Are Malaysian women in higher income brackets more likely to have more menopause symptoms? This new study highlights eye-opening data
A new study led by Tatler Asia's Most Influential 2023 honouree Dr Premitha Damodaran sheds revealing light on how Malaysian women across ethnicities experience menopause—and the findings are far from uniform.
Based on 1,825 responses from working women aged 40 to 60, the research—titled 'Menopausal symptoms among multi-ethnic working women in Malaysia' and recently published in menopause, climacteric and mid-life health journal Climacteric — highlights how symptoms vary dramatically depending on age, income level and ethnicity (Malay, Chinese, Indian and mixed ethnicity).
The five most common symptoms? Joint pain (34.6 per cent), sleep disturbances (31.1 per cent), brain fog (26.2 per cent), mood swings (25.8 per cent) and digestive issues (25.5 per cent).
Read more: Meet the winners of the Front & Female Awards 2025
Above Dr Premitha Damodaran is a consultant gynaecologist at Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur (Photo: Natalina Zainal/Tatler Malaysia)
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Tatler Asia
26-06-2025
- Tatler Asia
Are Malaysian women in higher income brackets more likely to have more menopause symptoms? This new study highlights eye-opening data
Led by award-winning ob-gyn and menopause advocate Dr Premitha Damodaran, a new study investigates the impact of ethnicity, annual income and age on menopausal symptoms among working Malaysian women aged 40–60 years A new study led by Tatler Asia's Most Influential 2023 honouree Dr Premitha Damodaran sheds revealing light on how Malaysian women across ethnicities experience menopause—and the findings are far from uniform. Based on 1,825 responses from working women aged 40 to 60, the research—titled 'Menopausal symptoms among multi-ethnic working women in Malaysia' and recently published in menopause, climacteric and mid-life health journal Climacteric — highlights how symptoms vary dramatically depending on age, income level and ethnicity (Malay, Chinese, Indian and mixed ethnicity). The five most common symptoms? Joint pain (34.6 per cent), sleep disturbances (31.1 per cent), brain fog (26.2 per cent), mood swings (25.8 per cent) and digestive issues (25.5 per cent). Read more: Meet the winners of the Front & Female Awards 2025 Above Dr Premitha Damodaran is a consultant gynaecologist at Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur (Photo: Natalina Zainal/Tatler Malaysia)
Tatler Asia
20-06-2025
- Tatler Asia
Pioneering surgeon Dr Harjit Kaur says this is what prioritising women's breast health looks like
Today, she is a firm proponent of more women pursuing surgical specialties—'Women often bring a meticulous, methodical approach to their work, and in specialties like breast surgery, patients find female surgeons more relatable and often feel comfortable opening up to them,' Harjit says. But sometimes, even razor-sharp focus and experience as a surgeon cannot fully prepare you for the tougher moments, from having to break the bad news to patients' families or make those unpopular decisions in the face of tremendous pressure. 'One of the most pivotal lessons I've learned in my career is that we, as doctors, are not invincible,' she admits. 'In the beginning, you believe that if you just do everything right, you can save your patients. But with time and experience, you realise that even when everything seems to be going well, cancer can return. And when it does, you're the one who has to help the family navigate that pain. Over the years, I've also learned the emotional cost of becoming too attached. As doctors, we build relationships with our patients—we get to know them and, often, their families too.' She recalls a particularly difficult experience caring for longtime patient whose cancer returned aggressively, eventually having to explain to the woman's two teen children that they were going to lose their mother. 'That moment taught me the importance of maintaining just a bit of emotional distance. Trying not to cry while saying those words was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do.' See more: Using bioacoustics in conservation: How Malaysian researcher Dr Aini Hasanah is protecting our endangered gibbon populations Above Harjit says going for breast screenings should be routine, as common as other aspects of our wellness (Photo: Freepik) Balancing that fine line of caring deeply and supporting patients while knowing when to maintain emotional distance is not an easy task. Yet Harjit's priority remains the same—ensuring that she is there to walk that journey with her patients and offer honesty, support and presence through those tough times. 'We also learn that medicine is not just about doing everything—it's about knowing when not to. Some patients come to us with advanced disease where further aggressive treatment would offer no real benefit and only cause more harm. In those moments, the most compassionate choice might be palliative care and focusing on comfort and dignity rather than cure. That shift in thinking only comes with experience and maturity, and it's something I had to grow into over time,' she adds. 