Asian Epidemiology and Society of the Menopause
N. Dusitsin*
Affiliation : * President, Thai Menopause Society
Life expectancy has increased progressively in developing Asia since World War II.
Improved sanitation, living standards and medical care are all contributing to this achievement.
The number of menopausal women is consequently increasing at an imposing rate.
Therefore
concern with menopause to improve women's rightful welfare and quality of life has become
a compelling issue in many Asian countries.
However, due to the paucity of domestic infor-
mations, Western style approach to the menopause has been largely adopted which may not
elicit optimum risk benefit and/or cost-effectiveness in a developing nation.
Commercialism
and inadequate understanding of menopause among health care providers as well as clients
may also lead to unwarranted practices such as the improper use of expensive diagnostic pro-
cedures and the over-use of medication.
Asian perspectives to menopause need to be formulated and developed through research
based on cultural and economic attributes, changing life styles and native morbidity. Emphases
must also focus on integrated health care, preventive measures, sexual health and alternative
therapeutic options.
Services for menopausal women should be incorporated into primary
health care system.
Information and counseling on menopause should be made available
readily and widely to create an awareness and felt-need among women to seek proper care.
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