Implementation of a Menopause Toolkit at an Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinic

Abstract

Menopause is caused by depletion of estrogen levels leading to the cessation of menses. Although this is a natural process, it can involve problematic symptoms in women such as hot flashes and atrophic vaginitis. Studies have found that problematic symptoms of menopause are often misreported to providers, leading to lower quality of life and increased risk for other health conditions. The purpose of this evidence-based practice project was to create a standardized protocol to address problematic symptoms of menopause at Stellar Woman’s Health Specialists in Wailuku, Maui. The Endocrine Society’s Menopause MapTM provides screening and educational materials related to menopause; a questionnaire, algorithm, and patient education magazine were adapted and implemented to stage menopausal status for women 40 to 65 years presenting for annual well woman examinations. De-identified data was collected from surveys completed by patients and the electronic medical record [EMR], and the relationship between menopausal status, ethnicity, and symptoms in the target population were assessed. Results indicated that women may have problematic symptoms that may not be identified by the previous approach of verbal inquiry used in the practice, and that a visual format to screen for symptoms may be beneficial for both patients and providers in the women’s health clinic setting. Keywords: Menopause, screening, symptoms, women’s health, evidence-based practice, menopause toolkit, and quality improvement