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Gynecologists' Perspectives on Menopausal Care and Work-Related Outcomes in Japan: A Nationwide Cross-Sectional
Mariko Ogawa1, Riyo Kinouchi2, Akiko Yamaguchi3
1Fukushima Medical Center for Children and Women, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan.
Aim:
This study investigated the current clinical status, structural barriers, and perceived outcomes of menopausal care provided by gynecologists in Japan, with a specific focus on the management of menopausal disorders among working women.
Methods:
A web-based survey was conducted among 919 gynecologists in December 2025. Participants were categorized by weekly menopausal patient volume (none/minimal, 1-19, or ≥ 20 patients/week). A mixed-methods approach was employed, including adjusted multivariable logistic regression analyses.
Results:
Most gynecologists (89.4%) encountered patients with decreased work performance, and 29.8% reported managing patients who had resigned owing to menopausal symptoms. Meanwhile, 82.4% of respondents perceived improvements in work performance following treatment. Adjusted multivariable analyses confirmed weekly patient volume as an independent predictor of occupational outcomes and willingness to continue menopausal care. While nearly all gynecologists prescribed hormone replacement therapy and Kampo (Japanese herbal) medicine, the variety of additional treatments increased significantly with patient volume. Furthermore, 66.4% of gynecologists reported that their residency training in menopausal disorders was insufficient. Consultations for menopausal disorders required significantly more time than those for dysmenorrhea, regardless of patient volume. Qualitative analysis identified inadequate reimbursement as the most frequently cited systemic concern.
Conclusions:
Gynecologists frequently encounter menopause-related work performance impairment but perceive treatment as beneficial. After adjustment for physician characteristics, higher patient volume remained an independent predictor of severe occupational consequences and willingness to continue menopausal care. Addressing time-intensive consultations, insufficient reimbursement, and limited postgraduate education is essential to support working women with menopausal symptoms.
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