OHSU study finds many patients aren’t receiving treatment for menopause symptoms

Think Out Loud

Menopause can present a wide range of symptoms, from hot flashes and sleep disturbances to brain fog and loss of bone density. Though several safe and effective therapies are available, many patients still aren’t receiving the help they need. A new study from Oregon Health & Science University found that more than 60% of respondents with moderate to severe menopause symptoms weren’t receiving any treatment. The primary reason they reported not engaging in treatment was that their clinician hadn’t recommended it to them.

Maria Rodriguez is a professor of obstetrics and gynecology at OHSU and the director of the university’s Center for Reproductive Health Equity. Sara Cichowski is the university’s vice chair of gynecology and an assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology. They both join us to talk more about the barriers to accessing menopause care in Oregon.