More than part of ageing: NUH translates research into holistic menopausal care
Published on 17 October 2025
Menopause affects every woman differently. A new service at the National University Hospital offers evidence-based, holistic care to support women through this transition.
The service builds on findings from the Integrated Women’s Health Programme (IWHP) — a long-term study that has followed more than 1,200 Singaporean women aged 45 to 69 since 2014.
Researchers found that menopause is often accompanied by symptoms beyond the familiar hot flushes, including joint and muscle pain, sleep problems, anxiety and weight gain.
About three in ten women reported joint or muscle pain as their main symptom, while six in ten experienced at least one menopausal symptom rated moderate to extremely severe. Within seven years of entering menopause, one in five developed prediabetes or diabetes.
These findings highlight the need for a more holistic and proactive approach to midlife women’s health.
“This new clinic is designed to anticipate those associated risks — joint deterioration, metabolic issues, muscle loss — and manage them proactively," said Prof Yong Eu Leong, Head and Emeritus Consultant, Division of Benign Gynaecology, Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, NUH, and lead of the IWHP.
“This initiative builds on more than a decade of clinical research into women’s health at around the menopausal transition,” he added.
“Our goal is to help women sail through this phase of life confidently to stay in charge of their health, families and careers.”
From research to real-life impact
The upcoming one-stop Menopausal Service will bring together gynaecologists dedicated to menopausal care, family medicine specialists, mental-health specialists, physiotherapists, and dietitians to provide co-ordinated, multidisciplinary holistic care.
Women will be able to access personalised management plans that address symptoms such as poor sleep, anxiety and weight changes. The service will also offer integrated management for chronic conditions including obesity, hypertension, diabetes, osteoporosis, alongside preventive programmes designed to preserve muscle strength and mobility through midlife.
“Menopause can be challenging but it does not have to disrupt a woman’s quality of life,” said Prof Yong. “With the right care, women can continue to thrive as the pillars of their families, professions and communities.”
A lifespan approach to women’s health
The new service is part of NUH’s wider mission to enhance women’s health across every life stage, from reproductive years to healthy ageing. By integrating research and clinical practice, NUH aims to ensure that every woman receives personalised, science-backed care at midlife and beyond.
“This reflects our commitment to improving women’s health across all life stages, from reproductive to midlife and beyond,” said Prof Yong.
What NUH research reveals about menopause in Singapore1,200 women, aged 45–69 49 years Three in ten Six in ten One in five 2.6 times higher risk |
In consultation with Prof Yong Eu Leong, Head & Emeritus Consultant, Division of Benign Gynaecology, Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, NUH and Professor, Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, NUS Medicine.
