Real Talk

Why It’s Time We Talk About Perimenopause

by Alexa Villano
September 15, 2026

The Philippine Commission on Women and WMPOWER join forces to end the taboo around midlife health, protect women’s careers, and bring vital education to LGUs nationwide

For years, countless women in their 40s have quietly navigated bewildering bodily changes. From sudden hot flashes to bone-deep exhaustion, these symptoms often went unnamed—leaving women to silently suffer and, in many cases, make painful sacrifices in their careers. Today, we know these shifts by their real names: perimenopause and menopause.

To break the silence and bring midlife women’s health into the spotlight, the Women in Midlife for Partnership, Openness, Wellness, Equity, and Reform (WMPOWER) joined forces with the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW). The two groups formalized their partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing at the PCW office in Manila.

The MOU signing was led by PCW Chairwoman Ermelita Valdeavilla alongside WMPOWER co-founders Bel Laureola and Marilen Elizalde.

PCW chairwoman Ermelita Valdeavilla. Photo by Alexa Villano

Bringing Women’s Midlife Health to the Forefront

During the signing, Chairwoman Valdeavilla acknowledged the huge task ahead to elevate perimenopause awareness nationwide, emphasizing the urgency of the cause:

“This is Perimenopause Month, so we have to do this [awareness] within the month. The PCW has the power to issue circulars. So if it’s just informing the population in the provinces, then we can do the circular to the local government units.”

Valdeavilla added that the PCW holds the authority to guide corporate and government offices and hopes to leverage the network through the different commissioners in the government and non-government sectors PCW works with to amplify the advocacy.

Meanwhile, WMPOWER co-founder Bel Laureola shared that their group has been actively hosting talk series over the past four months.

“Iniisa-isa namin ang mga LGUs at barangays. Mahirap, but we have to start somewhere. The topic of perimenopause and menopause sobrang matagal nang nakatago, and it’s about time to fast-track it.”

Photo by Alexa Villano

An Overwhelming Response

The community response to WMPOWER’s awareness sessions—conducted across Taguig, Quezon City, San Juan, and Makati—reveals just how eager Filipino women are for accurate health information.

“The reception has been overwhelming,” Laureola shared. “Doon namin na-realize na marami pa rin palang questions and topics na gusto nilang ma-cover. So we are consistently coordinating with them.”

Beyond hormonal shifts, the coalition plans to tackle broader issues, including sexual health, conduct specialized workshops, and spearhead research focused on midlife women’s needs.

More Than Just a Midlife Phase

This milestone partnership between the PCW and WMPOWER is only the beginning. Beyond public education, the initiative aims to train barangay health workers and Gender and Development (GAD) Focal Point Systems to properly recognize and support perimenopausal and menopausal women.

By delivering evidence-based guidance to local communities and breaking long-held taboos, the movement sends a clear message: women’s health extends far beyond menstruation and maternal care. Midlife health matters, and supporting women through every transition empowers them to keep leading, loving, and thriving.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between perimenopause and menopause?

Perimenopause is the transition period leading up to menopause, during which a woman’s ovaries gradually begin to produce less estrogen. It can start in a woman’s 40s (or late 30s) and brings symptoms like irregular cycles, hot flashes, and mood changes. Menopause is officially diagnosed after 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period.

Why is the Philippine Commission on Women prioritizing midlife health?

Women’s health initiatives often focus heavily on maternal care and reproductive health. PCW’s partnership with WMPOWER addresses a major gap by expanding healthcare support to midlife women, protecting their quality of life, mental well-being, and career longevity.

How will this initiative reach local communities across the Philippines?

Through the MOU, PCW plans to issue policy circulars to corporate and government offices. Additionally, the partnership will train barangay health workers and leverage Gender and Development (GAD) Focal Point Systems to deliver evidence-based education directly to grassroots communities.