3 of 5 in What is Menopause
Menopause in Malaysia
Malaysian women are living longer, so a third or more of their lives will now be spent after menopause.
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A third of life after menopause
In 2026, the average life expectancy of a Malaysian woman is 78.1 years. As the average age of menopause in Malaysia is 50.7 years, one third or more of her life will now be spent in the postmenopause: a state of oestrogen deficiency, when the body has much less oestrogen than before.
The most common symptoms in Malaysian women
In 2000, a study from an urban menopause clinic in Malaysia showed that hot flushes (56%) and generalised tiredness (49%) were the main symptoms in urban menopausal women.
More recently, a similar study in a similar urban setting found joint pains (73%) and fatigue (59.3%) to be the most common, followed by vasomotor symptoms (55%) such as hot flushes and night sweats.
Percentage of women in each study who reported the symptom.
Don't brush it aside
Malaysian women were also found to underestimate menopause-related problems, and many did not seek treatment.
Help is available
If symptoms are affecting your daily life, talk to your doctor. These pages can help you prepare:
Sources
- Department of Statistics Malaysia. Abridged Life Tables, Malaysia, 2026 (released 30 September 2026).
Keep learning
Signs & symptoms
From hot flushes and irregular periods to brain fog and joint pains.
Read moreTreatment & therapies
Lifestyle changes, MHT and non-hormonal options.
Read moreWhen to consult a doctor
Signs that it's time to get a check-up.
Read moreWorried about your symptoms?
Your doctor can help you work out what is going on and talk you through your options.