Rethinking Menopausal Hormone Therapy: For Whom, What, When, and How Long?

Menopausal hormone therapy (HT) was widely used in the past, but with the publication of seminal primary and secondary prevention trials that reported an excess cardiovascular risk with combined estrogen-progestin, HT use declined significantly. However, over the past 20 years, much has been learned about the relationship between the timing of HT use with respect to age and time since menopause, HT route of administration, and cardiovascular disease risk. Four leading medical societies recommend HT for the treatment of menopausal women with bothersome menopausal symptoms. In this context, this review, led by the American College of Cardiology Cardiolovascular Disease in Women Committee, along with leading gynecologists, women's health internists, and endocrinologists, aims to provide guidance on HT use, including the selection of patients and HT formulation with a focus on caring for symptomatic women with cardiovascular disease risk.

History of infertility and sexual dysfunction in midlife women: Is there a link?

BACKGROUND: Infertility has been linked with an increased risk of sexual dysfunction in reproductive-aged women, with longer periods of infertility associated with a greater risk. AIM: The study's aim was to examine whether a history of infertility treatment in women is linked to sexual dysfunction during midlife. METHODS: The cross-sectional study was conducted among sexually active women, between the ages of 45 and 65 years, who sought consultation at the women's health clinics at a US tertiary care center. History of infertility treatment was assessed with a single question that asked participants if they were treated for infertility in the past. The association between a history of infertility treatment and sexual dysfunction-which was diagnosed by a combination of Female Sexual Function Index score ≤26.55 and Female Sexual Distress Scale-Revised score ≥11-was assessed in a multivariable logistic regression model that adjusted for multiple confounders. OUTCOMES: The primary outcome was sexual dysfunction in midlife women. RESULTS: The analysis included 5912 women, with a mean age of 54.1 years. Nearly 16% of women reported receiving treatment for infertility. More than half the women (55%) had sexual dysfunction: 56.3% of those with previous fertility treatments and 54.4% of those without any fertility treatment (P = .3). Receiving treatment for infertility in the younger years did not significantly increase the odds of sexual dysfunction in midlife in univariate (odds ratio, 1.08; 95% CI, 0.94-1.24; P = .3) and multivariable analyses (odds ratio, 1.11; 95% CI, 0.96-1.29; P = .17). CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: While infertility is known to be predictive of sexual dysfunction in women during their reproductive years, there was no association between a history of infertility treatment and sexual dysfunction in midlife women in the current study. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS: The study used validated questionnaires accounting for sexual complaints and distress and adjusted for multiple confounding factors. Limitations include the selection bias introduced by the study of women presenting for evaluation of sexual dysfunction, which may have been a result of factors stronger than the influence of infertility. Other limitations include the study's cross-sectional nature with suboptimal racial and ethnic representation. CONCLUSION: Although infertility is commonly associated with female sexual dysfunction in women of reproductive age, the association was not present in midlife women in the current study.

Sex as an independent variable in the measurement of satiation: a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Satiation is a key component of food intake regulation as it brings an eating episode to an end. The effect of sex on satiation measurement has not been characterized. OBJECTIVE: To assess the effects of biological variables on satiation. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. We included 959 participants (mean age 39 [SD 12] years; 70.7% female, and BMI 33 kg/m2 [8]) who had measurements of satiation with a nutrient-drink test to assess volume to fullness (VTF) and maximum tolerated volume (MTV), and/or an ad libitum meal test to assess calories consumed to fullness (CTF). We performed univariate and multiple regression analyses to estimate the contribution of sex to VTF, MTV, and CTF, compared to other biological variables, such as age, weight, height, BMI, waist-to-hip circumference (W/H), and lean mass percentage (LM%), that are known to affect these parameters. RESULTS: Females had higher BMI, W/H, and LM%. VTF, MTV, and CTF were lower in females: 704 [323] vs. 783 [328] mL, p = 0.001; 1226 [384] vs. 1419 [410] mL, p < 0.001; and 871 [291] vs. 1086 [326] kcal, p < 0.001; respectively. Sex was a strong and independent predictor of VTF, MTF and CTF: parameter estimate [PE] = -80.8, p = 0.006; PE = -124.2, p = 0.0007; and PE = -110, p = 0.001; respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Sex has a strong effect on satiation measured by VTF, MTV, and CTF, even after adjusting for other biological factors known to affect these parameters. Females seem to integrate intra-meal inhibition signals to consume fewer calories unrelated to body size or composition. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: None.

