Survey of patient experience and management of vasomotor symptoms due to menopause from the PatientsLikeMe community

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to describe menopause and treatment experiences of women with vasomotor symptoms due to menopause in the United States.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was administered to women 40-65 years of age recruited from PatientsLikeMe, a dedicated online platform for patients.

Results: 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.

Conclusions: 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.