Menopause club opens in Shanghai
(Shanghai Daily)
Updated: 2006-01-24 08:50

The city's first club for women facing menopause was opened at the Shanghai International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital over the weekend.

The club's medical experts will provide monthly courses for members.

"We have doctors specializing in nutrition, gynecology, traditional Chinese medicine, psychology and sports rehabilitation to teach women how to prevent diseases and improve health," said Zhang Guihong, the hospital's vice president.

"Many women experience discomfort during menopause, also a key period to prevent and control diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, osteoporosis and ovarian cancer."

An annual membership costs 1,200 yuan (US$148), including 12 courses and a physical exam specializing in women's diseases.

One woman said the club was a good idea.

"There are so many tonics in the market and various Chinese herbs for menopause. We long for professional consultation and direction," said Chen Chen, 40. "I suffer some symptoms of menopause like irritability and fatigue."

Menopause is a natural process that all women experience, usually between the ages of 45 and 55. After menopause a woman's menstrual cycle ends and she can no longer conceive a child.

A change in hormone levels can lead to weight gain, hot flushes, insomnia, joint pain, fatigue, short-term memory problems and mood swings.