The Silent Struggle: Why women Are finally Demanding Better Menopause Care
A growing number of women are experiencing a significant decline in quality of life due to fluctuating hormone levels, yet often find themselves misdiagnosed or dismissed by healthcare providers. New national guidelines and dedicated clinics are emerging, but systemic change is needed to address the widespread gap in menopause care.
Earlier this fall, Sweden’s National Board of Health and Welfare issued its first national guidelines for menopause care, acknowledging the urgent need for improved support and knowledge within primary care settings. The guidelines emphasize the importance of healthcare professionals increasing their understanding of menopausal symptoms and providing effective assistance to women navigating this frequently enough-challenging life stage.
For years, many women have struggled to find adequate care for the complex and frequently enough debilitating symptoms associated with menopause. “Menopause happens like crazy. The children are getting older, you are in the middle of your career.women can feel that they are about to crash, but many do not understand what is happening themselves,” explains Elin Åberg, who runs a specialized menopause clinic.
Åberg’s experience highlights a critical issue: a lack of awareness and understanding surrounding the multifaceted nature of menopause. She recalls being surprised by women’s descriptions of diffuse, yet profoundly impactful symptoms during routine check-ups. At Vårdcentralen in Vallby, Västerås, general practitioners are now proactively referring patients of the appropriate age to the menopause clinic when conventional explanations for their physical and psychological issues are lacking.
the symptoms are varied and often debilitating, ranging from hot flashes and night sweats to sleep disturbances and vaginal dryness.These physical manifestations can impact daily life, affecting sleep, work, and relationships.The changes can also affect mucous membranes.
Though, the psychological impact frequently enough overshadows the physical symptoms. Patients frequently describe memory difficulties and a loss of enjoyment in activities they once loved. “You can’t bear to meet friends. The job works worse. You get to write post-it notes to remember,” Åberg shares. Alarmingly, healthcare providers often misattribute these symptoms to depression or exhaustion, prescribing antidepressants and sick leave instead of addressing the underlying hormonal changes.
Åberg advocates for a greater role for midwives in menopause care, leveraging their existing relationships with women throughout their lives. She believes that now is the ideal time to invest in this area of expertise, especially as birth rates decline.
At the menopause clinic, women frequently enough experience being truly heard for the first time. Recognizing that menopause cannot be definitively diagnosed with a single test, Åberg emphasizes the need for increased healthcare knowledge and dedicated time for discussing these frequently enough-vague complaints. Treatment options range from talk therapy and support to hormone therapy and localized estrogen treatments, tailored to each woman’s individual needs. “For me, this job is about increasing the quality of life. What bothers women the most, what do they want help with and how can I help with that,” she states.
While symptoms frequently enough subside in the 60s as estrogen levels stabilize, some women continue to experience hot flashes and dryness well into their 70s. Dry and fragile mucous membranes can lead to incontinence and urinary tract infections, but effective treatments are available. According to the national Board of Health and Welfare, hormone therapy coudl benefit more women than currently receive it, and even those who cannot take hormones have alternative options.
Åberg is hopeful that Sweden’s regional politicians will prioritize the new national guidelines and invest in strengthening menopause care across the country. While new clinics are emerging, access remains uneven.”Women have finally started to talk more openly about the menopause. we know that many are unwell. Now, if ever, healthcare needs to invest in this,” Åberg concludes.
Fact: So Many Are Affected
- Seven out of ten women between the ages of 45 and 60 experience some form of menopausal symptoms.
- Every third woman is unprepared for menopause.
- Every third woman experiences problems severe enough to seek care.
Source: National Board of Health and Welfare.
