I was delighted to see menopause in the spotlight on Davina McCall's programme, Sex, Myths and the Menopause, raising awareness of the effects of the menopause, for which the impact can be devastating, and what options are available. Two main issues of concern were raised--provision of information for women and education of GPs.
From the women interviewed and from previous surveys, including from the British Menopause Society, it is clear that many women are not prepared for the onset of perimenopause and menopause, and do not always receive the advice and support that they need from their primary care teams. We know that there has been a huge upsurge in development of resources for women over recent years with websites, support groups, festivals, and much more, not to mention Menopause Matters website (launched January 2002!), Menopause Matters magazine (since 2005!) and Women's Health Concern; patient support from the British Menopause Society. There has also been a massive increase in provision of education for healthcare professionals in the form of meetings, publications, webinars, particularly from the British Menopause society, whose membership is now at an all time high, and meetings are full or over subscribed.
Therefore why still the problem?
Women are entering the transition phase of changing ovarian function every day. Perimenopause and menopause can present in many ways, not just in the form of well known flushes, and women may only start to look for information if they recognise that these symptoms may be hormone related, and if they realise that these changes can start in the early to mid 40s, or earlier.
Menopause education in schools is key in early preparation and those of us committed to providing information and support must just keep doing what we are doing, and embrace opportunities and creative ways of delivering.
Despite the criticisms expressed about the lack of menopause training and knowledge by GPs, most menopause management is provided appropriately by knowledgeable primary care teams. Implementation of the BMS vision for menopause care in the UK is essential to address the lack of consistency and implementation needs to be progressed urgently.
I am excited about the future of menopause care in the UK since, while much has been achieved, so much more is possible, and will continue to work tirelessly through Menopause Matters and BMS, and link with other organisations so that together we can continue to make a difference!
Well said and good work over the years from Menopause Matters and the British Menopause society
ReplyDeleteThank you
I thought the programme was heavily biased towards HRT and did little to explain what you could do if this route wasnt an option for you. As a survivor of oestrogen receptor breast cancer, the options of phyto oetrogens is also not an option nor can I have dairy for the same reason. The programme left me feeling I was inevitably going to end up on the scrap heap with brittle bones and dementia - Not helpful at all.
ReplyDeleteI agree completely, and you are right as I am now on that scrap heap with osteoporosis and two heart attacks. I have complex health problems and had my ovaries removed in my thirties-with no advice, no help nothing. Now I am reaping the benefits.
DeleteI thought the same, although it was good to see the facts and figures surrounding the risks of HRT, I am still in too many high risk categories to consider it myself.
DeleteI agree with your comments as I also was left with lots of questions! Looking at the comments on the social media accounts connected to the programme, it has been suggested that a series of programmes might be considered as the programme makers had huge difficulties deciding the content of a programme lasting just an hour.
ReplyDeleteYou could have a look at the Balance app, I’ve found this really useful.
I agree with your comments as I also was left with lots of questions! Looking at the comments on the social media accounts connected to the programme, it has been suggested that a series of programmes might be considered as the programme makers had huge difficulties deciding the content of a programme lasting just an hour.
ReplyDeleteYou could have a look at the Balance app, I’ve found this really useful.
I agree with your comments as I also was left with lots of questions! Looking at the comments on the social media accounts connected to the programme, it has been suggested that a series of programmes might be considered as the programme makers had huge difficulties deciding the content of a programme lasting just an hour.
ReplyDeleteYou could have a look at the Balance app, I’ve found this really useful.
Apologies - each time I try to go back to the homepage it seems to publish my comment again 🙄
ReplyDeleteGiven that the evidence seems to suggest that lack of estrogen has a deleterious effect on the brain, does this indicate that - ideally - we should go onto HRT as soon as estrogen levels start to dip (peri-menopause) and then stay on it for ever? If we stop HRT, won't estrogen levels then plummet, and we'll simply have delayed, rather than stalled, the onset of brain deterioration?
ReplyDelete