Research shows that women experiencing menopause overwhelmingly support group consultations as a way to improve their quality of life. A recent study published in the BMC Women’s Health Journal examined the impact of menopause on women’s health by gathering women’s perspectives and experiences with group consultations.
Menopause, which occurs when menstruation stops due to a decline in ovarian follicular activity, affects nearly all women. It often takes place in their mid-forties or later and can cause significant symptoms that impact their daily lives. It is projected that by 2025, one billion women worldwide will have experienced menopause.
Recent studies have shown that untreated menopause symptoms, such as hot flashes, night sweats, and heart palpitations, can negatively affect employment productivity. On the other hand, a study by the UK Department for Work and Pensions has predicted that postmenopausal women in the workforce could contribute billions to the gross domestic product.
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is an effective method of treating menopause symptoms, but it is underutilized. A survey by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists found that 58% of women do not have access to local menopause services, highlighting the need for better menopause symptom management and group consultations.
To understand women’s informational needs, motivations, and interest in group-based healthcare, education, and support, a cross-sectional online survey was conducted in the United Kingdom. The survey included 953 participants aged 35 to 70 and evaluated their demographic information, menopause symptoms, and their willingness to participate in group consultations.
The findings revealed that 76% of the participants were interested in participating in menopause group consultations. Premenopausal women, in particular, expressed a desire to learn from the experiences of other women. Hot flashes and night sweats were reported by eight out of ten women surveyed, which aligns with previous studies.
On average, respondents experienced 10.7 menopausal symptoms. Sixty-one percent of participants sought medical advice for their symptoms, with the severity of symptoms being the primary trigger. Hormone replacement therapy was prescribed to 32% of respondents, while antidepressants, local estrogen, and testosterone were prescribed to smaller percentages.
Seventy-seven percent of the respondents expressed a willingness to participate in group consultations for menopause and felt comfortable sharing their experiences with others. Premenopausal women were almost three times as enthusiastic about group consultations, showing a desire to learn from others.
The authors of the study recommended changing the narrative surrounding menopause and its associated negative experiences. They emphasized the need for healthcare professionals to actively engage and provide support to women, acknowledging that their symptoms are real and treatment is essential. Group consultations can facilitate education and the effective use of medical interventions.
In conclusion, the research demonstrates the widespread support for group consultations among women experiencing menopause. However, it also highlights the lack of tools and knowledge that many women feel they have to manage menopause. Additional research and programs are needed to increase knowledge and confidence about menopause. Group consultations should be considered to enhance access to care and meet the growing demand for menopause-related support.
