Founder, Over The Bloody Moon - Best Menopause Training Organization. Creator of MenoVest, world's 1st menopause simulator, helping organisations & schools be menopause inclusive. Menopause podcaster & advocate
There’s been a lot of negative comments the past few days about the introduction of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) into the draft NICE guidelines for menopause treatment, as it’s been put on a par or alternative to Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). We actually welcome the introduction of other interventions beyond just HRT. Some women can’t take HRT or don’t respond well, so great that there is another option that is evidence based and effective for most. Our research with Kantar showed that 84% women on anti-depressants describe their menopause as severe or unbearable. Our research also found that those living with trauma, a disability, neurodiversity, acute stress or a history of poor mental health are more likely to suffer with poor mental health during perimenopause. So CBT will really benefit this cohort. That said, the NHS waiting list for IAPT and mental health support is on average two years - and is massively underfunded and under staffed. Whereas the benefit, for most taking HRT can be a matter of weeks. There is also the worry that some healthcare professionals will use this NICE guidance as another reason not to prescribe HRT for those that can and want to take it that could amplify symptoms and delay treatment - leading to negative short term and long term outcomes. However, current HRT solutions can be hit and miss, so we need to see greater long-term government funding in research and innovation in HRT, as well as non-hormonal interventions for menopause management. Clinical studies should be conducted to look at the effectiveness and safety of bio identical versus body identical HRT, as this sector is unregulated and growing rapidly with the difficulty of getting NHS appointments, regulated HRT shortages, or refusals by GPs to prescribe HRT. Menopause treatment should be indivialised - a person who is oestrogen dominant or progesterone intolerant needs particular options. There are exciting non-hormonal treatments coming onto the market that alleviate hot flushes and will help those who have contraindications. Why are these not mentioned in the draft NICE guidelines? We also think the draft should include lifestyle-led programs like nutrition and movement to be socially prescribed and available on the NHS. Our research with Insights by Kantar showed that 70% of women describing menopause as positive were making some lifestyle changes that included changing their diet, cutting back alcohol (20%), yoga & swimming. We know from our own health coaching programs that these changes make a huge improvement in managing symptoms and empowering individuals through their menopause transitions. What do you think? #nhs #cbt #overthebloodymoon #menopausemanagement #mentalhealth #menopausewellbeing #naturalmenopause
Writer & Filmmaker: Channel4 Menopause and Pill documentaries. Menopause Masterclass series. Books: Everything You Need to Know About the Menopause and Pill. Public speaker and consultant: Champions Speakers @menoscandal
This matters for all 13 million menopausal in the UK - and especially those of us who have experienced brain fog at work. Here menopause specialist Louise Newson calls out the biased, outdated science in the new draft NICE guidance for the NHS - in particular the ridiculous suggestion that CBT should be considered on a par with HRT for treatment. In fact, this is a really exciting moment for medicine, as we increasingly grasp the extent to which the new safer HRT can help with long-term conditions like osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and dementia. The NICE committee should have embraced that future. Instead they are stuck in the past. If you’re a company or HR department who cares about their staff in menopause, send your comments on the draft guidelines to NICE by January 5th. https://lnkd.in/e5TaAyAk
Belinda Gordon
11mo
It's appalling really. As a woman who is on HRT I also know the benefits of holistic management of the menopause. For example, gentle yoga which balances the hormone levels amongst many other benefits, breathing techniques to calm the nervous system, healthy diet to balance blood sugar levels, to name but a few. None of which are mentioned in the NICE guidelines. Perhaps due to the power and influence of the large pharmaceutical companies? As there isn't enough money to be made out of holistic care.
Sally Jackson
11mo
An important issue that has been poorly reported. Women need quality treatment, as many options as possible (especially for those who cannot take HRT) and as you rightly say nutrition should also be in the mix.
Digital Transformation Cartographer | Unperfect in every possible way
11moIf GPs were trained to treat the menopause like they are to prescribe contraceptives it might be a more even playing field. I just found it laughable that they said CBT to help with night sweats. CBT won’t help you when you wake up at 3am with your sheets soaked through with sweat. It also won’t help with trying to explain to an untrained in prescribing HRT that there are different doses of HRT and women sometimes need more or less. Or that too high a dose is the same as too low a dose. Essentially it’s a mess, and the government won’t fund anything so they’re copping out with CBT instead of better funding for research, training and services.