Shayna Mancuso, DO, highlights the real impact of menopause

The Menopause Experience and Attitudes Study, as explained by Shayna Mancuso, DO, FACOG, from Astellas Pharma, is a comprehensive, bi-yearly global research initiative designed to better understand societal perceptions, individual experiences, and the persistent stigma surrounding menopause and perimenopause.

Conducted by Astellas in collaboration with global menopause experts and advocates, the study collected data from approximately 13,800 participants across 6 countries. Notably, each country contributed approximately 2,300 participants, with the US segment focusing on 1,800 women aged 40 to 55 years.

The study yielded several critical findings. One of the most striking revelations was that 67% of respondents felt menopause symptoms are not taken seriously, and 55% still view menopause as a taboo subject. These statistics emphasize the ongoing cultural silence and misunderstanding surrounding the menopausal transition. In addition, 60% of women who had experienced menopause, or were close to someone who had, reported psychological effects such as anxiety, depression, shame, and embarrassment.

The study also highlighted the negative impact of menopause in professional environments. Many women reported decreased productivity and even workplace discrimination linked to menopausal symptoms. Moreover, 93% of women who had direct or indirect experience with menopause reported significant symptom impact, with 60% citing hot flashes and over 50% mentioning night sweats or vasomotor symptoms.

These findings underscore the ongoing societal challenges women face during menopause and highlight a significant need for improved education and support systems. Mancuso emphasized that menopause management should not be approached with a “one size fits all” mindset. Instead, health care providers must recognize the diversity of symptoms and experiences, tailoring care accordingly.

In addressing how clinicians can help, Mancuso stressed the importance of health care providers taking an active role in breaking the stigma and initiating open, judgment-free discussions. Physicians should ensure that women feel safe and heard when sharing their experiences. By providing comprehensive, evidence-based information on available treatments and management strategies, clinicians can empower women to become advocates for their own health during this significant phase of life.

Reference

New research reveals impact of menopause stigma. Astellas. March 07, 2025. Accessed April 04, 2025. https://www.astellas.com/en/stories/international-womans-day-2025