S.H.E’s Ella Chen opens up about early menopause — And why it’s time to normalise the conversation

Menopause is a natural stage in a woman’s life, typically occurring in her 40s or 50s, and is diagnosed after 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period, vaginal bleeding, or spotting. In Singapore, the average age for menopause is 49. While it is a normal part of ageing, menopause is still often shrouded by stigma and misconceptions. That’s why it’s so important to talk about menopause openly—to raise awareness, dispel myths, and foster understanding, especially during October, which marks World Menopause Month. Thankfully, celebrities such as Ella Chen, Xiang Yun, and Pauline Lan have candidly shared their experiences, encouraging the rest of us to do the same and normalise the conversation around this natural life stage.

Ella Chen

Back in 2023, at a public event, the 44-year-old Taiwanese singer, host, and S.H.E member was asked if she had ever felt pressure from elders to have a second child. She opened up candidly, revealing that irregular periods and night sweats had prompted her to consult a traditional Chinese medicine physician. It was then that she learned she was showing early signs of perimenopause—a reality that helped explain why the idea of a second child hadn’t been on her mind.

Xiang Yun

“I feel very depressed, even though I know it’s part of the natural ageing process that no one can avoid. I kept questioning myself every day, and it affected my self-confidence. I suddenly became easily irritated and sensitive to loud noises. I used to be a chatty, outgoing person who loved talking to everyone, but now I prefer keeping quiet and being alone,” the 64-year-old local actress revealed, recalling the symptoms she experienced during menopause.

In the same 2019 interview with local media, she highlighted the importance of family support: “Menopause suddenly hits you, and you’ll feel very lost. It’s like you’re drowning and don’t know how to swim. My family has really helped me a lot through this tough time.”

Zheng Wanling

Bravely opening up to help others, the TV star who rose to fame in the 1980s shared in a 2021 interview with Lianhe Zaobao that she experienced severe menopausal symptoms, including menstruating for three weeks straight. When she finally sought medical help, the doctor informed her that the prolonged bleeding had already compromised her health and warned that, if it continued, her organs could be “damaged one by one.”

The 59-year-old, who has since recovered, urged women to stay vigilant about their health during menopause: “Don’t assume that you’re in the pink of health all the time. I didn’t believe it either, because I didn’t look ill.”

Pauline Lan 

The television singer and host, often dubbed the unofficial “Fashion Queen” and best known for hosting Lady First, has never shied away from discussing her personal life—including her experiences with menopause. According to Taiwanese media, she has faced typical menopausal discomforts such as night sweats, insomnia, and weight gain. She even recalls waking up drenched from head to toe, with her bedsheets and pillows soaked in perspiration—even while the air conditioning was on. In 2022, at an event marking the 20th anniversary of the hit variety show, the then 56-year-old shared that she does not intend to have children, having already undergone menopause. She also admitted, “I’m someone who can’t take good care of a dog. I don’t think I can raise a child well.” However, over the past two decades, she has been adopting children in Africa and has since welcomed seven kids into her family.

Theresa Lee

55-year-old Hong Kong-Canadian actress Theresa Lee, best remembered for her role as Guo Xiang in the 1995 TV adaptation of The Return of the Condor Heroes (earning her the title “Most Beautiful Guo Xiang”), has opened up about a lesser-known side effect of menopause: red patches and rashes on her nose, cheeks, and chin. Responding to netizens’ and media comments about her “freckles” and “wrinkles,” the outspoken star has learned to embrace her appearance, sharing a selfie while explaining that menopause accelerates ageing. “There are many comments saying I am old. I am indeed old. Time really flies,” she said.

Han Go-eun

For the Korean actress, her menopause symptoms first became noticeable when she began experiencing chills. To manage them, she started taking supplements such as red ginseng, which alleviated her symptoms—but they returned as soon as she stopped, the 50-year-old shared on her own YouTube channel. The toned star also revealed that she gained 2 kg due to hormonal changes. She added that she felt “lighter after exercising” and encouraged women going through hormonal shifts to keep their bodies active.