Menopause: identification and management

Access to healthcare professionals with expertise in menopause

The guideline recommends that for some women, trans men and non-binary people registered female at birth, additional advice should be sought from a healthcare professional with expertise in menopause or a specialist, for example in oncology. NICE understands that there is currently a lack healthcare professionals with an expertise in menopause and their availability varies nationally. We have highlighted how this may be improved through the establishment of women's health hubs or training more healthcare professionals.

Support from outside NICE

• The Department of Health and Social Care has produced information and guidance on establishing women’s health hubs for integrated care systems and other local and national partners. Women’s health hubs bring together healthcare professionals and existing services to provide integrated women’s health services in the community, centred on meeting women’s needs. Hub models aim to improve access to and experiences of care, improve health outcomes for women and reduce health inequalities.
• The Primary Care Women’s Health Forum has resources for healthcare professionals, commissioners and associated professionals working in primary care, including a Women’s Health Hub Toolkit, which provides practical advice to help set up a Women’s Health Hub in a local area.
• The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists has developed a Menopause Care Special Interest Training Module which is aimed at professionals with an interest in menopause care. It provides training on how to assess menopause-associated symptoms, understand the benefits and risks of HRT and alternative therapies, and advise people accordingly.
• The British Menopause Society has developed a comprehensive menopause education programme for healthcare professionals and others working in the area of post reproductive health.
• The Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare has a comprehensive education and training programme which includes qualifications in menopause care.

Note that external websites and resources have not been produced by NICE. NICE has not made any judgement about the methodology, quality or usability of the websites or resources.