'Of course, as the science evolves, so must we. Breast cancer treatment has become far more holistic and personalised. It's no longer just about surgery—it's about understanding tumour biology, using targeted therapies, and choosing less invasive approaches where possible. We now know that 'less is more' in many situations.' Above Many women don't realise breast cancer can happen to anyone, not just older women or women who have gone through menopause, says Harjit(Photo: Getty) Touching on the evolving face of women's health and the gaps still apparent in how we approach breast cancer, Harjit shares these insights: 'Many women don't realise breast cancer can happen to anyone,' she says. 'There's a kind of blasé attitude, especially among younger women—they think they're too young, or that it's something that only happens after menopause. That may have been the case in the past, but not anymore.' 'We're now seeing breast cancer in women in their twenties and thirties—my youngest patient was just 19. That's why we really need to change how people think about breast health. It's not something you deal with only when you're older or once you feel a lump. In fact, in its early stages, breast cancer is completely painless. That's what makes it so dangerous, it can grow quietly for years without you even knowing it's there. By the time a lump becomes obvious or painful, it could already be advanced.' Being proactive, not reactive Knowing what we know today, what kind of mindset should younger women have about their breast health, even those with no family history of cancer? How do we as women normalise going for breast check-ups and screenings as casually as visiting our family doctor or getting a facial? 'I always recommend that women begin basic breast surveillance—like an ultrasound—every year from the age of 25, especially if there are any risk factors. And we need to normalise regular breast self-checks, so women are familiar with their own bodies and can notice even subtle changes.' 'Waiting for external prompts—like awareness campaigns or once-a-year screening events—before taking action is another issue. Breast health should be a personal priority all year round. It's your body, your life—investing that little bit of time each year could save it.' In a field that once offered women a grim 'mastectomy or nothing' ultimatum, Harjit's approach brings both precision and compassion. 'We're helping more women actually accept their diagnosis and go through with the treatment,' she says. 'When you tell a woman she has to lose her breast, and that's the only option, it's incredibly difficult—emotionally and psychologically. But when we're able to offer immediate reconstruction as part of the surgical plan, it changes how women respond. With proper counselling and the ability to present real options, they feel they have a way forward.' Her work has helped patients cope with the most difficult times of their lives, bringing dignity, choice, and emotional healing to the operating table. Still, she doesn't pretend any of it has been easy. 'You do face resistance or red tape,' she admits. 'It's about educating others, showing them the value of what you're proposing, and making sure it's a rational, well-thought-out idea. If you can do that, you'll usually find a way forward and things generally fall into place.' Dr Harjit attributes much of her unshakeable resolve to her mentor, Dato' Dr P. Kandasami. 'He is the person who truly made me a surgeon,' she says. 'He taught me that being a surgeon isn't just about skill—it's about listening, understanding, and being present for your patients.' Interestingly, Harjit's first career choice was law, and she spent three months at law school before realising that it wasn't for her. 'When I first chose surgery, even my father—who was a doctor himself—tried to dissuade me,' she shares. 'He said, 'You'll want to have children one day, how will you manage a career in surgery?'. Thankfully, I had a mentor who encouraged me to pursue what I was passionate about, and that support made all the difference. Women can thrive as surgeons and also have fulfilling personal lives—it just takes support.' She's living proof of that. Whether guiding patients through a diagnosis or inspiring the next generation of women surgeons, Harjit's presence in Malaysia's healthcare landscape is bold, compassionate, and enduring. 'I'm someone who needs human connection in my work,' she says. 'That's why I chose medicine—and why I've never looked back.' Front & Female Changemakers celebrates the extraordinary journeys of inspiring women who have emerged as powerful changemakers in a range of fields, offering a glimpse into their lives and showcasing their courage, vision and relentless pursuit of change and progress. From social entrepreneurs and business leaders to educators, artists, activists and scientists, Front & Female changemakers exemplify the ability to challenge the status quo and demonstrate the power of women to effect change.
