Utah's Menopause Care Gap Under Scrutiny on World Menopause Day

On World Menopause Day, October 18, 2025, a critical spotlight falls on the significant gap in menopause care across Utah and the broader United States. The annual observance, led by the International Menopause Society, aims to raise global awareness and improve support for women navigating this life stage.

nationaltoday.com reported, The U.S. lags behind many developed countries in its approach to menopause care, a disparity highlighted by experts and patient experiences. This shortfall often leaves millions of women without adequate treatment for debilitating symptoms.

A primary contributor to this care deficit is the insufficient training medical professionals receive in menopause management. Surveys indicate a severe lack of dedicated menopause curriculum in most residency programs for obstetricians and gynecologists.

parliament.uk noted, Despite the growing number of postmenopausal women, less than 1% of actively licensed U.S. doctors are certified menopause practitioners as of Fall 2025. This scarcity of specialized expertise creates substantial barriers to effective care.

In Utah, initiatives are underway to address these challenges, with institutions like the University of Utah Health establishing specialized programs. These efforts aim to increase access to expert care and enhance provider education across the state.

utah.edu reported, The theme for World Menopause Day 2025, "Lifestyle Medicine," emphasizes the role of nutrition, movement, sleep, and stress management in symptom management. This holistic approach is crucial for improving women's well-being during menopause.

Addressing the menopause care gap is vital not only for individual health but also for broader societal well-being. Untreated symptoms can severely impact women's quality of life, workforce participation, and long-term health outcomes.

• **Background Context and Historical Perspective:** Menopause is a natural biological transition marking the end of a woman's reproductive years, typically occurring between ages 45 and 55. Despite affecting half the population, it has historically been misunderstood and undertreated, leading to significant health and quality-of-life issues for women. The medicalization of menopause began in the U.S. and spread globally, yet comprehensive care remains elusive for many.
• **Key Stakeholders and Their Positions/Interests:** Key stakeholders include women experiencing menopause, healthcare providers (OB/GYNs, primary care physicians, specialists), medical educators, and advocacy groups. Women seek relief from symptoms and long-term health management. Healthcare providers aim to offer evidence-based care, while educators strive to improve training. Advocacy groups push for greater awareness, research, and policy changes.
• **Economic, Social, or Political Implications:** The care gap has significant economic implications, with lost productivity and absenteeism due to untreated symptoms costing the U.S. economy. Socially, the lack of support can lead to reduced quality of life, mental health challenges, and decreased workforce participation for women during their peak professional years. Politically, there's growing momentum for legislation to enhance menopause care and research, though no overarching national policy exists yet.
• **Challenges in Provider Education:** A major hurdle is the severe lack of menopause education in medical training. A 2023 survey revealed that only 31.3% of OB/GYN residency program directors reported any menopause curriculum, with most offering only a few lectures annually. Consequently, less than 7% of residents feel prepared to manage menopausal patients, leading to an absence of standardized care.
• **Utah's Efforts to Bridge the Gap:** The University of Utah Health has established a Midlife Women's Health & Menopause Program, featuring 11 certified menopause providers. This program, considered one of the most accessible hubs in the Mountain West, offers specialized care, community education, and a Midlife Women's Health ECHO network to train other providers.
• **The Role of Lifestyle Medicine:** World Menopause Day 2025 emphasizes "Lifestyle Medicine," highlighting how nutrition, exercise, sleep, and stress management can significantly alleviate perimenopausal and menopausal symptoms. This approach, integrated with conventional therapies, offers a foundational, evidence-based framework for equitable menopause care and empowers women to manage their health.
• **Disparities and Untreated Symptoms:** Up to 90% of women in the U.S. experience menopause-related symptoms, yet only 60% seek medical attention, and merely 25% of those receive treatment. Research indicates that women from underprivileged communities often lack awareness of menopause effects and available treatments, and even when reporting symptoms, many remain untreated.
• **Potential Future Developments and Next Steps:** Future developments include increased legislative efforts, with over a dozen states proposing bills to improve menopause education and public health initiatives. Expanding specialized programs, increasing the number of certified menopause practitioners, and integrating lifestyle medicine into clinical guidelines are crucial next steps to ensure comprehensive, accessible care for all women.