As care providers, we should be ready to respond to our patients’ midlife concerns with accurate and evidence-based information. This article explores commonly prescribed preparations for managing vasomotor symptoms in menopause.
Women often seek medical care around the time of menopause, yet, in one survey, only 27% of Canadian women reported that their family physician proactively discussed menopause with them. The root of this care gap is thought to be the paucity of education that medical professionals have received regarding menopause in the last 20 years. Now, we try to include at least one question about menopausal symptoms proactively in our seemingly asymptomatic patients over the age of 40.
Women should be proactively educated at routine visits on menopause and the changes in the genital tract and anyone with vulvar and vaginal complaints should be offered a clinical exam to rule out secondary causes. GSM often continues to worsen with time if untreated. Daily use of vulvar and vaginal moisturizers and barrier creams to protect the skin from irritants may be helpful. Use of lubricants for intercourse should be recommended routinely. Many women will require pharmacotherapy in addition to non-hormonal treatments.
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