Tatler Asia
10-06-2025
- Tatler Asia
7 traditional self-care practices that stand the test of time
2. Cupping Above This traditional self-care practice uses suction to promote circulation, release tension and rebalance the body's energy pathways. (Photo: Katherine Hanlon / Unsplash) The distinctive circular marks left by cupping therapy have become increasingly visible on athletes and celebrities, but this practice has been relieving pain for thousands of years. From ancient Egypt to Greece to China, cupping's persistence across cultures speaks to its effectiveness. Modern practitioners appreciate cupping's ability to improve circulation, reduce inflammation and provide natural stress relief without pharmaceutical intervention. The negative pressure created by heated cups offers a unique approach to muscle tension that complements rather than competes with contemporary treatments. Read more: Benefits of Chinese cupping 3. Gua sha What might sound harsh—scraping the skin—is actually one of the most gentle yet effective practices in the traditional wellness space. Dating back thousands of years to the Ming Dynasty in China, gua sha operates on the principle that stagnation creates disease, while movement promotes health. It involves scraping the skin with a smooth-edged tool (often jade or horn) to promote circulation and reduce inflammation. The simplicity of the technique makes it particularly appealing for those seeking wellness practices to incorporate into daily self-care. Read more: 8 things to know about gua sha, an ancient Chinese healing technique 4. Hilot Above Rooted in Filipino healing traditions, this intuitive self-care practice blends massage, herbal remedies and energy work to restore balance. (PHOTO: Alan Caishan / Unsplash) Long before massages became synonymous with luxury spas, Filipino manghihilot were practising their craft based on a profound understanding of the body's energy systems. This self-care practice centres on the belief that optimal health requires perfect harmony between life energies. Unlike standardised massage techniques, hilot relies on the practitioner's intuitive touch to identify areas of imbalance. The rhythmic strokes combined with traditional herbal remedies don't just address muscle tension; they improve circulation while providing measurable stress relief and mental clarity. It's personalised medicine at its most elemental. Read more: From spa packages to massages and retreats: The best ways to pamper yourself in Hong Kong and Asia 5. Jamu Walk through any Indonesian neighbourhood and you'll likely encounter a Jamu Gendong vendor carrying traditional herbal remedies. This Unesco-recognised practice represents more than commerce—it's a living tradition where self-care rituals meet personalised medicine. Made from turmeric, ginger and herbs, these concoctions operate on the principle of balancing hot and cold elements within the body. Modern science confirms what Indonesian grandmothers have long known: these golden elixirs reduce inflammation, boost immunity and aid digestion. 6. Onsen Japan's onsen culture transforms a basic human need—bathing—into a profound wellness ritual. This self-care practice in natural hot springs originally served Shinto purification purposes before evolving into an accessible community health practice. The mineral-rich waters improve circulation, ease joint pain and promote skin health, but the true magic lies in the meditative quality of the experience. Onsen bathing embodies sustainable self-care: using natural resources to create spaces for reflection and restoration that benefit both individual and community wellbeing. Read more: Bath and beyond: 7 onsen destinations in Japan for a splashing good time 7. Sound healing Tibetan singing bowls and gongs create more than beautiful sounds—they produce measurable brainwave changes that activate the parasympathetic nervous system. This ancient healing technique offers something especially valuable in our overstimulated world: a chance to tune in rather than tune out. Sound healing sessions provide natural stress relief through vibration rather than touch, making them accessible to those who prefer non-contact therapies. The practice demonstrates how self-care practices can take many forms, each offering unique pathways to restoration and balance.
