Arabic version: أستراليا تصدر إرشادات جديدة لأعراض انقطاع الطمث

According to ABC News, the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists has released new clinical guidelines to help clinicians manage menopausal symptoms using evidence-based recommendations.

The guidance addresses vasomotor symptoms, including hot flushes and night sweats, and genito-urinary symptoms such as vaginal dryness and frequent urination. It applies to women aged 40 and above. Menopause begins 12 months after a woman’s last period; in Australia, the average age is 51, and most women reach menopause between 45 and 55.

The guidelines outline treatment options including menopausal hormone therapy, acupuncture and hypnosis, and rank the available evidence from very low to high. They recommend annual doctor reviews for women taking menopausal hormone therapy. They also state there is insufficient evidence that weight loss or physical activity alone improves hot flushes or night sweats, or that hypnosis improves sleep.

RANZCOG guideline development group chair Catriona Melville said the aim was to provide clear recommendations so clinicians could discuss safe and appropriate options with patients. The guidance says women with a history of breast cancer can be offered vaginal oestrogen to ease menopausal symptoms.

The guidelines do not cover bone density, joint pain, libido, depression or anxiety. They encourage clinicians to ask women approaching menopause about troublesome symptoms, particularly First Nations, Māori and Pacific Islander women and others who may face barriers to treatment. Separate Australian government-funded perimenopause and menopause guidelines are expected next year and will be updated as evidence emerges.