Dear MMS Members,

Before we realise it, we are already at the end of 2023. This year we had the privilege of launching Menopause Support Group (MSG) on 6^th August 2023.

We had the Asia-Pacific Menopause Federation (APMF) 9^th Scientific Meeting at Bali in Indonesia from 6^th to 8^th October 2023, when the Malaysian Menopause Society took over the Presidency of APMF for 2 years.

We celebrated WMD on 15^th October 2023 at Eastin Hotel in Petaling Jaya. It was a full day event, well attended by over 200 participants comprising members, non-members, men and women. It is heartening to note that more men are attending our MMS events now. The medical lectures were given by three gynaecologists, a geriatrician, a nutritionist and a physiotherapist. The lectures ranged from cardiovascular disease in menopausal women, osteoporosis, sexual health, vaccination, nutrition and pelvic floor exercises. The audience was entertained with a saxophone performance, dancercise and a best-dressed competition. It was a successful event with a good spread of food, lots of camaraderie, fun and educational at the same time.

On 26^th November 2023, the Gleneagles Hospital Medini Johor organized the 2^nd All-Women Healthcare Symposium – For Healthcare Professionals in collaboration with the Malaysian Menopause Society (MMS) and the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) Johor. The theme was “Women in midlife and beyond: Embracing Evidence & Optimizing Care”. It was held at the Renaissance Hotel in Johor Bahru and attended by over 300 healthcare professionals from Malaysia and a big representation from Indonesia.

The second Menopause Support Group (MSG) meeting was held on 3^rd Dec 2023 at Avenue D’Vogue in Petaling Jaya. It was well received by both MMS and non-MMS members and was fully booked soon after it was announced. Both men and women attended this event and participated fully. The main lecture on cardiovascular disease was well received. The follow up discussions with lots of questions was lively and informative as Mrs J shared her experience with mitral valve regurgitation and how she is still living a full life with it. Participants enjoyed feasting on the free flow of masala tea and ginger tea as well as the widespread of scrumptious food. The general feeling was it was worth attending as the knowledge gained was practical and beneficial and they were looking forward to the 3^rd MSG on 25^th February 2024.

The MMS EXCO wishes you a very happy 2024. See you soon at the next MSG.

Dr Ho Choon Moy MD, FRCOG
President, Malaysian Menopause Society