Lack of Menopausal Education in Clinical Training is a Clear Gap in Care
Recently I shared an Instagram post that highlighted the need for every specialty to have some form of menopause-specific training. A 65-year-old woman came in during an urgent care shift with her third UTI in 3 months. When I asked her about this frequency, her response was, “This has really only been happening since I entered menopause.” As a Menopause Society Certified Practitioner, I was ready! “That isn’t just in your head,” I told her. “There’s actually a diagnosis called Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause and it means that your lack of estrogen may be causing you to have issues with UTIs, vaginal dryness, and other things!” I don’t think she thought her urgent care provider was going to land on vaginal hormones, she was just there for an antibiotic!
But this was another indication of how important training ALL clinicians in menopause care is! The orthopedists need to know how lack of estrogen can completely change bone structure. The neurologists need to be aware how headaches and dementias are related to estrogen levels. Gastroenterologists need to be aware of the changes to the gut, and the list goes on and on. The reason is there is no system in our body that doesn’t contain an estrogen receptor, so when estrogen decreases during perimenopause, if effects EVERYTHING!
I believe the tide is turning and a generation of women advocating for themselves will force primary care providers, specialists, physical therapists, mental health counselors, and all healthcare providers to have some working knowledge of midlife health. This will help with prevention and overall improve activities of daily living. And as I always say, when women are better taken care of, the community is strengthened and the world becomes a better place.
But what do you do if your clinician is not willing to consider the impact of hormones? I know this may be tough, but you either have to keep advocating and insisting they learn how to address midlife care or you find someone who does know what they are doing. That may be hard but I guarantee you, there are lots of women’s health advocates who are trying to bring the message to the masses. And as much as I would like to think that the system will show some quick change for the betterment of 51% of the population, I know change of any sort is difficult and can take a while.
If you are ready to start on your journey and you want someone who is trained as a generalist, AND a menopause provider, I would love to help build a blueprint plan to start tackling the many symptoms that perimenopause and menopause can create. Appointments are available by clicking the link at Sapphire Wellness today!
