Only third of women given treatment for menopause, study suggests

A survey of more than 5,100 women found that many had struggled with hot flashes, sweats, bad moods, anxiety, and brain fog. One in three had received treatment, but 44 percent of them had waited more than a year and one in 10 had waited more than five years. Of the women whose symptoms were treated, 37 percent received hormone replacement therapy (HRT). About 23 percent were prescribed antidepressants, although the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) said they shouldn’t be given for symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats.

The research was carried out by the nonprofit group Newson Health Research and Education.

Dr. Louise Newson, a senior menopause specialist and family doctor who worked with Davina McCall on her most recent Channel 4 documentary, said, “Our survey confirmed that women are still facing delays in diagnosing their perimenopause and menopause, and too long wait to get HRT, if prescribed at all. Only 37 percent were offered HRT, and nearly half had to wait over a year to get it.

“A third of respondents were referred to at least three different hospital specialists when perimenopause and menopause were to be treated by a local family doctor in most cases. This is a tremendous waste of resources, including the increased stress and workload of primary care, not to mention women’s time. “

There are around 13 million menopausal women in the UK. Your periods will stop and you will no longer be able to get pregnant naturally.

Symptoms can appear years earlier and are known as perimenopause.

Of the 5,187 women surveyed online, 96 percent had symptoms. Around 70 percent were 45 to 55 years old. Three quarters had suffered for more than a year.

A separate Mumsnet and Gransnet survey of 1,096 women found that 14 percent had difficulty getting their GP to prescribe HRT.

Mumsnet founder Justine Roberts said, “Every day we see women talking about how much the symptoms are affecting their lives, but the drugs that can treat these symptoms are being kept out of their reach.”

Comment from Dr. Louise Newson

For two decades, women and healthcare professionals have been misinformed about the benefits and safety of HRT.

This has led to many women being mistakenly told that they cannot take it.

However, the Nice guidelines state that for the majority of women, the benefits of HRT outweigh the risks.

Menopause is a long-term hormone deficiency that can lead to an increased risk of heart disease, osteoporosis, type 2 diabetes, depression and dementia.

Many clinical studies clearly show that women who take HRT with body-identical hormones available from the NHS have a lower future risk of developing these diseases and dying from all causes, including breast cancer.

Diagnosis of perimenopause and menopause is usually clinical, which means that most women do not need an examination. Many can self-diagnose, especially by downloading the free app – balance-app.com – and completing a symptom questionnaire.

Symptoms include headache, palpitations, muscle and joint pain, memory loss, decreased stamina, and urinary tract problems.

When viewed in isolation, inappropriate research is often conducted.

But with improved training for medical staff, such as the free correspondence course offered by The Menopause Charity for family doctors, they will be able to make a quick diagnosis and reduce the need for repeated consultations and exams.

This will help them feel more confident about prescribing HRT so that women can benefit from it.

source https://dailyhealthynews.ca/only-third-of-women-given-treatment-for-menopause-study-suggests/