Nine-gene pharmacogenomics profile service: The Mayo Clinic experience.

PURPOSE: The Pharmacogenomics (PGx) Profile Service was a proof-of-concept project to implement PGx in patient care at Mayo Clinic. METHODS: Eighty-two healthy individuals aged 18 and older underwent genotyping of CYP1A2, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, CYP3A4, CYP3A5, SLCO1B1, HLA-B*58:01, and VKORC1. A PGx pharmacist was involved in ordering, meeting with patients, interpreting, reviewing, and documenting results. RESULTS: Ninety three percent were CYP1A2 rapid metabolizers, 92% CYP3A4 normal metabolizers, and 88% CYP3A5 poor metabolizers; phenotype frequencies for CYP2C19 and CYP2D6 varied. Seventy-three percent had normal functioning SLCO1B1 transporter, 4% carried the HLA-B*58:01 risk variant, and 35% carried VKORC1 and CYP2C9 variants that increased warfarin sensitivity. CONCLUSION: Pre-emptive PGx testing offered medication improvement opportunity in 56% of participants for commonly used medications. A collaborative approach involving a PGx pharmacist integrated within a clinical practice with regards to utility of PGx results allowed for implementation of the PGx Profile Service. KEY POINTS: The Mayo Clinic PGx (PGx) Profile Service was a proof-of-concept project to utilize PGx testing as another clinical tool to enhance medication selection and decrease serious adverse reactions or medication failures. Over one-half of participants in the pilot using the PGx Profile Service were predicted to benefit from pre-emptive PGx testing to guide pharmacotherapy. PGx pharmacists played a crucial role in the PGx Profile Service by educating participants, identifying medication-gene interactions, and providing evidence-based (CPIC and DPWG) PGx recommendations for past, current, and future medication us.

Management of genitourinary syndrome of menopause in female cancer patients: a focus on vaginal hormonal therapy.

Genitourinary syndrome of menopause is a condition describing the hypoestrogenic effects on the female genitals and lower urinary tract leading to symptoms such as vaginal dryness, vulvar and vaginal burning, dyspareunia and dysuria. Genitourinary syndrome of menopause is experienced by over half of postmenopausal women, and is even more pervasive in women with cancer. Due to treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and hormonal therapy, women may experience early menopause resulting in earlier and more severe symptoms. Understanding the scope of this issue in female breast and gynecologic cancer survivors and identifying treatment options for this complex patient population are paramount. Tailored patient treatments include nonhormonal therapies (vaginal moisturizers, lubricants, pelvic floor physical therapy, dilator therapy, counseling), systemic and local hormonal therapies. Consensus recommendations by medical societies and associated evidence are reviewed, with emphasis on safety and efficacy of local vaginal hormonal therapies, and management variations noted depending on cancer type and characteristics. With knowledge and understanding of the unmet need associated with under-recognition and under-treatment of genitourinary syndrome of menopause, providers caring for women with cancer are in a position to improve the quality of life of their patients by providing safe and effective treatments.

Association Between Body Mass Index and Female Sexual Dysfunction: A Cross-sectional Study from the Data Registry on Experiences of Aging, Menopause, and Sexuality.

