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.