Understanding Attitudes, Beliefs, and Behaviors Surrounding Menopause Transition: Results from Three Surveys

Culturally responsive care for menopausal women

The experience of menopause is not "one size fits all." Instead, biologic, physiologic, and sociocultural factors strongly affect women's experiences of menopause symptoms and the ways in which they would like to manage their care. By providing culturally sensitive and patient-centered care, clinicians may be able to improve menopause experiences for all of their patients. However, a literature review revealed a lack of information about culturally responsive care for menopause. The first objective of this review is to discuss the ways in which sociocultural identity influences menopause care-seeking and management. The second objective is to introduce a framework of culturally responsive care for menopause.

Addressing sociodemographic, socioeconomic, and gendered disparities for equity in menopause care

Menopause experiences and care vary widely because of biological, sociodemographic, and sociocultural factors. Treatments for troublesome symptoms are not uniformly available or accessed. Intersectional factors may affect the experience and are poorly understood. Disparities across populations highlight the opportunity for a multifaceted equitable approach that includes patient-centered care, education, and policy change.

Vaginal dryness: a review of current understanding and management strategies

The issue of vaginal dryness in genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) and its pervasive impact on women's quality of life is often overlooked. Extensive surveys conducted worldwide reveal limited understanding of vaginal dryness among public and health-care providers. Physician knowledge on menopause medicine varies globally, highlighting the need for standardized training. Effective communication between physicians and patients plays a crucial role in diagnosing and treating GSM symptoms. There are multiple treatment options to improve vaginal lubrication, including hormonal and non-hormonal therapies, along with lifestyle modifications. Tailoring treatments to individual patient preferences is crucial for compliance. Overall, GSM is multifaceted, from the prevalence of vaginal dryness to the nuances of treatment preferences. The urgency of widespread education and awareness of this matter must be underscored to meet the aim of enhancing the well-being and quality of life for women.

Health-Seeking Behaviors and Treatments Received for Menopause Symptoms: A Questionnaire Survey among Midlife Women Attending Primary Healthcare Clinics in Malaysia

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to assess menopause symptoms, treatment-seeking behaviors, treatments received, and factors associated with seeking consultation from healthcare providers (HCPs).

METHODS

Using a self-administered Menopause Quick-6 in the Malay language (MQ6[M]) questionnaire, we surveyed 349 women aged 40-60 years attending primary healthcare clinics in four states in Malaysia for their menopause symptoms. Health-seeking behaviors for menopause symptoms were assessed using questions regarding HCPs consulted and treatments prescribed. Binary logistic regression was employed on factors associated with seeking consultation for menopause symptoms.

RESULTS

Using MQ6(M), we observed that 125 (31.3%) women reported at least one menopause symptom, with joint pains (42.8%), menstrual changes (39.5%), and hot flashes (29.3%) being the most frequent symptoms. Furthermore, 60% of the women were prescribed vitamins, and only 13% were administered Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). Medical comorbidities, the presence of at least one gynecological condition, menopause status, and MQ6(M) score were associated with seeking consultation with an HCP. For women with medical conditions, the odds of seeking consultation increased by a factor of 1.34 (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1.34; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.11-1.76) for every additional comorbidity. The odds of seeking consultation from an HCP increased by a factor of 1.26 (AOR, 1.26; 95% CI, 1.04-1.47) with a unit increase in MQ6(M) score.

CONCLUSIONS

Most women had menopause symptoms but favored the use of complementary and alternative medicine over HRT. Screening and awareness of menopause treatments need to be improved at primary healthcare clinics.