'What Women Want' Perimenopause Talk by PHKL & Parenhood Media (KitaParents)

Sometimes, all we need is a safe space to finally talk about the things we usually keep to ourselves. I spent a lovely evening at the “What Women Want (For Health)” sharing session, a collaboration between Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur (PHKL) and Parenthood Media’s community arm - KitaParents.

'What Women Want' Perimenopause Talk by PHKL & Parenhood Media (KitaParents)

It was such a cozy, honest environment, bridging the gap between medical facts and the actual, messy experiences we go through as women. The inaugural session, themed “Perimenopause Unfiltered,” took place on Tuesday, 17th March 2026, at Cyberjaya. 

This event marked the official debut of PHKL’s 2026 movement, “What Women Want (For Health),” which position PHKL as the quaternary hospital in Malaysia as a supportive space, where women can engage in safe, honest, and transparent conversations about their health journey.

Breaking the Silence on Perimenopause

For many Malaysian women, perimenopause has long been a misunderstood phase of life, frequently dismissed as "just stress" or signs of ageing. Through this initiative, PHKL bridged the gap between medical expertise and the everyday experiences of women in the community.

The evening featured Dr Premitha Damodaran, Consultant Obstetrics and Gynaecologists from Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur and also the Board Members of International Menopause Society (IMS), who led an interactive session, allowing attendees to seek professional guidance on symptoms that are often suffered in silence.

“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.”

Reflecting on the importance of the session, Dr Premitha shared:

"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."

Community-Led Dialogue and Shared Experiences

The gathering was attended by a group of moms from the Parenthood and KitaParents community. These participants engaged with table prompt cards featuring topics such as “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” to spark authentic dialogue that resonates with the modern Malaysian woman.

To maintain a "safe zone," the event also featured a Live Q&A session where moms can submit anonymous questions that were then addressed neutrally by Dr Premitha to ensure every participant felt heard without judgment. 

The evening concluded with a Buka Puasa and mingle session, providing a space for networking and community bonding over refreshments.

Perimenopause is a significant transition, and no woman should have to go through it 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 for help. Moms are encouraged to visit a specialist, such as the experts at Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur, to discuss their health concerns and find a management plan that works for them.

For more information and update about 'What Women Want' Perimenopause Talk by PHKL & Parenhood Media (KitaParents), please visit @pantaihospitalkualalumpur @parenthood.my @kitaparents Instagram #WhatWomenWant #PantaiHospitalKL #KitaParentsMY