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Managing menopause: myths & misconceptions

Dr Stella Milsom, Endocrinologist, discusses the current options for managing menopause, and the evidence and current guidelines for this. Stella covered the ‘menopause consultation’ and indications for menopausal hormone therapy (MHT), as well as how to prescribe this effectively for different case scenarios.

Key messages:

  • Menopause is a clinical diagnosis.
  • The menopause consultation is an opportunity for preventative health measures.
  • Use the opportunity to provide evidence-based information.
  • Keep in mind the goals of MHT are to relieve menopausal symptoms - vasomotor, mood, genitourinary, sleep issues.
  • MHT is the treatment of choice for a large number of women.
  • The absolute risk of complications for healthy, post-menopausal women in their 50’s taking MHT is very low.
  • Dose, delivery systems and regimens should be individualised.

Throughout this live online event, you will have the opportunity to type questions to Stella via the onscreen text system. Please note that the webinar may run slightly over time so as many of your questions as possible can be answered.

Resources

 

Presenter

Dr Stella Milsom

Endocrinologist

MBChB, Dip Obs, FRACP

Stella graduated from University of Otago, followed by post graduate training in Christchurch and Auckland, doctoral studies with Professor Peter Gluckman at the University of Auckland and post-fellowship training at the University of Utah, USA and Middlesex Hospital and St Bartholomew’s Hospitals, London.

She is the reproductive endocrinologist at National Women’s Hospital, and at Fertility Associates, Auckland and clinical senior lecturer in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Auckland.

Stella is on the Boards of Osteoporosis New Zealand and Human Fertility UK, is Chairman of Endocrinology training in New Zealand for the Royal College of Physicians, is a member of the National Health Committees formulating guidelines on hormone replacement therapy and fertility preservation and is an advisor to Pharmac. 

Her clinical and research interests include ovulatory disorders, especially polycystic ovary syndrome and hypothalamic amenorrhea.