Untreated Menopause: A Growing Concern for Women’s Health in Oregon

Recent research from the Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) has shed light on a troubling trend: a significant majority of women suffering from moderate to severe menopause symptoms are not receiving the care they need. According to the study, published in the journal Menopause, over 60% of these women remain untreated, and this issue is exacerbated among those with public insurance. This alarming gap in menopause care highlights a pressing public health concern that demands attention.

The Scope of the Problem

Menopause can substantially impact a woman’s quality of life, ushering in a host of disruptive symptoms such as hot flashes, mood swings, sleep disturbances, and vaginal discomfort. These physical and emotional changes not only diminish day-to-day activities but can also increase the risk of chronic diseases like cardiovascular issues, osteoporosis, and Type 2 diabetes. With an estimated 1.1 billion women expected to reach menopause by 2025, the lack of adequate menopause care presents a significant challenge that has, until now, been largely overlooked.

Dr. Maria Rodriguez, a professor of obstetrics and gynecology and director of the OHSU Center for Reproductive Health Equity, emphasizes the urgency of addressing this issue. “Menopause has been an area that’s been almost completely ignored,” she said. “The knowledge gap within our community is concerning and a disservice to women everywhere.”

Research Findings: Key Insights

In their examination of over 800 perimenopausal and postmenopausal women in Oregon, researchers discovered that more than 60% of participants with moderate to severe symptoms were not receiving any form of treatment. The disparity was even sharper among those with public insurance, who were statistically more likely to go untreated compared to their privately insured counterparts. Public insurance was associated with a staggering 47% increase in the likelihood of being untreated.

These findings not only underscore the need for better menopause care but also reveal significant geographic and economic barriers that often hinder access, particularly in rural areas. Rodriguez points out that rural communities generally struggle with health disparities, and publicly insured individuals are more likely to live in these isolated regions. She advocates for targeted outreach to improve education about the safe and effective treatment options available.

Barriers to Treatment: A Closer Look

The study revealed that one of the primary reasons for the lack of treatment is healthcare providers not recommending menopause therapies. This indicates a critical need for further education among healthcare professionals regarding the efficacy, safety, and variety of available treatment options.

Participants in the study also expressed considerable fears surrounding side effects and the overall safety of treatments, pointing to a need for enhanced outreach and education efforts at the patient level. “There’s a need for more basic research on how this transition affects health overall,” Dr. Rodriguez notes. “We also need to address this issue with better training of providers and improved education among patients.”

Innovative Solutions: Closing the Treatment Gap

In response to the findings, OHSU’s Center for Women’s Health has initiated several programs aimed at bridging the treatment gap in menopause care. One such initiative is the menopause-focused ECHO (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes) virtual program, designed to equip healthcare professionals across the state with the knowledge and tools needed to identify and effectively manage menopause symptoms.

Furthermore, OHSU has established a specialized menopause clinic featuring clinicians with advanced training in menopause management. The clinic also offers telehealth appointments, recognizing that many patients face obstacles to accessing in-person care.

Dr. Sara Cichowski, co-author of the study, emphasizes the importance of open discussions around menopause. “The symptoms brought on by menopause may profoundly impact quality of life, and we’ve learned that those symptoms may go untreated for years, leaving many patients to suffer in silence,” she says. “We need to develop care pathways that provide space for open discussion and empower patients to advocate for their needs.”

Conclusion: A Call to Action

The findings from OHSU’s recent study reveal a critical lack of access to menopause care that affects many women, especially those in rural and publicly insured populations. As awareness of menopause-related health issues grows, it is vital for healthcare providers to receive appropriate training and for patients to have access to education about their treatment options.

Addressing the gaps in menopause care is not just a medical necessity; it’s a significant step towards empowering women to take control of their health during this life transition. The need for dialogue, research, and improved care pathways has never been more pressing, and the healthcare community must rise to meet this challenge.