Dr Jenifer Sassarini contributes to new Lancet series on menopause

Researchers from the University of Glasgow have contributed to a new Lancet 2024 series which warns about the overmedicalisation of menopause, calling for a new approach to how society views menopause and supports women as they age. A new approach to menopause that better prepares and supports women during midlife is needed - going beyond medical treatments - to empower women using high-quality information on symptoms and treatments, empathic clinical care and workplace adjustments as required, says a new four paper series published in The Lancet and co-authored by Dr Jenifer Sassarini, Honorary Clinical Senior Lecturer at the University of Glasgow. The Lancet 2024 Series on menopause argues that an over-simplified narrative of menopause as a health problem to be solved by replacing hormones is not based on evidence and deflects attention from the need for substantial societal shifts in how menopause, and midlife/older women in general are viewed and treated around the world. The Series highlights how some groups, such as those who experience early menopause or cancer treatment-induced menopause often do not receive optimal care. In addition, The Series questions the assumption that menopause often causes mental health problems and identifies specific at-risk groups who may need additional support. The authors argue that a change in the narrative to view menopause as part of healthy ageing would reduce stigma and overmedicalisation, empowering women to navigate this life stage, acknowledged and supported by clinicians, researchers, workplaces, and wider society.