Peer-Reviewed Articles
The Society for Women’s Health Research (SWHR) published a perspective article in Menopause, the journal of the North American Menopause Society, with recommendations for improving care for individuals during the menopause transition. The recommendations were identified by SWHR’s 13-member Menopause Working Group, which met in January 2021 to discuss research, treatment, and policy interests related to menopause.
The menopause transition (perimenopause) is a period of hormonal change leading up to the end of a woman’s menstrual cycle, which generally occurs in a woman’s 40s or 50s. These hormonal changes can lead to a number of symptoms in the perimenopause period including irregular menstrual cycles, hot flashes, vaginal dryness, mood fluctuations, sleep disruptions, and cognitive difficulties. Symptoms vary widely between individuals and are commonly misdiagnosed, resulting in delays in appropriate management of symptoms.
Despite the fact that every woman living to older age will experience menopause, there is very little research and much stigma around the subject.
SWHR’s Menopause Working Group recommended the following to improve and standardize care during perimenopause and postmenopause:
Menopause is understudied in research, often misunderstood by providers and patients, and unaddressed in many areas of health care policy.
This material was created by the Society for Women’s Health Research (SWHR) and is intended to serve as a public educational and informative resource. This material may be cited or shared on external channels, websites, and blogs, with attribution given to SWHR, or printed and displayed in its original formatted version. SWHR encourages the sharing and reposting of its content in order to spread awareness around women’s health issues. For specific questions about sharing SWHR content, please reach out to [email protected].