The hormonal changes during menopause impact the entire body. This can be a lot to discuss in a typical 30-minute medical appointment.
Dr. Rajita Patil at UCLA Health wanted to make those appointments more effective. So, she created the Comprehensive Menopause Care program. To ensure doctors could quickly evaluate a patient’s overall well-being, she teamed up with specialists to develop specific algorithms for menopause care.
These algorithms help pinpoint each patient’s risks and areas needing attention. This means personalized care can be provided during limited appointment times. The tool has been well received at UCLA Health and has drawn interest from other healthcare institutions. Dr. Patil even filed a provisional patent to share it widely.
“This tool not only helps other institutions build menopause programs but also allows us to collect important data nationwide. That data can lead to better care in the future,” Dr. Patil explains.
There is a significant knowledge gap in menopause care, which is often overlooked in women’s health research funding. The new tool will generate valuable data for studies on symptoms and treatment effectiveness.
The UCLA Health menopause questionnaire covers key health areas: bone health, breast health, heart health, mental health, sleep quality, urinary health, digestive health, hot flashes, and lifestyle practices. Each response is evaluated using the algorithms, which assign color codes. Green means few issues, yellow suggests attention is needed, and red indicates serious concerns that may require referrals.
“This quick assessment gives providers a clear picture of the patient’s health. It allows us to focus on what matters most during the appointment,” says Dr. Patil. “This makes our discussions more meaningful and helps personalize treatment.”
The Comprehensive Menopause Care program started in August 2023. It includes six providers and collaborates with over 30 UCLA Health specialists from various fields affected by menopause. The program aims to grow even further, adding departments like gastrointestinal health and dermatology.
So far, the program has already helped over 1,000 patients, with plans to double that number by 2025.
Dr. Patil believes menopause is a unique time, presenting either challenges or opportunities for health. By assessing multiple health aspects at once, the aim is to enhance the quality of life now and in the future.
The tool has been embraced by the team at UCLA Health. Dr. Patil notes, “Everyone reports delivering better, safer, and more personalized care with it.”
Looking ahead, Dr. Patil plans to integrate this tool more with patients’ electronic medical records and explore using AI for tracking treatment results. She sees great potential in how this will improve patient care.
“This tool came about naturally and shows a better way to provide menopause care. Providers appreciate it, and patients are grateful for the attention they receive,” says Dr. Patil. “I want future generations to feel comfortable discussing menopause, to normalize, and even celebrate it.”
