step in educating Malaysian healthcare workers to be proactive in managing menopausal health,” he said.

Meanwhile, chair of the guidelines committee and consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist Dr Premitha Damodaran said the recommendations covered menopausal symptoms, clinical assessments and investigations, various treatments and their effects as well as religious perspectives on menopause.