Menopause research highlights migraine risks and healthcare gaps

New research presented at The Menopause Society annual conference suggests that postmenopausal women undergoing hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may experience more frequent and longer-lasting migraines. A systematic review and meta-analysis conducted by researchers at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, involving nearly 24,000 participants across five studies, found no significant difference in symptom intensity or analgesic use, despite the increased frequency and duration of attacks.

Separately, a study by the European Parliamentary Research Service (EPRS) has identified significant gaps in medical care and workplace support for menopausal women in Europe. While approximately 85% of women experience at least one menopause symptom, only one in four women who seek medical assistance actually receives treatment.

The study emphasizes the economic and professional impact of menopause, noting that symptoms can lead to increased absenteeism and premature exit from the workforce. In Belgium, over 53% of symptomatic working women reported workplace difficulties, while in Germany, the annual economic cost of untreated symptoms is estimated at 9.5 billion euros, accounting for roughly 40 million lost workdays.