Experts say menopause is being overly medicalized and treated “like a disease” and not a healthy part of aging.
They suggest that the once-taboo UK is now in the grips of a “menopause moment”, which means over-emphasizing negative experiences.
As a result, many high-income countries view menopause as a medical problem or hormone deficiency disorder with long-term health risks that are best managed with HRT.
In fact, many problems attributed to menopause could simply be the result of aging, they say.
Symptoms (such as changes in mood, brain function, and sexual problems) could simply be caused or worsened by stressful life events, such as raising children, working, or caring for elderly relatives.
HRT prescriptions for menopausal women have soared in recent years, with 11 million items distributed to help deal with symptoms in 2022/23. Experts attribute the increase to the “Davina effect” and increased awareness about menopause.
HRT prescriptions for menopausal women have soared in recent years, with 11 million items distributed to help deal with symptoms in 2022/23.
In an article published in The Lancet, they suggest that a new approach based on “health empowerment” is needed, where women are given the knowledge, confidence and self-determination to self-manage their health.
“While symptom management is important, a medicalized view of menopause can disempower women, lead to overtreatment, and overlook potential positive effects, such as better mental health with age and lack of menstruation. menstrual disorders and contraceptives,” they say. write.
Doctors should consider women’s lifestyles, such as sleep, alcohol consumption and smoking, which can worsen symptoms, while offering alternatives such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and hypnosis, they said. .
While HRT has been shown to improve sleep, memory and concentration in women who take it for hot flashes, it is “unlikely to have any effect in women without” hot flashes, they said.
And while it reduces the risk of bone fractures, evidence shows that these benefits may wane five years after stopping HRT.
If women want HRT, experts said doctors should provide “realistic information about the likely effects of treatment, the potential for residual symptoms, and the possibility of symptoms returning when treatment is stopped.”
While HRT has been shown to improve sleep, memory and concentration in women who take it for hot flashes, it is “unlikely to have any effect in women without” hot flashes, the researchers said in The Lancet. And while it reduces the risk of bone fractures, evidence shows that these benefits may diminish five years after stopping HRT (stock)
A second paper found no evidence of an increased risk of mental health disorders for women going through menopause.
“Based on the limited data, we do not find compelling evidence that the risk of anxiety, bipolar disorder, or psychosis is universally elevated during the menopause transition,” the team said.
Series co-author Professor Martha Hickey, from the University of Melbourne and the Royal Women’s Hospital, said: “The misconception that menopause is always a medical problem that consistently portends a decline in physical and mental health should be addressed. questioned throughout society.
‘Many women live rewarding lives during and after menopause, contributing to work, family life and wider society.
“Changing the narrative to view menopause as part of healthy aging can better empower women to navigate this stage of life and reduce fear and concern among those who have not yet experienced it.”
He said in a briefing that the team maintains that “menopause is not a disease.”
She said: “In a society that has very strong feelings about aging and women, this is believed to be a disease that heralds decline and decay among them.”
Dr Lydia Brown from the University of Melbourne said: “Menopause is experiencing a cultural moment and this is an opportunity for it to be recognized as a natural part of healthy aging for women who, with preparation and support, suitable, it is not possible. something to fear.’
But Dr Louise Newson, GP and menopause specialist who runs Newson Health, said: “Menopause is more than a collection of symptoms.
‘It is a cardiometabolic and inflammatory condition that leads to an increased risk of numerous diseases.
‘Talking about menopause as a “natural transition” or part of “healthy aging” ignores the very real suffering of many women with menopausal symptoms.’
HRT prescriptions for menopausal women have soared in recent years, with 11 million items distributed to help deal with symptoms in 2022/23.
Experts attribute the increase to the “Davina effect” and increased awareness about menopause.
Television personality Davina McCall has launched a series of documentaries about menopause which, along with the efforts of campaigners, has led to a huge rise in awareness.
On one show, the former Big Brother presenter, 56, spoke of her struggles with crippling symptoms when she was in her forties.