BACKGROUND: Obesity and female sexual dysfunction (FSD) are prevalent conditions, and both are associated with significant adverse effects on health and well-being. AIM: To investigate the association between body mass index and FSD, as well as potential moderators. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was performed by analyzing medical records of 6,688 women seeking consultation for menopause-related or sexual health-related concerns at women's health clinics at Mayo Clinic Rochester, MN, and Scottsdale, AZ, between May 1, 2015, and September 15, 2019. OUTCOMES: Female sexual function was assessed by the Female Sexual Function Index, and sexual distress was assessed by the Female Sexual Distress Scale-Revised. RESULTS: Being overweight or obese was associated with a lack of sexual activity. Among sexually active women, those who were overweight or obese had lower Female Sexual Function Index total scores and sexual function domain scores (indicating worse sexual function), including sexual arousal, lubrication, satisfaction, orgasm, and pain, and higher levels of sexual distress than those with normal weight. However, on multivariable analysis, these associations were found to be mediated by other factors, including age, level of education, reproductive stage, medication use, and mood disturbances, which are known to impact body weight and sexual function in women. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Overweight and obesity were associated with sexual inactivity and greater odds of having FSD, which should prompt proactive assessment of sexual function. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS: The strengths of this study include the large cohort size and assessment of sexual problems in addition to sexual distress, a key component of the definition of sexual dysfunction. This study also took into account multiple potential moderating factors. Limitations include the cross-sectional design, which precludes determination of causality as well as lack of diversity in the cohort, potentially limiting generalizability of results. In addition, sexual function was not assessed in women reporting no recent sexual activity, which may confound results. CONCLUSION: Overweight/obesity and FSD are highly prevalent conditions, which appear to be indirectly associated. These results highlight the need to identify and address FSD in all overweight and obese women, with particular attention to potential contributing factors. Faubion SS, Fairbanks F, Kuhle CL, et al. Association Between Body Mass Index and Female Sexual Dysfunction: A Cross-sectional Study from the Data Registry on Experiences of Aging, Menopause, and Sexuality. J Sex Med 2020;17:1971-1980.

Fractional CO2 laser therapy for genitourinary syndrome of menopause for breast cancer survivors.

PURPOSE: Fractional CO2 laser therapy is an emerging treatment for genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM). The objective of this study was to determine the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of fractional CO2 laser therapy in breast cancer survivors. METHODS: This was a single arm feasibility study of breast cancer survivors with dyspareunia and/or vaginal dryness. Participants received three treatments of fractional CO2 laser therapy at 30-day intervals and returned for a 1-month follow-up. Feasibility was defined as treatment completion without serious adverse events (SAE) in 80% of patients. We collected data on the Vaginal Assessment Scale (VAS), the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), the Urinary Distress Index (UDI), and SAE. RESULTS: A total of 64 patients participated in the study. The majority of women had Estrogen receptor/Progesterone receptor (ER/PR) positive/Her2neu negative (n = 37; 63%), stage I (n = 32, 54%) or II (n = 19, 32%) breast cancer. Most were receiving endocrine therapy (n = 54, 92%), most commonly aromatase inhibitors (AI; n = 40, 68%). Fifty-nine (88.1%) of those enrolled completed all treatments according to protocol with no reported SAE. No patient withdrew due to SAE. The scores of the VAS (mean Δ - 0.99; 95% CI [- 1.19, - 0.79], p < 0.001)), FSFI (mean Δ 9.67; 95% CI [7.27, 12.1], p < 0.001), and UDI (mean Δ - 8.85; 95% CI [- 12.75, - 4.75], p < 0.001)) improved from baseline to follow-up. CONCLUSION: Fractional CO2 laser treatment for breast cancer survivors is feasible and appears to reduce GSM symptoms across treatment and follow-up.

Loss of Ovarian Hormones and Accelerated Somatic and Mental Aging.

Bilateral oophorectomy in premenopausal women is a unique condition causing the abrupt and premature loss of ovarian hormones, primarily estrogen. Bilateral oophorectomy causes an alteration of several fundamental aging processes at the cellular, tissue, organ, and system levels, leading to multimorbidity, frailty, and reduced survival. However, many questions remain unanswered.

Vaginal Diazepam for Nonrelaxing Pelvic Floor Dysfunction: The Pharmacokinetic Profile.

