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MenopauseWomen's Health Information Package
DefinitionMenopause literally means the last menstrual period. As a term it is commonly used to refer to the stage in a woman's life when she is undergoing changes in her menstrual cycle. It is common to say that if a woman has not had a period for one year then she has 'gone through menopause'. However women generally experience changes in the time leading up to their last period and this is known as the peri-menopause, climacteric or 'the change'. This stage can vary from months to years and affects women in different ways.  About the information resourcesThe resources on menopause contained in this information package were compiled following an extensive search of Women's Health Victoria 's (WHV) Clearinghouse Resource Collection database. The resources contain information relating to:
Included are details of relevant books, journals, articles, web sites, pamphlets or videos that have been independently reviewed by a health professional. The emphasis is on the Australian situation, and a social model of health and feminist approach provide the framework within which information is provided. Where possible, illustrations of women's experiences are provided. All of these resources and a range of others (not listed here) covering many topics from both medical and alternative therapy perspectives are available from the WHV Clearinghouse Resource Centre. A description of how Women's Health Information packages are developed and resources chosen is available here.
General and management1. Clinical practice guidelines 2003 Straightforward medical synopsis of menopause listing possible symptoms and the range of management options including menopausal hormone therapy, other drugs and lifestyle. A resource directed towards doctors.
2. Management of the menopause Full text available here. Statement from a professional body providing concise points about menopause and menopausal hormone therapy.
3. Advice to medical practitioners regarding the use of post menopausal hormone therapy Full text available here. Succinct evidence-based information for the medical community regarding menopausal hormone therapy.
4. National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) documents 4.1 Hormone replacement therapy: a summary of the evidence Full text available here. 4.2 Hormone replacement therapy: exploring the options for women Full text available here. 4.3 Making decisions: should l use hormone replacement therapy Full text available here. These booklets provide a balanced view of HRT incorporating the latest research. The booklets were developed from both medical and consumer consultation. Both cover the rationale for HRT, scientific evidence of its risks, benefits and unwanted effects. The making decisions booklet includes a personal worksheet to discuss options with a health professional.
5. Women, hormones and the menstrual cycle: herbal and medical solutions from adolescence to menopause This chapter provides both a medical and natural therapies approach as well as a self-help focus. It provides up-to-date, detailed, high-level information for consumers and health professionals who want to learn more about the area. The book was written by a reputable author with qualifications in natural therapies, nursing and midwifery who works in practice with women.
6. Complementary and alternative medicine for menopausal symptoms: a review of randomized, controlled trials An academic report on the research into some forms of complementary therapies. It is easy to read and has well presented summaries via two tables.
7. The nature and utility of phytoestrogens: a review of the evidence This academic article in its language and scope may be suitable for health professionals who work with menopausal women. It gives an overview of what is known about phytoestrogens and in particular discusses the use of phytoestrogens by women with breast cancer.
8. Black cohosh Full text available here. This article summarises what is known about Black Cohosh, one of the most frequently used over-the-counter medicines for menopausal symptoms. It presents clear useful information and is also suitable for a non-medical audience.
Research9. Report of the expert committee convened by the therapeutic administration to assess the findings of a report on the safety of the US women's health initiative (combined hormone replacement therapy) trial Full text available here. This committee was convened in response to the media attention paid to the US Women's Health Initiative results. This three-page report provides a short summary of the research findings from the US study. It provides access to the findings without having to read the detailed research. Its conclusions include the relevance of the study to Australian women.
Updates: 9.1 ADEC statement on use of hormone replacement therapy 14 August 2003 Full text available here. 9.2 Update to ADEC statement on use of hormone replacement therapy 21 October 2003 Full text available here.
10. Hormone replacement therapy evidence-based best practice guidelines: summary update March 2004 Full text available here. Hormone replacement therapy or HRT new information for women : March 2004 Full text available here. These two resources are published by the New Zealand Guidelines Group, a not-for-profit, national organisation. The guidelines are well researched, and provide a detailed list of papers and research on the benefits, risks and contraindications of menopausal hormone therapy. The summary provides a clearly laid out, concise presentation of the guidelines document. The appeal of these resources is that they are balanced and merely present the evidence available. Conflicting results are clearly presented, as are gaps in evidence.
