Evaluación del impacto, los patrones de tratamiento y las percepciones de pacientes y clínicos de los síntomas vasomotores moderado-graves asociados a la menopausia en España

Abstract

Introduction

Menopause generates different symptoms, among which vasomotor symptoms are especially prevalent and bothersome. The aim of this work was to determine their impact and the treatment patterns and perceptions in Spain by analyzing the opinions of physicians and patients with moderate-to-severe vasomotor symptoms (MS-VMS).

Methods

Descriptive cross-sectional study of the Spanish subpopulation from the Adelphi-VMS™ Disease-Specific Program. Primary Care and Gynecology and Obstetrics physicians selected the patients. These patients were invited to complete a survey and the MENQOL and WPAI:SHP questionnaires. Data are presented as percentage or mean ± standard deviation.

Results

Overall 32 Primary Care and Gynecology and Obstetrics physicians participated in the study, enrolling 241 women, of whom 143 experienced MS-VMS. Despite the reported impact on global work (24.84% ± 17.49 presentism) and quality of life (3.37 ± 1.52 MENQOL score), only 53.85% of women with MS-VMS were treated. Menopausal hormone treatment was the most prescribed (77.92%), followed by serotonin reuptake inhibitors (32.47%). Fifty-nine percent of clinicians were very or completely satisfied with hormone treatment, whereas only 19% had this level of satisfaction with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Less than 38% of patients and physicians were satisfied with the control of VMS.

Conclusions

Menopause-associated MS-VMS have an important impact on quality of life. Increased awareness about their management and better therapeutic options would significantly contribute to improving women's health and well-being during their climacteric period.