Why Utah Lags in Menopause Care: A Closer Look

World Menopause Day is a global event that shines a light on the challenges women face during menopause. It's a chance to see how different places handle this stage of life. In the U. S. , only a small number of women use hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to manage menopause symptoms. This is much lower than in places like the U. K. and Australia, where more women are using HRT and doctors are writing more prescriptions for it. Doctors in the U. S. often feel unprepared to help women going through menopause. A survey from a few years ago showed that very few doctors felt ready to manage menopause symptoms. Even though awareness is growing, there's still a long way to go. In Utah, the situation is even tougher. The state has a good number of OB-GYNs, but they are often busy with pregnancy and childbirth. Women might turn to them for help with menopause, but they might not be the best ones to ask. Primary care doctors can help, but Utah has fewer of them than most other states. The U. S. also has fewer medication options for menopause. Unlike in Australia, where women can use an approved testosterone cream, American doctors can only prescribe testosterone "off label. " This means it's not specifically approved for menopause symptoms, even though it can help with energy, sexual function, and keeping bones and muscles strong. Why is the U. S. so behind in menopause care? A big reason is an old study from 2002. This study scared a lot of women and doctors with warnings about HRT. The headlines stuck, and even though new research shows HRT is safe for most women, many are still afraid to use it. It takes a long time for new medical research to become common practice, and women are paying the price. When menopause symptoms aren't treated, it affects more than just the women going through it. Sleep problems, trouble thinking, and emotional struggles can all get worse. Over time, health risks like osteoporosis, heart disease, and even Alzheimer's can increase. Better menopause care isn't just a women's health issue—it's a public health issue. To move forward, doctors need better training on menopause. More specialized and holistic care is needed, along with less stigma around menopause. Women also need to be able to track their own symptoms and understand what's happening to their bodies. This way, they can make informed decisions about their health.