11. Bio-identical hormone therapy a review This is quite a technical article for health care practitioners of all backgrounds. However, it is worth reading as it lays to rest a large number of mythologies about bio-identical hormones and the research (or lack of it) to support claims about their safety and efficacy.
Specific situations and populations12. Premature menopause Full text available here. This article discusses medical management and treatment profiles. The emphasis is on careful diagnosis, hormone therapy, sensitive counselling and support networks.  13. Management of the menopause after breast cancer Full text available here. This is a straightforward statement of management guidelines and takes a holistic view of decision making in these circumstances. Informative for both the practitioner and consumer, it provides evidence for treatment options including menopausal hormone therapy, as well as an extensive reference list. 14. Challenges of change: midlife, menopause and disability An excellent article encompassing a broad discussion of the varied experiences of menopause for women with disabilities. 15. Zest for life An Australian book which explores the experiences of lesbian women at midlife. It includes lesbians' unique experiences of menopause, positive aspects and discusses the socio-cultural context and health services behaviour which impact on these experiences. This book starts to fill a large gap in the literature and research on this topic.
Consumer focused information16. About menopause Full text available here. This resource is written in plain language, provides a broad perspective on midlife issues including signs and symptoms of menopause, cultural, social and emotional aspects as well as some self-help remedies. This is most suitable for women wanting general information. 17. Menopause: a guide for women A patient information pamphlet produced by a medical body providing general information about menopause, symptoms, tests and treatment including use of menopausal hormone therapy. 18. Menopause: natural and medical solutions This is a light-hearted book that takes an ironic, and often amusing, view of the issues. It is written in an irreverent style but is factually correct. This book covers symptoms and changes with menopause, the latest information on menopausal hormone therapy, alternative therapies and includes a health checklist. It provides a broad overview of midlife. 19. Will you still love me when I'm 64? : menopause, midlife and self-esteem? This article, written by a psychologist in private practice, discusses theories, research, social and cultural values around women's mood, well-being and self-esteem. The article does not stereotype or pigeonhole women, rather it takes into account women's differences.
20. Early-menopause: why me? Clear explanations of how and why early menopause might occur are combined with corresponding anecdotes from individual women. The author helps the reader to understand the range and variety of situations that can be called early menopause and how one might deal with them. She encourages women to talk about it, to seek help, and to recognize that early menopause is more common than we think. 21. HRT - getting the balance right In light of the results from the Women's Health Initiative Study, (and the ensuing media frenzy) this article, published in an independent consumer magazine, presents the available evidence for the risks and benefits for menopausal hormone therapy and some complementary therapies. 22. The new natural alternatives to HRT Written by a nutritional therapist this consumer-focused book discusses menopause and ways to manage symptoms by diet, nutrition and lifestyle. Research about medical and natural approaches is covered including past and current controversies. 23. Hormone replacement therapy: a guide for women with breast cancer or a family history of breast cancer This booklet written for consumers provides an introduction to menopause and menopausal hormone therapy and looks at specific situations around breast cancer. The booklet emphasizes that there is still much we do not know and that every decision is individual.
Web sites24. Menopause Matters http://www.menopausematters.co.uk/ A clinician-led website which provides easily accessible, up-to-date, accurate information about the menopause, menopausal symptoms and treatment options, including menopausal hormone therapy and alternative therapies. There is a section on early menopause with links and suggested reading. A-Z of health issues and menopausal hormone therapy. 25. The Jean Hailes Foundation Website of an Australian national women's health organisation, which provides clinical care, education and research. It is known particularly for its focus on menopause and midlife but the website also provides information on other women's health issues. 26. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute: Women's Health Initiative This website provides the background to, results of and updates on all aspects of the Women's Health Initiative study. 27. Early Menopause http://www.earlymenopause.com/index.htm Excellent resource from USA that contains clear, accurate information that is easy to read. The site also has online discussions, chat room, and numerous other resources. 28. Access: Australia's National Infertility NetworkThis is an Australian site with a range of information on infertility. Some of the information and some personal stories are readily available but the list of counsellors and the comprehensive list of fact sheets are available to members only.
Some services in Victoria1. Royal Women's Hospital Menopause Clinic 2. Monash Medical Centre Menopause Clinic 3. Mercy Hospital for Women Menopause Nurse 4. Regional and rural services |
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© 2007 Women's Health Victoria Content Publication Date: 11th November 2002 |
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