Evaluation of a midlife services program assessing chief complaints, referral patterns, and therapies provided

The objective of this study is to describe the characteristics of patients referred to the Midlife Services program in south central Pennsylvania, the menopause-associated symptoms prompting referral, and the therapies prescribed as part of their care.

Epic Slicer Dicer was used to create a report of all female patients between the ages 45-60 referred to Midlife Services between Jan 1, 2024, and December 31, 2024. Patient charts were reviewed for reason for referral, menopausal symptoms addressed, number of Midlife visits, and treatments initiated. Chi-square analysis was used to examine categorical variables, and independent sample t-tests were conducted to compare continuous variables.

In 2024, there were 203 referrals to Midlife Services. Most referrals came from healthcare professionals working in family medicine (n = 90; 44.3%) and obstetrics and gynecology (n = 73; 36%). Of those who attended a Midlife visit, 60% (n = 58) were prescribed estrogen plus progestogen therapy by a Midlife clinician.

There is a growing population of women seeking care for conditions associated with menopause, and a persistent gap in quality care provided to patients with menopausal concerns. Midlife Services began operating in 2018. Similar programs have been created around the United States yet there is a paucity of studies describing the population of women accessing these services, the symptoms that drive them to seek care, and the treatments they are prescribed. The healthcare professionals most frequently making referrals to Midlife were working in family medicine and obstetrics and gynecology, demonstrating the benefit of this service. The majority of patients referred to Midlife were started on hormone therapy, demonstrating that a need was being addressed by Midlife.