On October 20th, during an interview, Dr. Wang Haili, the chief physician at the Shanghai Medical Literature Museum, discussed the insights of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) regarding menopause. “TCM believes that menopause syndrome mainly stems from the imbalance of yin and yang in a woman’s body and dysfunction of the organs,” she explained. As women age, their kidney energy gradually diminishes, leading to reduced “tian gui” (heavenly essence), which disrupts the smooth flow of vital energy and blood, consequently causing a range of symptoms.
Menopause is an inevitable journey for every woman. During this time, the function of the ovaries declines, resulting in various physical changes for menopausal women. Among the most common symptoms are vascular constriction issues and neuropsychological disorders. These psychological issues manifest as irritability, anxiety, or feelings of depression and a lack of self-control. Dr. Wang emphasized that a combination of Western and Traditional Chinese Medicine treatment, along with psychological interventions, is crucial for addressing psychological issues related to menopause.
At this year’s “World Menopause Awareness Day,” with the theme “Collaborate for Health and Well-being,” Dr. Wang highlighted the positive effects of TCM dietary prescriptions and classic herbal formulas in alleviating menopausal symptoms. She noted that combining acupuncture with cognitive behavioral therapy and psychological support can help reduce anxiety and depression among menopausal individuals, ultimately enhancing their quality of life.
During the event, Yu Ying, head of the flexible talent introduction project focusing on “Community Menopause Health Promotion and Innovative Management” from Xidu Street Community Health Service Center in Shanghai’s Fengxian District, shared experiences in community-based menopausal care.
Fengxian District, recognized as one of the first national-level quality demonstration zones for maternal and child health, has been actively optimizing health management models for women throughout their life cycle. They are pushing forward key strategies to enhance standards, strengthen grassroots healthcare, and promote balanced health services. A health management service network for menopausal women has been established, and a dedicated team for managing menopausal health has been created. Initiatives like “Carnation Afternoon Tea,” “Happy Club,” and “Bone Health Pit Stops” have been launched to promote the well-being of menopausal women in the area.
Additionally, a three-year action plan for the “Core Competency Enhancement Project for Maternal and Child Health,” in collaboration with Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Public Health, has begun. This project aims to deepen the “Internet + Maternal and Child Health” service management model and create a digital health data platform for women and children’s medical care in the region, fostering a deeper integration of information technology with maternal and child health services.
The event was co-hosted by the Shanghai Maternal and Child Health Center, the Shanghai Health Promotion Center, and the Fengxian District Health Commission. Attendees had access to health check-ups, convenient TCM services, and bone density screening, with several experts from local medical institutions offering their health services to the community.
