PHKL Launched 'What Women Want' Movement with 'Sip & Share' Café Talk on Perimenopause

There are some conversations women tend to whisper about, and perimenopause is definitely one of them. I recently had the opportunity to attend the inaugural "Sip & Share" session hosted by Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur in collaboration with KitaParents, and it turned out to be a surprisingly empowering evening. 

Held in Cyberjaya, the event had the perfect warm atmosphere for real conversations. The theme "Perimenopause Unfiltered", couldn't have been more fitting. I'm fairly certain that most of the ladies can relate to this phase of life, being often misunderstood or dismissed as "part of getting older".

What made the session truly impactful was the sharing by Dr Premitha Damodaran, Consultant Obstetrics and Gynaecologists at Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur and also the Board Members of International Menopause Society (IMS). More than just medical facts, she bridged the gap between clinical knowledge and real-life experiences that many women quietly go through. 

"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."

Dr Premitha also highlighted something that deeply resonated with many of us : 

"As a specialist who has been advocating for menopause awareness for many years, I often see women in my clinic navigating perimenopause feeling isolated because they do not realise their symptoms are part of a larger hormonal shift. 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."

One of the most meaningful parts of the evening was the community interaction. Moms from the Parenthood and KitaParents community gathered around tables, engaging with prompt cards like : "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". These prompts sparked honest, heartfelt conversations, reminding us just how many shared experiences often go unspoken. 

The anonymous Q&A session further reinforced this safe space, allowing even the most personal or embarrassing questions to be addressed openly and without judgment. From sudden mood swings to unexplained fatigue, it became clear that many women have been silently facing these challenges without proper guidance or support. 

The evening ended on a warm note with a buka puasa and mingling session, an opportunity to connect, reflect and continue conversations in a more relaxed setting. More than just a health talk, this session marked the beginning of PHKL's "What Women Want" movement, one that aims to create more open, honest and community-driven conversations around women's health. 

Because the truth is, perimenopause is not just a phase to "get through". It's a significant life transition that deserves awareness, support and understanding. Most importantly, it's something no woman should have to face 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 to the experts at Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur for help.