Support Menopause Treatment Plans with eConsults

Navigating menopause can be challenging for both patients and primary care providers. Specialized guidance is essential, as symptoms vary widely and treatment approaches require personalization. In this blog post, we’ll explore how specialty eConsults support menopause management within primary care settings.

Challenges in Managing Menopausal Symptoms

Every woman’s menopause experience is unique. Some women transition through this stage of life uneventfully, whereas others experience a cluster of symptoms that can be prolonged or severe that require medical treatment.

More than three-quarters of women surveyed by the Female Founders Fund experienced menopause symptoms that interfered with their lives. Nearly two-thirds felt unprepared for menopause, and one-third felt that their doctor wasn’t comfortable talking about menopause, causing them to seek support elsewhere.¹

Recognizing Menopausal Symptoms and Management

On average, menopause occurs at age 51, however patients are increasingly voicing concern earlier. Perimenopause defines the years prior to menopause and can begin anywhere from 4 to 10 years earlier, on average. This means that women may notice the signs of perimenopause in their late 30’s. Menopause and perimenopause manifest differently in each patient, with common symptoms including:

• Insomnia
• Depression/anxiety
• Difficulty in relationships/work
• Hot Flashes
• Urinary symptoms
• Memory problems
• Joint Pain

Because menopause experiences are highly varied, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to symptom management. Personalized management plans that consider individual needs and preferences are crucial. 

6 Ways eConsults Support Women Through Menopause

Specialty eConsults offer invaluable support, enabling PCPs to access expert advice for detailed symptom assessment and tailored treatment recommendations. 

Here are 6 ways eConsults can be used to identify and treat conditions related to menopause. 

Hormone Replacement Therapy: guidance and evidence-based resources

Recent research has identified best practices for HRT during menopause.²  For instance, the optimal time to start HRT is within the first ten years of menopause. A RubiconMD specialist will provide counsel on a patient’s candidacy and strategies for HRT implementation, including timing, dosage, and the use of bioidentical hormones. In complex cases involving HRT, as seen in the real eConsult here, specialists advise on how to evaluate treatments.

Sleep Medicine: evidence-based resources  

Research has found that half of women experience poor sleep quality during menopause.² A RubiconMD sleep medicine specialist can provide empathetic, educational resources, and customized recommendations for patients who aren’t sleeping well.

Lab Testing: best practices for diagnostics and symptom management

Specialists can provide guidance on lab testing best practices for common menopausal symptoms to rule out other causes and optimize patient care and well being.

Testosterone Therapy: up-to-date guidelines 

For common symptoms including low libido and fatigue, testosterone therapy guidelines provide valuable treatment insights. Prescribing testosterone requires careful consideration and adherence to established protocols. Specialty eConsults offer a platform for collaborative decision-making and ensure safe, evidence-based treatment.

Medication for menopause: personalized therapies for hot flashes

Medications including Clonidine, Fezolinetant, and Gabapentin are frequently prescribed to help women regulate body temperature during periods of severe hot flashes.¹   eConsults can be used to explore the best option for your patient.

Non-pharmacological Lifestyle Strategies: diet, exercise, and supplement recommendations

Beyond medication, non-pharmacological holistic health strategies play a crucial role in menopause management. Lifestyle modifications, including diet and exercise, can alleviate symptoms and improve overall well-being. Alternative therapies, such as acupuncture and mindfulness techniques, offer additional benefits. By integrating specialty eConsults, providers can access guidance on up-to-date holistic care strategies and empower women to embrace diverse treatment options.

Watch a past webinar on treating hormonal imbalances and disorders in mid-life women for more insights.

In Conclusion

As the landscape of women’s healthcare evolves, the role of specialty eConsults in menopause management cannot be overstated. By facilitating collaboration between primary care providers and specialists, eConsults enhance patient care, improve clinical outcomes, and empower women to navigate menopause with confidence in their treatment plan. 

References:

Jia, Y., Zhou, Z. & Cao, X. Prevalence of poor sleep quality during menopause: a meta-analysis. Sleep Breath (2024). Mayo Clinic. Menopause. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menopause/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353401

Mayo Clinic. Menopause. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menopause/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353401