Providers: It’s Time to Talk About Menopause
Why don’t most providers talk about menopause with their patients? One reason is they don’t have the information for informed discussion and advice. America is known for its youth-glorifying culture, and for most women, menopause remains a taboo topic of discussion. Why? Menopause is connected to equally stigmatized topics such as age and sex, topics no one wants to acknowledge. However, as more women reach midlife, menopause is coming out of the shadows. Those who will or have experienced it are reaching out more now than ever to their providers wanting to understand what is happening to their bodies, and what they can do about it.
What does physical therapy have to do with menopause?
Menopause significantly impacts the neuromuscular system in various ways. Collaborative, wholistic, patient-centered care requires ALL providers who routinely care for women to screen for menopause-related changes that impact physical and emotional health. Women want consistent messaging that is evidence-based. Unfortunately, most medical schools still don’t provide education specific to menopause, so it is no surprise that many providers are uncomfortable talking about menopause concerns with their patients, don’t know how to screen for or recognize menopause-related disease risks, and don’t have answers to their patient’s questions. Physical therapists and other providers educated about menopause can make a huge difference by providing timely guidance for individual symptoms and future risks related to hormonal changes. Whether you are a PT, physician, nurse, counselor, or other healthcare providers, empower yourself with the education you need to tell your patients, “Let’s talk about this, and let me help you.” Then you can empower your patients with valuable information they need about menopause to manage their current and future health.
How equipped are you to guide your patients through menopause?
Our (Pre)Menopause Matters course (found at: www.snowdenlitos.com) is relevant for healthcare professionals including physical therapists seeking accurate information, simple screening tools, and current interventions related to menopause. We did the work of gathering the latest evidence on how to quickly screen all women for menopause-related symptoms and individual risk factors to provide guidance about healthy habits, and effective interventions to mitigate symptoms and future disease. Early education for women is the key to maintaining optimal health. This critical knowledge is available for you to learn at your own pace using our educational online format.
Getting older doesn’t have to be a scary experience for our patients. It’s more than understanding how to alleviate hot flashes. Hormonal changes alter medical risk factors, and women deserve and rely on educated healthcare professionals for support and guidance in facilitating optimal health now and long term. We’ve made it easier for you with our comprehensive online course, so you can make it easier for your patients. Women no longer tolerate being defined by their reproductive status. It’s time to help guide them out of the darkness regarding this natural stage of life. Learn the latest evidence, and talk about it!
