Menopause needs dedicated recognition and funding in the national health budget as it is not classified as a disease, says Dr Deboshree. — 123rf
MENOPAUSE is often overlooked in national health policies and budget priorities, as it remains largely unrecognised in medical classifications of health and disease.
A major barrier to adequate investment is the oversimplification of women’s health, says Dr Deboshree Ghosh of Taylor’s University’s Active Ageing Impact Lab. She notes that policies tend to focus narrowly on sexual and reproductive health, underrepresenting the true burden menopause places on women.
To effectively address the challenges posed by menopause, Dr Deboshree says Malaysia must adopt a gender-responsive budgeting approach in health policy.
“Gender-responsive budgeting recognises that individuals face different and often unequal constraints based on gender, which influence health outcomes and access to care.
“Specifically for menopause, this means developing targeted strategies that acknowledge the unique health, social and economic impacts of this transition.”
Dr Deboshree: Expanding mobile clinics, telemedicine, and the role of community health workers can help reach underserved areas.
She explains that this would require moving beyond traditional, one-size-fits-all frameworks for women’s health.
“More importantly, recognising menopause in policy encompasses not only healthcare services but also workplace policies designed to support women through this life stage.”
Currently, Malaysia is not investing enough in menopause- related services, especially considering the country’s ageing population and rising demand for care.
Dr Deboshree warns that by 2030, the population of women aged 45-55 – the typical age range for menopause – is expected to increase by almost 20%, according to the Malaysian Department of Statistics.
“The ageing population in Malaysia is already a cause for concern due to the estimated rise in the dependency ratio and potential workforce loss.
“On top of that, menopausal women often experience lost workdays, early retirement and reduced income – all of which undermine productivity and economic growth.
“Addressing menopause proactively is crucial to avoid further workforce decline and to maintain economic stability.
Apart from labour force issues, unmanaged menopause can lead to increased rates of cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis.”
While public awareness around menopause is growing, and a related industry is emerging to help manage its effects, Dr Deboshree says this growth brings challenges in both accessibility and credibility.
“Treatments such as hormone therapy and various supplements are available, with the market expected to reach up to US$91.3mil (RM429mil) by 2030 – but only for those who can afford them.
“With rising dependency ratios and falling household incomes, menopause-related services often become a low priority, especially since menopause has historically been seen as a natural condition that doesn’t need medical attention.”
Integrating menopause care into Malaysia’s broader healthcare system also presents practical hurdles – especially in how healthcare budgets are allocated amid growing pressure from other diseases.
And because menopause is not classified as a disease, Dr Deboshree argues it needs dedicated recognition and funding in the national health budget.
“To improve care and investment, Malaysia should allocate specific funds within the Health Ministry’s budget for dedicated menopause services.
“This includes support for treatments like hormone therapy, as well as patient education programmes to increase awareness and improve management.”
As hormone therapy can be expensive, Dr Deboshree recommends expanding public health insurance and subsidies to make menopause care more accessible – particularly for women with limited means.
“The same approach could apply to supplements and other management services.”
She stresses that targeted investments are especially needed for rural and vulnerable populations, who face additional barriers such as poor healthcare access and infrastructure.
“Expanding mobile clinics, telemedicine, and the role of community health workers can help reach underserved areas.
“Sustainability lies in managing menopause as women experience it – not just dealing with the long-term consequences like osteoporosis or cardiovascular disease, which will be much more expensive for the government to treat later,” she says.