BACKGROUND: Vaginal diazepam is frequently used to treat pelvic floor tension myalgia and pelvic pain despite limited knowledge of systemic absorption. AIM: To determine the pharmacokinetic and adverse event profile of diazepam vaginal suppositories. METHODS: We used a prospective pharmacokinetic design with repeated assessments of diazepam levels. Eight healthy volunteers were administered a 10-mg compounded vaginal diazepam suppository in the outpatient gynecologic clinic. Serum samples were collected at 0, 45, 90, 120, and 180 minutes; 8, 24, and 72 hours; and 1 week following administration of a 10-mg vaginal suppository. The occurrence of adverse events was assessed using the alternate step and tandem walk tests, the Brief Confusion Assessment Method, and numerical ratings. Plasma concentrations of diazepam and active long-acting metabolites were measured. Pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated by standard noncompartmental methods. RESULTS: The mean peak diazepam concentration (Cmax) of 31.0 ng/mL was detected at a mean time (Tmax) of 3.1 hours after suppository placement. The bioavailability was found to be 70.5%, and the mean terminal elimination half-life was 82 hours. The plasma levels of temazepam and nordiazepam peaked at 0.8 ng/mL at 29 hours and 6.4 ng/mL at 132 hours, respectively. Fatigue was reported by 3 of 8 participants. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Serum plasma concentrations of vaginally administered diazepam are low; however the half-life is prolonged. STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS: Strengths include use of inclusion and exclusion criteria aimed at mitigating clinical factors that could adversely impact diazepam absorption and metabolism, and the use of an ultrasensitive LC-MS/MS assay. Limitations included the lack of addressing the efficacy of vaginal diazepam in lieu of performing a pure pharmacokinetic study with healthy participants. CONCLUSION: Vaginal administration of diazepam results in lower peak serum plasma concentration, longer time to peak concentration, and lower bioavailability than standard oral use. Providers should be aware that with diazepam's long half-life, accumulating levels would occur with chronic daily doses, and steady-state levels would not be reached for up to 1 week. This profile would favor intermittent use to allow participation in physical therapy and intimacy. Larish AM, Dickson RR, Kudgus RA, et al. Vaginal Diazepam for Nonrelaxing Pelvic Floor Dysfunction: The Pharmacokinetic Profile. J Sex Med 2019;16;763-766.

Menopausal Hormone Therapy in Gynecologic Cancer Survivors: A Review of the Evidence and Practice Recommendations.

Gynecologic cancers are common in the United States and represent a significant health burden. Treatment of these cancers often causes premature cessation of ovarian function, with resultant symptoms that are often more severe than those associated with natural menopause. Hormone therapy is the most effective treatment for menopausal symptoms, but the decision-making process about its use can be complex for survivors of gynecologic cancer. In this review, we provide evidence-based recommendations about the use of hormone therapy after gynecologic cancer.

Genital vibration for sexual function and enhancement: a review of evidence.

Vibration, as provided by a genital vibrator, is commonly regarded as a tool to enhance sexual pleasure and in modern day society falls under the category of a sex toy. However, the vibrator was not originally intended to be a toy, and its benefits reach far beyond that of a plaything. This article is a narrative review of the current evidence regarding the use of vibratory stimulation for the treatment of sexual dysfunction and/or sexual and relationship enhancement. The literature indicates that vibratory stimulation has evidence-based support for the treatment of erectile dysfunction, ejaculatory dysfunction and anorgasmia. Vibratory stimulation is positively correlated with increased sexual desire and overall sexual function. It has also shown benefit for sexual arousal difficulties and pelvic floor dysfunction. Though definitive evidence is lacking, genital vibration is a potential treatment for sexual dysfunction related to a wide variety of sexual health concerns in men and women.

Genital vibration for sexual function and enhancement: best practice recommendations for choosing and safely using a vibrator.

Vibrators are an evidence-based treatment for a variety of sexual dysfunctions and sexual enhancement; however, the use of a genital vibrator lacks best practice recommendations. This aim of this article is to provide current, best practice recommendations regarding the use of vibratory stimulation for the treatment of sexual dysfunction and/or sexual or relationship enhancement. A multidisciplinary team of sexual health specialists collaborated to develop best practice recommendations based on a narrative literature review. Recommendations for the use of vibratory stimulation for the treatment of sexual dysfunction are provided, with special attention to counseling patients on choosing and safely using a vibrator. Further study is needed to determine the most effective methods to counsel patients on vibrator use and to provide evidence-based cleaning recommendations.

Routine pelvic examinations: A descriptive cross-sectional survey of women's attitudes and beliefs after new guidelines.

Routine pelvic examinations have been a fundamental part of the annual female examination. The 2014 American College of Physicians (ACP) guideline recommends against routine pelvic examinations in asymptomatic, nonpregnant, average-risk women. Our aim was to evaluate women's attitudes and beliefs about pelvic examinations and how knowledge of the new guidelines contributes to attitudes and beliefs. A descriptive cross-sectional study was performed using a self-administered written survey developed through literature review and pretested and revised on the basis of staff suggestions. Nonpregnant women age≥21years presenting to outpatient clinics at Mayo Clinic in Arizona or Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, received the survey. After being asked about pelvic examination practices and beliefs, participants were informed of the ACP guideline, to determine effect on attitudes and beliefs. Demographic characteristics and pertinent medical history questions were collected from participants. In total, 671 women who were predominantly white, married, and educated completed surveys. Participants described pelvic examinations as reassuring, and a majority believed the examinations were useful in detecting ovarian cancer (74.6%), necessary for screening for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) (71.0%), or necessary before initiating contraception (67.0%). After reading the 2014 ACP guideline, significantly fewer women planned to continue yearly pelvic examinations (P<0.001). Despite evidence to the contrary, women believed pelvic examinations were necessary for STI screening, contraception initiation, and ovarian cancer detection. After education on the ACP screening guideline, fewer women planned to continue yearly pelvic examinations.

