There is something about a good cup of coffee, a cosy table, and a group of women who just get it. Conversations flow a little easier, the “Is it just me?” questions come out, and suddenly, things that once felt confusing or even a bit scary don’t feel so lonely anymore.
That was exactly the kind of space Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur set out to create with its very first “Sip & Share” session, in collaboration with Parenthood Media and the KitaParents community. Think less clinical talk, more heart-to-heart. Less medical jargon, more real-life stories.
Because let’s be honest, when it comes to perimenopause, most women have spent years quietly brushing things off. The mood swings? Probably stress. The sleepless nights? Just life. The sudden changes no one really warned you about? Well… surely it’s nothing, right?
This session gently flipped that script.
Held in a relaxed café setting in Kenangan Coffee, Cottage Walk, Cyberjaya, “Perimenopause Unfiltered” invited women to sit down, speak up, and finally connect the dots between what they have been feeling and what is actually happening in their bodies. No judgment, no awkwardness, just honest conversations, shared laughter, and quite a few “Oh wow, same!” moments across the table.
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, a Consultant Gynaecologist and women’s health and menopause specialist at PHKL, who led an interactive “Café Conversation” rather than a traditional medical lecture. As a Board Member of the International Menopause Society and President of the College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Academy of Medicine Malaysia, she shared her years of experience and deep expertise throughout the session.
“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.”
Dr Premitha Damodaran, Consultant Obstetrics and Gynaecologist from Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur
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.
