About 34 percent of Taiwanese women between the ages of 45 and 60 suffer from menopause silently because they fear being stigmatized, the Taiwanese Association of Menopause said Tuesday, urging menopausal women to seek early medical attention which can reduce the discomfort. Studies show that 45 percent of Taiwanese women of menopausal age complain of the usual discomfort that accompanies menopause, including flushes, insomnia, vaginal dryness, fatigue, excessive sweating, reduced libido, frequent urination, and mood swings, according to Lee Chyi-long, chairman of the association. However, 34 percent Taiwanese women who suffer such symptoms are reluctant to seek professional help for fear of being labeled, said Lee, who is also director of Chang Gung Memorial Hospital's Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Instead, many suffering women turn to nutritional supplements or exercise to help alleviate their discomfort, Lee said. While some supplements such as calcium, and regular aerobic exercise can help lessen minor complications, it is important to seek professional medical help, such as hormone replacement therapy (HRT), if the symptoms linger or worsen, Lee advised. A 58 year-old cosmetologist surnamed Chia said during menopause that 'my life was turned upside down.' 'I was sweating so much that it felt like I had plunged into the pool three or four times a day. It was embarrassing and humiliating, 'she said, adding that her severe mood swings also took a toll on her relationship with her family. Chia said at first she did not know that she was experiencing menopause so she went to different doctors, such as an orthopedic specialist for her back pain and other complications. But she finally realized that she was going through menopause, and sought proper help. The quality of her life improved dramatically after a few months of proper diet and hormone replacement therapy. But the percentage of Taiwanese women of menopausal age suffering from menopause is actually much lower than the over 80 percent of their American and European counterparts, said Lee. A possible explanation for the difference is that Taiwanese women consume a high-legume, soy bean-based diet, which contains phytoestrogen, a natural chemical some believe helps ease the discomfort. Lee shared. Moreover, due to the close-knit structure of families in Taiwan, many women feel emotionally supported through the process, he added. 