Urgent: Silent Suffering Ends – Comprehensive Menopause & Perimenopause Program Launched in Vietnam
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam – Millions of women globally navigate the often-unseen challenges of perimenopause and menopause, a period marked by significant hormonal shifts and potential health risks. Now, a groundbreaking initiative at Ho Chi Minh City University Hospital, in collaboration with Abbott Vietnam, is offering a much-needed lifeline: a comprehensive health counseling program designed to empower women to proactively manage their health during this critical life stage. This is breaking news for women’s health, and a vital step towards destigmatizing and addressing a widespread, yet often ignored, health crisis. This article is optimized for Google News and SEO to ensure rapid indexing and accessibility.
The Hidden Struggles of Perimenopause & Menopause
For many women, the transition through perimenopause and menopause isn’t simply about the end of menstruation. It’s a complex physiological shift that can trigger a cascade of symptoms, from debilitating hot flashes and sleep disturbances to profound psychological effects like anxiety, mood swings, and difficulty concentrating. Ms. H., a 55-year-old resident of Ho Chi Minh City, embodies this experience. She endured weeks of insomnia, stress, and vaginal dryness, initially dismissing these changes as “normal” for her age. It wasn’t until a visit to the University Hospital that she understood she was entering perimenopause – a phase too often endured in silence.
Estrogen’s Crucial Role & The Risks of Decline
The root of many of these symptoms lies in the declining levels of estrogen, a hormone with far-reaching effects on a woman’s health. As Dr. Tran Quang Nam, Head of the Department of Endocrinology at Ho Chi Minh City University Hospital, explains, estrogen isn’t just about reproductive health. It’s a protector of the cardiovascular system, a regulator of blood lipids, and a key component in maintaining bone density. A drop in estrogen increases the risk of not only hot flashes and sleep disorders, but also weight gain, blood sugar fluctuations, osteoporosis, and a heightened susceptibility to chronic illnesses.
Beyond Physical Symptoms: The Psychological Impact
The impact extends beyond the physical realm. Dr. Vu Thi Thuy, a neurologist at the same hospital, highlights the neurological and psychological challenges women face. Short-term memory loss, difficulty concentrating, anxiety, irritability, and persistent sleep problems are common. Emerging research even suggests a potential link between early menopause and an increased risk of Alzheimer’s dementia, particularly in women with chronic insomnia or those who have undergone an oophorectomy. This underscores the critical importance of addressing mental health alongside endocrine and gynecological concerns.
A Multidisciplinary Approach to Wellness
Recognizing the interconnectedness of these challenges, Ho Chi Minh City University Hospital advocates for a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to care. This isn’t just about hormone therapy, although that can be a vital component for some. It encompasses clinical examinations, hormone testing, bone density measurements, psychoneurological evaluations, gynecological consultations, and personalized nutritional and exercise guidance. Lifestyle modifications and stress management techniques, tailored to individual needs and monitored by specialists, are also essential.
Don’t Ignore the Signals: Proactive Health is Key
Dr. Tran Nhat Thang, Head of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, emphasizes the importance of not dismissing symptoms. Irregular menstruation, vaginal dryness, decreased libido, painful intercourse, and emotional fluctuations are all signals that warrant medical attention. Furthermore, women over 50 are at increased risk for gynecological diseases and breast cancer, making regular screenings crucial. Ms. H.’s story serves as a powerful reminder that paying attention to your body and seeking support can dramatically improve your quality of life during this transition.
The “Comprehensive Health Counseling Program for Women Before and During Menopause” at Ho Chi Minh City University Hospital, supported by Abbott Vietnam, offers a vital resource for women seeking guidance and support. It’s a testament to the growing recognition that menopause and perimenopause aren’t simply inevitable stages to be endured, but opportunities to proactively manage health and embrace a new chapter with confidence.
Learn more and access the program here: https://bit.ly/tuvanbenhlymankinh