Mainstream Medicine Embraces Menopause as an Important Topic

Kathryn Clancy, a professor at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, recently shared her surprise at experiencing pre-menopausal symptoms at the age of 44. Despite being an expert in the field of menstrual cycles and having written a book about it, Clancy felt underprepared for the symptoms related to her uterus, ovaries, and breasts. This realization highlighted the lack of knowledge and preparation that most people have regarding menopause.

Menstruating individuals approaching menopause, typically between the ages of 45 and 55, often experience symptoms such as hot flashes, brain fog, changes in mood, sleep, and sexual function. However, due to the lack of discussion and education surrounding this stage of life, individuals are often uninformed. A study conducted in 2023 found that almost none of the post-menopausal women surveyed had learned about menopause in school, and half of them felt completely uninformed about this life stage.

Fortunately, there are indications that menopause is gaining more attention and recognition. Both the medical and business worlds are acknowledging the needs of the millions of people in the U.S. who go through menopause each year. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Astellas Pharma’s drug for treating menopausal hot flashes in 2023, and Bayer is currently developing a similar medication. Some companies are also starting to offer menopause benefits to their employees. Lawmakers are advocating for more research on menopause, and several startups focused on menopause care have emerged to complement traditional healthcare. For example, Alloy connects patients with menopause specialists through telehealth and sells wellness products tailored to those going through the transition.

Dr. Ghazaleh Moayedi, an ob-gyn based in Texas, has noticed a positive shift in the attention and interest given to people during the menopause transition. She attributes this change to the increasing number of women in influential positions in business, technology, and medicine, as well as the information-sharing power of social media.

However, addressing the challenges of menopause requires more than just well-marketed startups and new FDA-approved therapies that may not be accessible to all patients. Experts believe that a meaningful transformation will only occur when the core issues are addressed. This includes changing how research is conducted and disseminated, improving the training of doctors, and ensuring that women’s pain is taken seriously.

Dr. Sharon Malone, the chief medical advisor to Alloy, believes that the medical system’s difficulties with menopause can be traced back to 2002 when a study linked hormone therapy, which alleviates menopause symptoms, to increased risks of breast cancer and other serious conditions. However, further analysis and statements from researchers involved in the study clarified that the risks may have been overestimated, particularly for younger individuals. The North American Menopause Society stated in a 2022 position statement that hormone therapy has more benefits than risks for women under 60 and within 10 years of menopause, unless they have specific health complications. Yet, many doctors and health groups remain cautious.

There has also been a debate about the potential link between hormone therapy and a higher risk of dementia. Dr. Kejal Kantarci’s research at the Mayo Clinic suggests that this risk is not significant among younger individuals. However, conflicting results from different studies have contributed to the uncertainty.

The consequences of this ongoing debate and lack of consensus are evident in the medical field. A generation of doctors has not received adequate training in menopause treatment, leaving both patients and healthcare providers uncertain about how to manage menopausal symptoms. The issue goes beyond hormone therapy, as medical school curricula often neglect menopause education. Even doctors who do not specialize in obstetrics and gynecology may lack knowledge in women’s health, leading to misdiagnoses and overlooking menopause-related symptoms.

Another factor contributing to the lack of information is the focus of reproductive-science research. Most studies primarily involve individuals in their peak childbearing years, excluding adolescents and adults entering menopause. To address this gap, more studies and funding are needed to investigate menopause in individuals outside the main reproductive years. Although a bill was introduced in 2022 to allocate $100 million for menopause research in 2023 and 2024, it has not made progress.

Despite these challenges, the renewed attention given to menopause is encouraging. Patients are no longer accepting suffering as an inevitable part of being a woman. They are demanding better care and acknowledgement of their needs. The recognition of these issues paves the way for improvement in menopause care and education.