THIS World Menopause Awareness Month, it’s time for mothers to step out from the shadow of silence around menopause. For Filipino parents, the health crisis of menopause often runs quietly in the background, shaping the choices we make every day for our families and ourselves. Research in Metro Manila reveals a striking truth: 83 percent of women report menopausal symptoms, but most-about 8 in 10-never seek medical help. If you’re a parent reading this, know that this silence is not strength; it places us at real risk, and it’s time to shift our parenting toward proactive wellness, for ourselves and those who look up to us.
Filipino women enter menopause at an average age of 48, spending up to a third of their lives in the post-menopausal stage. But cultural habits-especially the value of ‘pagtitiis,’ quiet endurance-often mean mothers, aunts, and even grandmothers bear symptoms alone, worrying that it shows weakness to voice discomfort. A parent’s resilience is admirable, but not at the cost of long-term health. Silence around menopause is rooted in old attitudes, influenced by Asian and Third World circumstances, and further strengthened by a lack of robust support systems.
Even when national societies advocate for menopause-focused clinics and health programs, the response struggles: limited infrastructure, lack of practitioner training, and hesitancy around hormone therapy create deep gaps in care. As parents, we teach health habits to our children; yet when it comes to our own hormonal health, most simply wait out symptoms, not realizing the stakes. In fact, 70 percent of women don’t know menopause raises osteoporosis risk, and 88 percent are unaware of its link to heart disease.
What is the difference between Peri-Menopause and Menopause? Menopause is marked by 12 months with no period, usually around 48, but its lead-up-perimenopause-can start in the late 30s or early 40s, lasting years. Fluctuating and declining hormones trigger symptoms ranging from joint aches, easy fatigue, and emotional shifts, to anxiety, brain fog, and skin changes. In Filipino hospital studies, psychological disorders hit 79 percent, easy fatigability 89 percent, while joint discomfort is the No. 1 reason women miss work. These changes impact our ability as parents and partners, straining relationships and challenging daily routines.
Critically, declining estrogen raises long-term risk for heart disease-the top killer of Filipino women-and spurs metabolic shifts. Ignoring symptoms isn’t just toughing it out; it means skipping vital preventive steps that ensure parents’ health for years to come.
Perimenopause, in particular, can reduce bone density by an average 10 percent and muscle mass by 0.6 percent per year post-menopause. Supporting ourselves with proper nutrition, especially protein, is essential. Lean muscle preserves metabolism, bone strength, and keeps parents active and engaged with our kids well into later life. Nutritional support begun in perimenopause helps manage symptoms, so we keep showing up for our families.
Recognizing this need, SecondSpring-a Philippine wellness brand-launched its Premium Women’s Blend, a protein supplement tailored for this life stage to give mothers tools to maintain strength and energy, so caring for children and running a household isn’t a battle against fatigue and discomfort.
SecondSpring includes proven ingredients: premium whey protein isolate for muscle, Verisol collagen peptides for skin, hair, and nail elasticity, and key vitamins and minerals like C, D3, B12, calcium and magnesium. All are backed by best practice standards, and uniquely for the Philippines the product carries the global MTick for menopause-friendly goods. That means parents can buy with trust, knowing it’s been rated for safety, efficacy, and real impact.
Brand founder Jasmin Vinculado puts it well: ‘Filipino women often endure this transition quietly-‘tiis lang’. But staying silent doesn’t serve anyone. Women are living 30-plus years post-menopause, and our bodies have specific nutritional needs during this transition. SecondSpring is about support-giving women tools to thrive, not just survive.’
Co-founder Carlos Vargas adds, ‘ SecondSpring is proof that midlife deserves full support. It’s not just a supplement; it’s a way to help women reclaim their strength, challenge cultural taboos, and celebrate an incredible transition.’
Whether you’re a parent in your 40s, an older sibling, or caring for your own aging mom, this transition calls for conversation. Let’s help our loved ones name their symptoms, seek professional advice, and make changes before major health issues arise. By being open about menopause as parents, we model for our children the value of self-care and truthful support.