{"title":"Knowledge of menopause-associated symptoms and non-hormonal strategies: an Italian survey on social media platforms.","authors":"Rossella E Nappi, Silvia Carabelli, Ilaria Dellacasa, Savina Dipasquale, Vania Mento, Nicoletta Orthmann, Laura Palagini, Alexa Pantanella, Michela Perrotta, Fabio Tedone, Tiziana Vavalà, Tania Vuoso","doi":"10.1080/20533691.2026.2630422","DOIUrl":"10.1080/20533691.2026.2630422","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>we aimed to provide data collected in women who were active on social media platforms about menopause-associated symptoms and their impact, as well as resources, preferences and needs, with a specific focus on non-hormonal strategies.</p><p><strong>Study design: </strong>a cross-sectional observational study conducted via an anonymous online survey involving patient associations (namely vulvodynia, endometriosis, premature menopause, and natural menopause) in Italy.</p><p><strong>Main outcomes measures: </strong>selected items of a comprehensive questionnaire co-developed by a multidisciplinary team of experts in gynaecology, psychology, and representatives from patient advocacy groups.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>a sample of 473 Italian postmenopausal women (median age: 56 yrs; range 31-76 yrs), including 231 (48.8%) subjects with chronic conditions (48 with a past history of vulvodynia, 21 of endometriosis, and 15 of oncological diseases) completed the survey. There was a good understanding of the typical menopausal symptoms (90.3% hot flushes, 83.7% vaginal dryness). Weight gain was very commonly attributed to menopause (86.9%) as the most challenging symptom (59.4%). A negative view of menopause was reported by 30.6%, with an impact on relationships (26.4%), social life, and work (9.5% for both). The majority (96.8%) identified lifestyle changes as an effective non-pharmacological intervention for managing menopausal symptoms. Additionally, 26.2% reported that the use of nutraceuticals under medical advice could be effective. Psychological support was positively experienced by 19% and considered beneficial by 56.8%, in spite of direct experience.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Providing evidence-based education on menopause is mandatory to foster individualised care. Primary prevention with lifestyle modification and some non-pharmacological interventions seems well-received.</p>","PeriodicalId":52104,"journal":{"name":"Post reproductive health","volume":"32 2","pages":"120-129"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148400096","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Post reproductive healthPub Date : 2026-06-01Epub Date: 2026-06-03DOI: 10.1080/20533691.2026.2664997
John Stevenson
{"title":"Primary prevention of coronary heart disease in women.","authors":"John Stevenson","doi":"10.1080/20533691.2026.2664997","DOIUrl":"10.1080/20533691.2026.2664997","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Coronary heart disease (CHD) is a leading cause of death in women. Observational studies have consistently shown estrogen to help prevent CHD in postmenopausal women. The large randomised controlled Women's Health Initiative (WHI) trial initially did not confirm these observational findings. However, further analyses of the WHI study as well as meta-analyses of randomised clinical trials of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and of the observational Nurses' Health Study have now found that the timing of onset of HRT use is important and that estrogen may have an important protective role in CHD, particularly in women initiating treatment below age 60 years. This BMS consensus statement will examine the evidence regarding HRT and non-estrogen therapies (lipid lowering agents, aspirin, antihypertensives, antidiabetic medications, SERMs) as well as diet, lifestyle and smoking cessation in the primary prevention of CHD in women.</p>","PeriodicalId":52104,"journal":{"name":"Post reproductive health","volume":"32 2","pages":"93-99"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148551421","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Post reproductive healthPub Date : 2026-06-01Epub Date: 2026-05-06DOI: 10.1080/20533691.2026.2660569
Nick Panay
{"title":"Bioidentical HRT.","authors":"Nick Panay","doi":"10.1080/20533691.2026.2660569","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/20533691.2026.2660569","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This BMS Consensus Statement will clarify: The differences between custom 'compounded' bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (cBHRT) and conventionally prescribed 'regulated' bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (rBHRT)The issues which have caused confusion regarding the regulation and prescribing of these hormonesThe scientific rationale for the potential advantages of regulated bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (rBHRT) compared to other types of conventional HRT.</p>","PeriodicalId":52104,"journal":{"name":"Post reproductive health","volume":"32 2","pages":"89-92"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148551291","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Post reproductive healthPub Date : 2026-06-01Epub Date: 2026-05-14DOI: 10.1080/20533691.2026.2668854
Babu Karavadra
{"title":"Post reproductive care: an editorial response to the renewed Women's Health Strategy for England (April 2026).","authors":"Babu Karavadra","doi":"10.1080/20533691.2026.2668854","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/20533691.2026.2668854","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":52104,"journal":{"name":"Post reproductive health","volume":"32 2","pages":"83-84"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148551407","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Post reproductive healthPub Date : 2026-06-01Epub Date: 2026-03-03DOI: 10.1080/20533691.2026.2629206
Elizabeth Mairenn Garden, Megan Spearman, Nuttan Tanna
