Family physicians are often the doctors who accompany women through the whole arc of their lives, from young adulthood through midlife and beyond. Yet a new study suggests that, despite this central role, the training they receive in menopause care is inconsistent and often inadequate, leaving many clinicians underprepared for one of the most consequential transitions in a woman's health.
The research found that formal education on menopause is frequently limited, varies widely between programmes, and rarely keeps pace with evolving evidence about hormone therapy, symptom management and long-term risks. As a result, women may receive conflicting advice or find their concerns dismissed at precisely the moment they need informed support. The gap is especially striking given how many patients experience menopause and how much it can affect sleep, mood, work and overall wellbeing. The authors argue that strengthening menopause education in medical training is not a niche concern but a core component of comprehensive primary care. Closing the gap could improve the experience of millions of women who currently navigate this transition with too little guidance.
