Hong Kong Menopause Society Launches to Raise Awareness & Support Women’s Health
Hong Kong will soon have a novel resource for women navigating the often-disorienting experience of perimenopause and menopause. The Hong Kong Menopause Society (THKMS), co-founded by doctors Rebecca Lau, Zara Chan, and Laurena Law, is scheduled to officially launch on March 28, 2026.
The impetus for the society stems from a long-standing tendency for Hong Kong women to downplay or dismiss the symptoms of hormonal transition, often attributing hot flushes to stress, mood swings to family pressures, and fatigue to the natural process of aging. Dr. Lau explained that this societal pressure can have ripple effects, straining relationships and impacting family dynamics. “Menopause ripples through every corner of society,” she said, noting instances of husbands seeking reassurance that their wives’ changes in intimacy weren’t a rejection, but a physical consequence of menopause. She also described children expressing confusion and frustration over perceived changes in their mothers’ behavior.
The THKMS aims to address this gap in awareness and support by providing a forum for education, community building, and normalizing conversations around perimenopause and menopause. Membership is open to all doctors in Hong Kong, fostering a network of medical professionals equipped to address the diverse needs of women experiencing these life stages. The society intends to offer resources for both women and their families, recognizing the broad impact of hormonal changes.
Symptoms of menopause, according to the THKMS, can range from hot flushes and sleep disturbances to mood changes, fatigue, vaginal dryness, joint pain, and difficulty with concentration. The organization highlights that the perimenopausal transition, which can last for several years, often involves fluctuating hormone levels and irregular periods, and can be a particularly distressing time for many women. The THKMS website defines perimenopause as the period leading up to menopause, diagnosed after 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period.
A film screening of “The M Factor 2: Before The Pause (Perimenopause)” will mark the society’s launch on March 28th at 88 Queensway in Hong Kong. The event will include panel discussions in both English and Cantonese, featuring gynecologists, psychologists, nutritionists, and patient advocates, focusing on commonly overlooked symptoms and early management strategies. The original “M Factor” documentary explored the impact of hormones on women’s health, and the sequel continues that conversation.
The Hong Kong Menopause Society is positioning itself as a premier resource, offering expert articles, bilingual materials, and local event information, alongside integration with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches. The society’s launch comes as awareness of menopause and perimenopause gains momentum globally, but Hong Kong has, until now, lacked a dedicated organization focused on local needs and resources.