WHIPPANY, N.J. — With women spending an average of one-third of their lives in menopause and many symptoms persisting for seven years after their menstrual cycle ceases, Bayer commissioned two surveys conducted by The Harris Poll to explore the menopause experience for women and providers. These surveys identified gaps in the understanding of the menopause experience for both women and providers.
One survey, which surveyed approximately 1,000 U.S. women in menopause or post menopause aged 40-70, shows insights about the menopause experience and perceptions around care conversations. Among the surveyed women who did not discuss their menopause symptoms with a healthcare provider, some (34%) did not because they thought these symptoms were normal for their age, shedding light on the importance of proactive education and symptom validation for women entering menopause.
Menopause experience findings include:
- Of a provided list of 18 potential symptoms associated with menopause, the top five most common potential menopause symptoms that surveyed women ever experienced, even if not diagnosed as such, included weight gain (51%), waking up at night (48%), vasomotor symptoms (or “hot flashes”) (44%), mood swings/changes, low mood, and/or irritability (41%), and loss of libido/sexual desire (40%).3
- Among the 93% of surveyed women who experienced symptoms associated with menopause, more than 4 in 5 (88%) discussed their symptoms with their provider, with the following as their initial motivation:
- 41% to know if what they were experiencing was normal
- 33% because symptoms were disruptive to their quality of life
- 32% to understand potential treatment options
- 31% to learn more about menopause
- 31% to learn what was causing their symptoms
Approximately 600 healthcare providers (HCPs) with menopause experience or expertise (including 301 providers working in an OBGYN setting and 305 providers working in a primary care setting) were surveyed to offer personal perspectives of their patients’ menopause experience and the provider-patient interaction. Though provider perceptions may vary, these survey findings show what information gaps may exist between women in menopause and their providers.
Menopause care findings include:
- Nearly three-quarters (73%) of surveyed providers reported they typically proactively bring up menopause at an age-appropriate time (on average, age 45), while 50% of surveyed women who have discussed menopause with their provider say they themselves initiated the conversation.
- Over three-quarters (78%) of surveyed providers stated that they feel that at least half of their patients in menopause and post menopause between the ages of 40-70 were aware that changes in frequency/duration of periods are associated with menopause, whereas less than a third (31%) of surveyed women reported being aware of that connection.
- Under half (47%) of surveyed providers who bring up menopause, if a patient’s needs or symptoms suggest that a conversation would be helpful, reported using tools like health intake forms to collect information about patients’ menopause symptoms.3
- Surveyed women (89%) and providers (98%) agreed that menopause symptoms are worthy of medical treatment.
“Conducting regular research, such as surveys, is a useful tool in understanding the experiences and needs of women and those who provide their care. With current insights, we can better work together to advance how we deliver menopause care and tailored symptom management strategies to improve the experience of the menopause transition,” said Dr. Angie Lee, Executive Medical Director, Bayer Women’s Healthcare, U.S. Medical Affairs. “There are other milestones in women’s lives where, due to proactive provider education and public information, women may feel more prepared. We should aspire to place menopause education and awareness as part of the core talk track in women’s health.”
