Women’s Health: Practical Care Including Menopause

Wednesday, 8:00 – 9:00 AM CST

12 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ available

There are about 2.8 million women in Illinois age 45 and over (ACS, 2019-23). Midlife represents a critical time in women’s health due to menopausal transition as well as changes in risks related to cardiovascular health and musculoskeletal health. Health disparities exacerbate these issues. The Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation (SWAN) has shown that Black women reach menopause earlier and experience symptoms for a longer period of time (Harlow et al, 2022). Earlier menopause onset and worsening symptoms has been associated with high risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality (Shuster et al, 2010).  Data in Illinois corroborates this statement as the age-adjusted rate of heart disease mortality among Black women is nearly 1.5 times higher than the rate for White women (IDPH, 2003). Additionally, Latina women in Illinois experience elevated rates of risk factors for heart disease—including obesity, physical inactivity, diabetes, and hypertension—when compared to non-Hispanic White women. Menopause has impacts beyond health as well. In a Mayo Clinic study (Faubion et al, 2023), 13% of women reported at least one adverse work outcome due to menopause symptoms.  More training for providers is needed to understand how to assess risk and implement evidence-based practices. A study by DePree et al (2023) found that nearly 40% of women with menopausal symptoms noted in their medical record had no documented prescription medication and 13% had no therapy documented at all. Some of the gap may be due to confusion generated by the media (AMA, 2024) around the risk of various therapies. Training is needed to help providers understand the latest research, weigh treatment options, and effectively communicate with their patients. This series aims to provide training and support to community providers who work with women across the age spectrum.

Topics for Case-Based Learning and Discussion Include:

• Cervical cancer screening
• Menopause Essentials
• Perimenopause Pearls of Evaluation & Management
• Dysuria, UTI and Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM)
• Period Problems
• Pelvic pain (Including pain with sex): Practical Evaluation Techniques and Strategies
• Contraception Common Myths and Telling Truths
• Bone Health
• Heart Health
• Breast Health: Common Complaints, Screening vs. Diagnostic Imaging
• Breast Cancer Survivorship
• “So, On Tik Tok…”: Addressing Social Media-Driven Health Advice