From the Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, TX.
Astellas Pharma Inc., Northbrook, IL.
Menopause. 2024 Nov 1;31(11):979-986. doi: 10.1097/GME.0000000000002427. Epub 2024 Sep 10.
This study aimed to describe menopause and treatment experiences of women with vasomotor symptoms due to menopause in the United States.
A cross-sectional survey was administered to women 40-65 years of age recruited from PatientsLikeMe, a dedicated online platform for patients.
A total of 196 women (mean age 55.7 years; 81.2% White) completed the survey and were included in the analyses. The majority (87.2%) reported experiencing bothersome symptoms; 54.3% (100/184) had daytime hot flashes, and 59.2% (109/184) had nighttime sweats and hot flashes, up to 5 times per day on average. Mean postmenopause duration was 10.8 years. Although most (68.5%, 126/184) reported having vasomotor symptoms for less than 5 years, some (14.1%, 26/184) had symptoms for more than a decade. Only 35.2% (69/196) were treated for their symptoms; the most frequently reported prescription treatment was hormone therapy (58%; 40/69), which was administered for less than 3 years in most cases (67.5%, 27/40). Although women were generally satisfied with their interactions with healthcare providers, 23.0% reported inadequate support. Sleep, personal relationships, and physical, emotional, and mental well-being were the most affected by vasomotor symptoms. Healthcare professionals with training in women's health were the most valued resource for dealing with the symptoms associated with menopause.
Not all women with symptoms were treated. In those whose concerns were addressed by providers, a reluctance to pursue treatment was still observed. A need persists to ensure that this population has the resources and support needed to effectively manage symptoms.
本研究旨在描述美国绝经期女性血管舒缩症状的绝经经历和治疗体验。
一项横断面调查由 PatientsLikeMe 招募的 40-65 岁女性完成，PatientsLikeMe 是一个专门的在线患者平台。
共有 196 名女性（平均年龄 55.7 岁；81.2%为白人）完成了调查并纳入分析。大多数女性（87.2%）报告有症状困扰；54.3%（100/184）有日间潮热，59.2%（109/184）有夜间盗汗和潮热，平均每天多达 5 次。绝经后平均持续时间为 10.8 年。尽管大多数女性（68.5%，126/184）报告症状持续时间不足 5 年，但有些女性（14.1%，26/184）的症状持续时间超过 10 年。只有 35.2%（196 人中有 69 人）接受了症状治疗；报告最多的处方治疗是激素治疗（58%，40/69），大多数情况下（67.5%，27/40）使用不到 3 年。尽管女性对与医疗保健提供者的互动普遍感到满意，但仍有 23.0%的女性报告说支持不足。血管舒缩症状对睡眠、人际关系以及身体、情感和心理健康影响最大。接受过女性健康培训的医疗保健专业人员是处理与绝经相关症状的最有价值资源。
并非所有有症状的女性都接受了治疗。在那些治疗方案得到提供者关注的女性中，仍观察到对治疗的不情愿。仍然需要确保这一人群拥有有效管理症状所需的资源和支持。
