This World Menopause Awareness Month shines a light on an important yet rarely discussed health crisis: the prevalent silence around menopause that is negatively impacting Filipino women.
A survey of women in Metro Manila found that 83% of respondents experience menopausal symptoms, while other studies mention that the majority of women do not seek medical help. Experts link this to a deeply rooted cultural silence where menopause is dismissed as a natural phase, rather than one requiring medical and emotional support.
A Cultural and Systemic Health Gap
Menopause usually starts at age 48 years for Filipino women, meaning that they spend more than a third of their lives in post-menopause. But the social discomfort and the Filipino attitude of pagtitiis (forbearance) often keep women from seeking necessary care.
Calls for specialized menopause clinics have also struggled to gain traction. Despite calls from major medical bodies such as the Philippine Society of Climacteric Medicine and the Philippine Obstetrical and Gynecological Society, efforts for establishment have been hampered by a lack of support, limited training, and hesitancy in prescribing menopause hormone therapy.
The lack of accessible care has long-term consequences. Research shows that 70% of women are unaware of their increased risk of osteoporosis, and 88% are unaware of its link to heart disease, the leading cause of death among women in the country.
Supporting Women Through their Second Spring
Recognizing this gap and need for specialized midlife nutrition, SECONDSPRING®, a new Philippine-based wellness brand, launched its Premium Women’s Blend, SECONDSPRING Premium Isolate + Collagen — a unique protein supplement specifically formulated for women navigating perimenopause and menopause.
The blend combines whey protein isolate for lean muscle maintenance, VERISOL® bioactive collagen peptides for skin and hair health, and essential vitamins and minerals, including C, D3, B12, calcium, and magnesium.
“Filipino women often endure this transition quietly — to just deal with it without complaint — ‘tiis lang,'” said SECONDSPRING® Founder Jasmin Vinculado. “But staying silent doesn’t serve anyone. Women are living 30+ years post-menopause, and our bodies have specific nutritional needs during this transition. SECONDSPRING® is about giving women the targeted support they need to stay strong, healthy, and energized. This is about thriving in transition and making it our best life chapter yet.”
SECONDSPRING® is also the first Philippine brand accredited with MTick®, the global symbol for menopause-friendly products, recognizing evidence-based wellness solutions that meet international standards.
Co-Founder Carlos Vargas said, “We are not just selling a supplement; we are giving women a tool to reclaim their strength, challenge the cultural taboo, and celebrate this incredible transition.”
Redefining Midlife Wellness
The message is clear: Menopause is not a battle to be fought alone or an inevitable decline to be endured helplessly. By acknowledging the symptoms, seeking appropriate support, and being proactive about specific nutritional needs during perimenopause and menopause, women can take decisive action in preparing for an exciting new chapter in life.
This is the moment to be empowered, informed, and in control of one’s health, ensuring that the years ahead are defined by strength, wisdom, and vitality.
Learn more about navigating perimenopause, menopause, and beyond by visiting SECONDSPRING®’s website here, and by following their Facebook and Instagram.
