Challenges in setting up menopause care clinics in the Philippines

With a growing population of women transitioning into menopause, there is a need to offer comprehensive care to midlife women in the Philippines. The Philippine Society of Climacteric Medicine (PSCM) and the Philippine Obstetrical and Gynecological Society (POGS) recommend the establishment of menopause clinics in all centers. This study aimed to identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and challenges in establishing menopause clinics at hospitals in the Philippines.

A pre-workshop survey was sent to 95 hospitals followed by an online workshop on how to set up a menopause clinic. Thereafter, a series of lectures and group discussions regarding their clinics followed. There was an online evaluation of the workshop and an online test to assess their knowledge in menopause care and in setting up a menopause clinic.

Thirty hospitals responded to the pre-workshop survey. There were 248 attendees who attended. Weaknesses and challenges included the lack of infrastructure support, limited training and interest in menopause care, and hesitancy in prescribing menopause hormone therapy (MHT). Strengths and opportunities mentioned were the existing curriculum on menopause, established referral system and supportive hospital administration.

Similarities and differences between the institutions were identified and participants found the workshop helpful and relevant. In addition, the workshop increased participants' understanding of menopause and highlighted the importance for having a designated clinic and opportunities to address the gaps in midlife care.