Menopause and perimenopause awareness and treatment gaps

Menopause is defined as the point in time when a woman has gone twelve consecutive months without a menstrual period, often occurring around age 51 or 52. The preceding stage, perimenopause, can begin eight to ten years prior to menopause.

Medical experts highlight significant gaps in care and education. According to the Illinois Lieutenant Governor's office, approximately 70% of individuals seeking medical care for menopausal symptoms do not receive necessary treatment. Dr. Susan Scanlon, president of the Midwest Center for Women's Healthcare, notes that only one-third of physicians have received formal education on perimenopause or menopause, which can lead to patients feeling dismissed.

Symptoms of menopause include hot flashes, night sweats, sleep disruptions, mood changes, and weight gain. Research suggests a connection between declining estrogen levels and a drop in melatonin, a hormone secreted by the pineal gland that regulates sleep-wake cycles. While melatonin supplements are used to address menopausal insomnia, their effectiveness varies among individuals.