{"title":"Medical student engagement in menopause care audit and quality assurance: a learning experience.","authors":"Elizabeth Mairenn Garden, Megan Spearman, Nuttan Tanna","doi":"10.1080/20533691.2026.2629206","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/20533691.2026.2629206","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The General Medical Council states that doctors should 'understand and have experience of the principles and methods of improvement, including audit' [1]. Medical students can face barriers including lack of opportunity, hostile environments and inadequate training, resulting in lower participation in such projects [2,3]. At Northwick Park Hospital, London Northwest University Healthcare NHS Trust, we were able to support students to effectively contribute to audit and quality assurance, utilising experiential learning theory, with knowledge creation through the process of experience [4]. In this paper, we provide a narrative report of their perspectives on participating in the project and learning.</p>","PeriodicalId":52104,"journal":{"name":"Post reproductive health","volume":"32 2","pages":"101-104"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148551313","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Post reproductive healthPub Date : 2026-06-01Epub Date: 2026-02-23DOI: 10.1080/20533691.2026.2629210
Stephanie Bradley, Claire Mills
{"title":"Breaking the silence: the unexplored impact of perimenopause and menopause symptoms of female equestrians.","authors":"Stephanie Bradley, Claire Mills","doi":"10.1080/20533691.2026.2629210","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/20533691.2026.2629210","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Understanding the impact of menopause (M) and perimenopause (P) symptoms with female equestrians is crucial as it not only affects participation but their overall well-being. Yet, there is limited research in this area, thus this study explored the P and M symptoms on rider participation. <i>n</i> = 1,629 female participants from a range of equestrian disciplines aged between 21 and 73 years of age (x ± s; age = 51.86 ± 14.95 years) who were within or beyond P or M were recruited and completed an online questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and thematic coding were used for further analysis and interpretation. Key themes included: (1) Physical health changes, including joint pain (74%) and weight gain (66%). (2) Mental Health and emotional well-being, with sleeplessness (74%), anxiety (78%), and a loss of confidence (76%). (3) Riding confidence, with a decrease in riding confidence (75%). (4) Support and awareness suggested there was a lack of support within the female equestrian community. Finally, (5) Hormone Replacement Therapy alleviated symptoms that interfere with riding and daily life. The P and M experience for female equestrians is complex and can negatively impact participation, proactive awareness for riders and coaches can better support this life stage.</p>","PeriodicalId":52104,"journal":{"name":"Post reproductive health","volume":"32 2","pages":"111-119"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148551361","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Black women's knowledge and attitudes to menopause: an online survey.","authors":"Harinee Balakumar, Adebukola Ayoade, Dawn Oliver, Yemi Garuba, Ashley-Anne Brown, Joyce Harper","doi":"10.1080/20533691.2026.2630581","DOIUrl":"10.1080/20533691.2026.2630581","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The menopause experience varies across ethnicities. Limited research exists on the menopause experience of Black women, highlighting the need to understand their attitudes and knowledge regarding menopause to develop culturally relevant menopause education.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>An online survey was designed with 35 questions using Qualtrics XM, exploring the knowledge and attitudes of Black women aged 40 to 70 years regarding menopause. The survey was live for 8 months across 4 social media platforms. Quantitative and qualitative analysis was employed.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>From 481 responses, 377 completed the survey. Of these, 88.3% received no education on menopause at school, and 58.1% did not feel informed at all about this life stage before the age of 40. The vast majority believed menopause should be taught at school or the doctor's surgery. However, information seeking mainly occurred through friends, social media, or healthcare professionals, typically after symptom onset. The majority of postmenopausal women (54.9%) were neutral towards menopause beforehand, but 67.3% found it difficult or very difficult afterwards. Lifestyle changes such as exercise and nutrition were popular for symptom management.The qualitative data showed that their limited knowledge left them feeling unprepared and desiring early education. Gaps in GP knowledge, reluctance to prescribe HRT, and absence of culturally competent care were prevalent. Additionally, stigma limited discussions, fostering isolation. The menopause experience varied from being psychologically damaging, affecting relationships and work, to being empowering.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>There is a need for culturally competent care and menopause education tailored to the specific needs of Black women.</p>","PeriodicalId":52104,"journal":{"name":"Post reproductive health","volume":"32 1","pages":"15-33"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148551442","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Post reproductive healthPub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2026-03-16DOI: 10.1177/20533691251398964
Salwa Kamourieh, Susie Lagrata
{"title":"HRT-induced primary headache associated with sexual activity: A case report.","authors":"Salwa Kamourieh, Susie Lagrata","doi":"10.1177/20533691251398964","DOIUrl":"10.1177/20533691251398964","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Case: </strong>Primary headache associated with sexual activity (PHASA) is uncommon and can resemble serious secondary causes such as subarachnoid haemorrhage or reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome. We report a 47-year-old woman with a history of migraine with aura who developed thunderclap headaches exclusively at orgasm after her transdermal oestradiol dose was increased from 50 µg to 75 µg twice weekly. Neuroimaging was normal. She also noticed a significant increase in libido during the higher dose period.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>Both the headaches and libido changes resolved after reducing oestradiol to 50 µg. Clinicians should consider HRT as a potentially reversible trigger in PHASA.</p>","PeriodicalId":52104,"journal":{"name":"Post reproductive health","volume":" ","pages":"69-71"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145514810","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}