Women's and health professionals' needs and preferences informing the updated IMS recommendations

This study aimed to identify and compare the priorities for content and accompanying resources of midlife women (MW) and health professionals (HPs) to inform the updated International Menopause Society (IMS) recommendations.

Two online multi-language surveys with a range of response options were disseminated internationally to MW aged 45-65 years and HPs, respectively. Data analysis used descriptive statistics, chi-square and Leximancer thematic analysis of free text responses.

Approximately 50% of respondents were European and 50% from the rest of the world. Among MW (n = 756), 44.8% were postmenopausal, 85% reported menopausal symptoms and 82% had consulted a HP regarding menopause. Among HPs (n = 500), most were gynecologists (49.2%), and 286/499 were aware of and 246/279 used the 2016 IMS recommendations. Although >70% respondents perceived that most 2016 topics be retained, similarities and differences between the priorities of HPs and MW were identified. HPs prioritized premature ovarian insufficiency, breast cancer and non-pharmacological/lifestyle interventions; MW emphasized midlife body changes, skin, heart/brain health, quality of life, novel therapies and media/pharma influences. There were significant differences in the accompanying resources preferred by MW and HPs.

This study highlights the different priorities and resource needs of MW and HPs. These findings informed the updated IMS recommendations to better address stakeholder needs.