Menopause preparedness: perspectives for patient, provider, and policymaker consideration

Abstract

Objective: The aim of the study was to identify priorities to address unmet needs in clinical care, education, and access to treatment to improve quality of life for individuals during the menopause transition. Methods: The Society for Women's Health Research convened a working group of 13 experts to discuss updates in research, clinical practice, and policy on menopause. Participants included patient advocates, policy leaders, and clinical specialists and researchers from gynecology, reproductive endocrinology, psychiatry, and epidemiology. Overarching themes and recommendations for improving menopause care were identified and determined by consensus agreement of the participants at the conclusion of the meeting. Results: The Society for Women's Health Research Menopause Working Group identified gaps in clinical care, policy, and patient and provider education. Limited understanding of menopause by patients and clinicians contributes to delays in recognizing the menopause transition and engaging in symptom management. Recent studies on hormone therapy and alternative treatment options provide evidence to inform updates on existing policy recommendations and coverage. Conclusions: To improve care and quality of life for individuals during the menopause transition and after menopause, the working group recommends developing a more standardized approach to menopause preparedness that includes education for both patients and providers, as well as considering policy solutions to address regulatory barriers to care. Providers also need to factor in the diverse needs of individuals experiencing menopause in the development of their personalized care.

Cannabis use for menopause in women aged 35 and over: a cross-sectional survey on usage patterns and perceptions in Alberta, Canada

“…Appropriate menopause care may be complicated by the fact women may not attribute symptoms to menopause simply due to a lack of awareness about menopause 31 32. There is a well-recognised gap in menopause care,33 which is further influenced by societal stigma around menopause and ageing, as well as lack of healthcare provider training in this area 32. Women may be turning to cannabis because they are unaware of their options or may not be getting the care they need during menopause 32…”

“…31 32 There is a well-recognised gap in menopause care, 33 which is further influenced by societal stigma around menopause and ageing, as well as lack of healthcare provider training in this area. 32 Women may be turning to cannabis because they are unaware of their options or may not be getting the care they need during menopause. 32 Our results show women are using cannabis for menopause related symptoms.…”

Knowledge gaps and challenges in care for menopausal women

“…Increased awareness and education about perimenopause and menopause will allow compassionate, individualized, informed care, including lifestyle changes, behavioral or complementary strategies, or medical therapies, hormonal or nonhormonal. 27 As a medical society, we need to challenge the stigma associated with aging and menopause and educate ourselves and our patients to help women navigate this challenging time. •…”

Research and Professional Literature to Inform Practice, March/April 2023

“…These findings highlight possible implications of early menopause for an individual's sexual function, which is important both for sexual well‐being and because it correlates with life satisfaction 6 . Furthermore, individuals experiencing sexual dysfunction may be hesitant to share these problems with their health care provider, and similarly, many health care providers are not comfortable discussing and treating sexual dysfunction 7 . Participants in the climacteric group had the highest OR for experiencing vaginal dryness, which is easily treated with both hormonal and nonhormonal preparations if the patient and provider are comfortable enough to discuss the topic.…”

“…6 Furthermore, individuals experiencing sexual dysfunction may be hesitant to share these problems with their health care provider, and similarly, many health care providers are not comfortable discussing and treating sexual dysfunction. 7 Participants in the climacteric group had the highest OR for experiencing vaginal dryness, which is easily treated with both hormonal and nonhormonal preparations if the patient and provider are comfortable enough to discuss the topic. Knowledge of and comfort with both the physiologic and pathologic manifestations of the menopausal transition are critical for those who provide women's health care.…”