Novel method of breaking down barriers in the provision of menopause care in Ireland.

AIM: A novel method of providing education and support to GP's was developed. The goal was to create a rapidly accessed peer advisory community to empower GP HRT prescribing. METHOD: A core group of doctors with special expertise in HRT were assembled on a GP interest group on the Telegram messaging platform. It is called 'HRT prescribers', an educational community with entrance by peer invitation. Most are GPs and number between 800 and 1000. Members post clinical questions and receive evidence-based responses to their dilemmas. RESULTS: A survey of members was overwhelmingly positive. 98% agreed the group empowered them to be confident and feel supported in their HRT prescribing. 90% agreed the group helped improve access to HRT for women who needed it in their practice. CONCLUSION: This project developed, with the cooperation of specialists, a cost-effective rapid method of educating and empowering GP's to be supported to safely treat their patients in their menopause transition. With further support and development, we believe it is the model that could be adopted in many countries.

Using menopausal hormone therapy after a cancer diagnosis in Ireland.

BACKGROUND: Menopause may cause a constellation of symptoms that affect quality of life. Many women will have menopause induced or exacerbated by treatment for cancer whether that be through surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or anti-endocrine therapy. As treatments advance, the number of people living with and beyond a cancer diagnosis is set to increase over the coming years meaning more people will be dealing with the after effects of cancer and its treatment. AIMS: This review aims to summarise available data to guide clinicians treating women with menopausal symptoms after the common cancer diagnoses encountered in Ireland. The use of menopausal hormone therapy is discussed as well as non-hormonal and non-pharmacological options. CONCLUSIONS: Managing menopausal symptoms is an important consideration for all physicians involved in the care of people living with and beyond a cancer diagnosis. High-quality data may not be available to guide treatment decisions, and, thus, it is essential to take into account the impact of the symptoms on quality of life as well as the likelihood of recurrence in each individual case.