The Menopause Society has been at the forefront of menopause research and care for over three decades. Founded by Dr. Wulf Utian and colleagues in 1989, the organization has grown significantly, and dedicates itself to promoting research, education, and the development of treatment options for women in menopause. Dr. Bitner and Dr. Egan recently participated in the annual Menopause Conference, and this week on Fox 17, Dr. Bitner shares updates from the conference and new advancements to support women in midlife. 

Fact #1

Artificial Intelligence is improving breast cancer screening. Since no two breast cancers are exactly the same, preventative screening and treatment plans must be tailored to individuals. With AI advancements, personalized plans now equip women with the frequency of testing, specified tests, and essential information that fits their unique cancer risks. Now, more than ever, accurate information based on family history, genetic testing, and breast imaging characteristics empower women to take control of their health. To continue to develop precise and accurate early detection, individuals can join the Wisdom trial to get free genetic testing and be part of the new discoveries: www.thewisdomstudy.org 

Fact #2

Virtual reality (VR) may be used for women during menopause. VR is already being used to relieve symptoms for people with pain, mental health conditions, and labor and delivery. Over 30,000 studies have been done to show its effectiveness, and the FDA has even created a field called “Medical Extended Reality” with ongoing research for abdominal pain. Mayo Clinic has also begun testing VR for menopause-related symptoms like sleep, mood disorders, and hot flashes. While this new reality is still developing, it brings hope for more options and improved access to care for women in midlife.

Fact #3

We now have a deeper understanding of the connection between perimenopause and mood. Perimenopause and menopause pose unique windows of risk for depression in women. Women who have a history of major depressive disorder are more likely to have another episode in perimenopause. The cause of depression varies and can be due to estrogen or progesterone withdrawals. Life factors and stressors, such as finances, family history of depression, and obesity, can increase the risk of depression in women during this stage. Improving our understanding of the mental health strains of women in their midlife will allow medical providers to provide more effective and empathetic treatment options. 

Fact #4

Programs are being developed to support women in the workplace during menopause transitions. Untreated menopause leads to a 10% loss in productivity among women, costing $1.8 billion, with an additional $25 billion in direct and indirect medical costs. This group, representing a quarter of the workforce, shows the need for midlife support in the workplace. Programs encourage companies to implement strategies such as temperature control, access to water, flexible scheduling, and reducing bias through education. These efforts will foster conversations on how to best support and provide resources for women to thrive during menopause.

Fact #5

Recent advances in research are transforming our understanding and approach to treating midlife challenges in women. Here are a few more takeaways from this year’s Menopause Conference:

• Emerging therapies for hot flashes are teaching us more about the brain and the effectiveness of non-hormonal drugs. Veozah is a new FDA-approved non-hormonal prescription treatment, and Elizinetant will be another option, pending FDA approval. 
• Menopause hormonal therapy  (MHT) effectively reduces insulin resistance in postmenopausal women (Li et al, abstract presentation) 
• There is research emerging to slow ovarian aging and an option to freeze ovarian tissue for later use to help fertility and potentially delay menopause. (Kutluk Oktay, MD, PhD at Yale) 
• New research funds are available from the current White House administration for perimenopause and menopause.

Patient Story:

Jane, 35, battled breast cancer for two years and beat it. Due to treatment, she was put into early menopause. Jane struggled with her new realities and grieved the two years the disease stole from her. She talked with her doctor about feeling depressed, anxious, and having hot flashes. Jane’s doctor recommended VR treatment and a new non-hormonal medication for hot flashes. 

Since starting treatment, Jane has slept better, had fewer hot flashes, and reconnected with family and friends. Jane was grateful she talked with her doctor.

Takeaway tip

If you’re experiencing symptoms of perimenopause or menopause, remember you don’t have to suffer in silence. You deserve to feel like yourself. Talk to your doctor about the latest treatment options—solutions are constantly evolving, and there’s one that’s right for you!

Watch the full segment ​​here.