Sexual Dysfunction in Women: A Practical Approach.

Sexual dysfunction in women is a common and often distressing problem that has a negative impact on quality of life and medication compliance. The problem is often multifactorial, necessitating a multidisciplinary evaluation and treatment approach that addresses biological, psychological, sociocultural, and relational factors. Criteria for sexual interest/arousal disorder require the presence of at least three specific symptoms lasting for at least six months. Lifelong anorgasmia may suggest the patient is unfamiliar or uncomfortable with self-stimulation or sexual communication with her partner. Delayed or less intense orgasms may be a natural process of aging due to decreased genital blood flow and dulled genital sensations. Genito-pelvic pain/penetration disorder includes fear or anxiety, marked tightening or tensing of the abdominal and pelvic muscles, or actual pain associated with attempts toward vaginal penetration that is persistent or recurrent for at least six months. Treatment depends on the etiology. Estrogen is effective for the treatment of dyspareunia associated with genitourinary syndrome of menopause. Testosterone, with and without concomitant use of estrogen, is associated with improvements in sexual functioning in naturally and surgically menopausal women, although data on long-term risks and benefits are lacking. Bupropion has been shown to improve the adverse sexual effects associated with antidepressant use; however, data are limited. Psychotherapy or sex therapy is useful for management of the psychological, relational, and sociocultural factors impacting a woman's sexual function. Clinicians can address many of these issues in addition to providing education and validating women's sexual health concerns.

Hormonal Contraception and Sexual Function: A Review, Clinical Insights, and Management Considerations.

Most sexually active women of reproductive age have used contraception, with hormonal methods constituting approximately 40% of contraceptive choices. Among these hormonal options, combined oral contraceptives stand out as the most selected. Within this same demographic, sexual issues are prevalent. Although specific hormonal contraceptives have been implicated in sexual dysfunction among these women, the correlation lacks consistency across studies and varies between different types of hormonal contraception. This article assesses the available literature on the associations between various hormonal contraceptive methods and sexual function and provides practical management insights.

Risks and benefits of hormone therapy after menopause for cognitive decline and dementia: A conceptual review.

OBJECTIVE: The effects on the brain of hormone therapy after the onset of menopause remain uncertain. The effects may be beneficial, neutral, or harmful. We provide a conceptual review of the evidence. METHODS: We 1) provide a brief history of the evidence, 2) discuss some of the interpretations of the evidence, 3) discuss the importance of age at menopause, type of menopause, and presence of vasomotor symptoms, and 4) provide some clinical recommendations. RESULTS: The evidence and the beliefs about hormone therapy and dementia have changed over the last 30 years or more. Five recent observation studies suggested that hormone therapy is associated with an increased risk of dementia, and the association appears not to change with the timing of initiation of therapy. These harmful associations may be explained by a causal effect of hormone therapy on the brain or by several confounding mechanisms. We suggest that the use of hormone therapy should be customized for different subgroups of women. It may be important to subgroup women based on age at onset of menopause, type of menopause, and presence or absence of vasomotor symptoms. In addition, the effects may vary by type, dose, route, and duration of administration of estrogens and by the concurrent use of progestogens. DISCUSSION: The relation of hormone therapy with the risk of dementia is complex. Hormone therapy may have beneficial, neutral, or harmful effects on the brain. Hormone therapy should be guided by the clinical characteristics of the women being treated.

Management of the Vasomotor Symptoms of Menopause: Twofers in Your Clinical Toolbox.

