Empowering Women: New Bill Mandates Menopause Education for Health Care Providers

Menopause has recently been in the spotlight, thanks to some celebrities raising awareness. Dr. Laura Bozzuto, head of UW Health’s Menopause Clinic in Madison, says this attention is a double-edged sword. “With the lack of reliable information, misinformation often creeps in,” she explained in an interview.

Promotions for unproven supplements and remedies aimed at easing menopause symptoms are becoming common, but they often lack scientific backing. To address this issue, Wisconsin lawmakers are pushing a bipartisan bill to enhance education on menopause and its precursor, perimenopause. “Menopause and perimenopause are frequently misunderstood and neglected,” said Senators Dianne Hesselbein and Rachael Cabral-Guevara, along with Representative Karen DeSanto.

The proposed bill would direct the Wisconsin Department of Health Services to collaborate with healthcare providers to create accurate informational resources. Dr. Bozzuto emphasized the need for high-quality, science-based information to help women understand what’s happening to their bodies during this transition.

Menopause 101

So, what happens during menopause? Dr. Bozzuto explained that as women age, their ovaries become less efficient in producing eggs and hormones, including estrogen. Menopause occurs when the ovaries stop releasing eggs, and a woman has not had her period for 12 consecutive months.

Perimenopause is the transitional phase leading up to menopause. During this time, women may start experiencing hormonal fluctuations and related symptoms.

Symptoms to Expect

The average age of menopause in the U.S. is roughly 51.5 years, with a normal range between 45 and 55. Many women experience symptoms in their 40s, which can include:

• Irregular periods
• Hot flashes
• Night sweats
• Sleep disturbances
• Mood swings, including increased anxiety or irritability

A New Treatment Option

Recently, a non-hormonal therapy called VEOZAH (fezolinetant) received FDA approval. This medication targets neurons in the brain affected by estrogen changes. Early results show significant symptom relief within just two weeks for many women.

Dr. Bozzuto noted that both hormonal and non-hormonal options are available. For women with conditions like blood clots or certain cancers, non-hormonal treatments provide a safe alternative for symptom management.

Lifestyle Changes

While lifestyle changes might not completely eliminate hot flashes, they can help mitigate their impact. Simple actions like wearing layers, using fans, or losing weight can make a difference.

Dr. Bozzuto also mentioned that cognitive-behavioral therapy has shown good results in managing the distress associated with hot flashes.

Reducing the Stigma

Menopause is a natural process, yet it often carries stigma. “Half the population experiences this life stage, much like puberty,” Dr. Bozzuto shared. She hopes that increased educational resources will help normalize the conversation around menopause, making it less of a taboo topic.

Conclusion

Menopause is a natural part of life, but it deserves more understanding and attention. As we see more discussions and improved resources, it’s crucial to dispel myths and provide accurate information. Awareness can lead to better support for those experiencing this transition, ensuring they feel empowered and informed.

For further detailed analysis, you can refer to resources like The North American Menopause Society.

Source link