As the world marks Menopause Awareness Month, a growing body of research is shedding light on a widespread but rarely discussed issue among Filipino women: the silence surrounding menopause and its toll on health.
A regional study found that 83 percent of women in Metro Manila experience menopausal symptoms, yet a large majority do not seek medical help. Experts estimate that about eight in ten Filipino women go through this life stage without professional support.
Health specialists say this silence stems from long-held cultural attitudes that treat menopause as a natural, non-medical phase. Many Filipinas associate it with the loss of youth, leading to a tendency toward pagtitiis — enduring symptoms rather than seeking care.
The average age of menopause for Filipino women is 48, meaning many spend more than a third of their lives in post-menopause. Studies show that 70 percent of respondents are unaware that menopause raises the risk of osteoporosis, while 88 percent do not know about its link to heart disease.
“The only thing most women know is that their period stops,” said Dr. Lilia Alzate, who has studied menopause awareness in the country.
Medical experts also warn that weak institutional support worsens the situation. Efforts by groups such as the Philippine Society of Climacteric Medicine and the Philippine Obstetrical and Gynecological Society to set up menopause clinics nationwide have been slowed by limited resources, lack of training, and hesitation to prescribe hormone therapy.
Symptoms such as fatigue, joint pain, anxiety, and mood swings remain common and can disrupt daily life. Studies show that 79 percent of women experience psychological symptoms, while 89 percent report chronic tiredness. Prolonged estrogen loss can also increase the risk of heart disease and other long-term complications.
Recognizing these gaps, local wellness company Secondspring has launched a protein-based supplement tailored for women undergoing perimenopause and menopause. The product, Premium Women’s Blend, aims to support muscle and bone health through whey protein isolate, collagen peptides, and essential vitamins and minerals.
“Filipino women often endure this transition quietly — tiis lang,” said Secondspring founder Jasmin Vinculado. “But staying silent doesn’t help. Our bodies have specific nutritional needs, and it’s time we addressed them.”
Secondspring is the first Philippine brand accredited with the global MTick® certification for menopause-friendly products, which recognizes evidence-based support for menopausal wellness.
Co-founder Carlos Vargas said the initiative aims to change how menopause is viewed in the Philippines. “Midlife deserves full support. We want women to reclaim their strength and celebrate this transition,” he said.
Experts agree that menopause should not be seen as a loss, but as a new life stage that requires understanding and proactive health care. For many women, breaking the silence could be the first step toward better health and empowerment.