The number of midlife women transitioning into menopause is substantial, with more than 1 million women in the United States entering menopause each year. Vasomotor symptoms (VMS), mood and sleep disturbances, and sexual problems are common during the menopause transition yet often go untreated. Menopausal hormone therapy is the most effective treatment of VMS, and the benefits typically outweigh the risks for women without contraindications who are younger than 60 years or within 10 years from menopause onset. For women who cannot or choose not to use hormone therapy, nonhormone prescription options exist to treat VMS. Many of these therapies have secondary benefits beyond VMS relief. For example, whereas paroxetine is Food and Drug Administration approved to treat VMS, it can also help with depressive and anxiety symptoms. The aim of this paper is to summarize prescription treatments of VMS and their secondary benefits for other common symptoms experienced by midlife women. The tools presented will help clinicians caring for midlife women provide individualized, comprehensive care with the goal of improving their quality of life during the menopause transition and beyond.

Association between obesity and female sexual dysfunction: a review.

INTRODUCTION: Obesity is a global health crisis that has been growing over the past few decades. The economic burden associated with obesity is substantial as it is associated with multiple disabling chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, certain cancers, osteoarthritis, chronic pain, and mental illness. Obesity is known to be a risk factor for sexual dysfunction in men, but this association is less well understood in women. AIMS: To provide a narrative review of the available literature on the relationship between overweight/obesity and female sexual dysfunction, elaborate on the possible mechanisms explaining this association, and discuss the effects of weight loss on sexual function in those with obesity. METHODS: A search of the medical literature was carried out in PubMed and Medline, focusing on original research and systematic reviews of original research on obesity and sexual function in women. RESULTS: The relationship between obesity and female sexual function is not consistent across studies. While women with obesity are more likely to have worse sexual function and avoid sexual activity, many studies have failed to identify these associations. Lifestyle changes resulting in weight loss lead to better sexual function, and bariatric surgery has been shown to improve sexual function in the first couple of years following the procedure; yet, the long-term effects of weight loss and bariatric surgery are still uncertain. CONCLUSIONS: The evidence on the relationship between obesity and female sexual function is mixed. Nevertheless, weight loss has been shown to improve sexual function in women with obesity. The impact of weight loss medications and the long-term effect of bariatric surgery on female sexual function require further study.

Weight Gain in Midlife Women.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To summarize the evidence and clinical implications of weight and body composition changes during midlife in women and provide an overview of weight gain prevention and management in this population. RECENT FINDINGS: Aging-related changes such as decreased energy expenditure and physical activity are important culprits for weight gain in midlife women. The hormonal changes of menopause also influence body adiposity distribution and increase central adiposity. These body changes can have health consequences including the development of cardiometabolic diseases, osteoarthritis, cancer, worsening in cognition, mental health, and menopause symptoms. Midlife women experience changes related to aging, menopause, and lifestyle which favor weight gain. Clinical practice should focus on early counseling and anticipatory guidance on the importance of dietary changes and physical activity to attenuate this phenomenon. Future research should focus on the longitudinal relationship between weight trends in midlife and health consequences and mortality.

Menopause in the workplace: Challenges, impact, and next steps.

INTRODUCTION: Menopause is a natural part of a woman's life that coincides with a time when many women play significant roles in the workforce. Menopause symptoms, such as hot flashes, fatigue, and difficulty with concentration and memory, can have a negative effect on work productivity and efficiency. OBJECTIVES: This paper summarizes the impact of menopause in the workplace, with an emphasis on the impact of symptoms on employed women and how the workplace influences their experiences. It highlights economic implications, promotes awareness, and suggests potential next steps. METHODS: A search for papers was conducted between August and November 2023 in the PubMed and Medline databases. Papers were selected based on personal experience and interpretation of the findings. Recommendations for managing menopause symptoms in the workplace and guidance on an optimal workplace intervention strategy were provided. RESULTS: Women experiencing severe menopause symptoms are more likely to report adverse work outcomes, including absenteeism and job-related decisions such as quitting, retiring early, or declining promotions than women experiencing few symptoms. Factors such as a lack of awareness about menopause, inflexible work conditions, and high-stress jobs can exacerbate the severity of these symptoms. Additionally, unaddressed menopause symptoms contribute to both direct and indirect economic costs, including medical resource utilization and lost work productivity, resulting in a substantial economic burden. CONCLUSION: Menopause symptoms impair women's work experiences and productivity. In addition to dismantling the stigma associated with menopause, it is critical to create and implement menopause workplace policies and interventions aimed at supporting women in this universal life stage.