Menopause, a natural phase of life affecting half the global population, has long been under-researched and misunderstood. However, a growing wave of interest and funding is now driving groundbreaking advancements in menopause care. From revisiting hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to exploring ways to prolong ovarian function, researchers are uncovering new possibilities to improve the quality of life for women and others experiencing menopause.
The Menopause Knowledge Gap
For decades, menopause has been a neglected area of medical research and education. Naomi Busch, a physician in Seattle, experienced this firsthand when her book group began asking her about menopause symptoms like hot flashes, poor sleep, and mood swings. “I don’t know anything about menopause,” Busch admitted, echoing a common sentiment among healthcare providers.
This lack of knowledge is systemic. Medical schools often provide minimal training on menopause, leaving many healthcare professionals ill-equipped to address its challenges. However, the tide is turning. In 2024, over 1,300 providers became certified menopause practitioners through The Menopause Society, and more than 2,600 completed the International Menopause Society’s free online training program.
The Health Risks of Menopause
Menopause isn’t just about uncomfortable symptoms; it also increases the risk of serious health conditions, including:
- Cardiovascular disease
- Diabetes
- Osteoporosis
- Memory loss
Despite these risks, few effective treatments are routinely offered. Common options like oral contraceptives, antidepressants, and lifestyle changes often fall short. Even hormone replacement therapy (HRT), once a gold standard, has been underutilized since a misinterpreted 2002 study linked it to increased risks of breast cancer, heart attack, and stroke.
Revisiting Hormone Replacement Therapy
Recent research is challenging the outdated fears surrounding HRT. A 2024 review of the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) study highlighted critical flaws in the original findings. For example:
- The hormone formulations and dosages used in the WHI trials differ from those commonly prescribed today.
- Transdermal patches, which deliver hormones through the skin, reduce the risk of blood clots associated with oral HRT.
- Starting HRT early—within ten years of menopause or before age 60—may offer significant benefits, including reduced fracture risk and potential cardiovascular protection.
“There is renewed interest in menopause right now, and we need to take advantage,” says Stephanie Faubion, director of the Mayo Clinic’s Center for Women’s Health. For more on the WHI study, visit the Women’s Health Initiative website.
Prolonging Ovarian Function
Beyond HRT, researchers are exploring ways to prolong ovarian function, which could delay menopause and its associated health risks. The ovaries do more than produce eggs and hormones; they also release chemical signals that support overall health.
“When the ovaries fail, there are a lot of chronic health conditions associated with that,” says Renee Wegrzyn, director of the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H). Scientists are investigating therapies that could keep the ovaries functioning longer, potentially transforming how we approach menopause.
The Role of Technology
Emerging technologies like wearable sensors and implantable bioelectronic devices could revolutionize menopause care by:
- Tracking hormone levels in real time.
- Identifying the optimal window for starting HRT.
- Delivering hormones on an as-needed basis.
These innovations could address the challenges of erratic hormone fluctuations during perimenopause and ensure more personalized, effective treatment.
A Growing Movement for Menopause Awareness
Public awareness and advocacy for menopause are on the rise. In 2024, the U.S. National Institutes of Health held a roundtable on menopause research, and the Biden administration awarded $113 million to women’s health research. Celebrities like Halle Berry have joined lawmakers in championing menopause-related legislation, while grassroots organizations like Menopause Mandate in the UK and Menopause Solutions Africa are raising awareness and pushing for change.
For more resources on menopause, visit The Menopause Society or explore the International Menopause Society’s free training program.
The Future of Menopause Care
The renewed focus on menopause represents a pivotal moment in women’s health. As researchers uncover new therapies and technologies, the potential to improve the lives of millions is immense.
“It’s hard to imagine a therapeutic space that would have as much potential payoff,” says Zev Williams, a reproductive endocrinologist at Columbia University. “Menopause affects half the population, and it interrupts a time when people are in their prime professionally.”
