Gynecologist Cristina García Casals notes rise in menopause consultations

“Il y a 15 ans, c’était anecdotique de recevoir une consultation pour des symptômes de ménopause,” stated Cristina García Casals, a gynecologist at the Hospital Materno-Infantil de La Coruña, highlighting a significant cultural shift in how patients approach midlife health transitions.

Key Clinical Takeaways:

• Patient consultation rates for menopause symptoms have risen over the past fifteen years, moving away from a previous norm of silent endurance.
• Supply chain disruptions affecting hormone replacement therapies have created notable anxiety for patients, drawing public attention from figures like Candela Peña on the program La Revuelta.
• Clinical guidance emphasizes that managing symptoms like hot flashes is tied directly to broader health markers, including cardiovascular risk and overall morbidity.

For years, patients routinely lived with severe hot flashes, restless nights, brain fog, and vaginal dryness without seeking clinical intervention. García Casals noted that fifteen years ago, discussing these issues in a clinical setting was rare because individuals considered enduring discomfort to be a normal part of aging. Even among those who did schedule appointments, many expressed hesitation regarding available therapies, particularly hormonal treatments. Today, patients arrive actively seeking explanations and therapeutic solutions.

Candela Peña Appearance Triggers Hormone Therapy Shortages

Securing appropriate medical management has encountered logistical hurdles recently due to shortages of hormone replacement therapies in pharmacies. These distribution bottlenecks intensified following public advocacy from Candela Peña on the Spanish television program La Revuelta. Pharmaceutical manufacturers currently distribute available stock based on prioritized markets, prompting patient associations to intervene directly with manufacturers to stabilize inventory levels.

Evaluating Individualized Therapeutic Options

Clinical management requires tailored decision-making rather than a universal protocol. For instance, Lenzetto, a transdermal hormonal spray absorbed through the skin, carries a lower thrombotic risk than oral medications and is covered under the Spanish national health system. When shortages occur, estrogen patches occasionally serve as an alternative, though dosage adjustments and absorption rates vary, requiring direct supervision from a healthcare professional.

Questions regarding the duration of hormone therapy—such as whether to discontinue use at age 60 or after a decade of treatment—depend heavily on individual clinical histories, including instances of premature menopause or severe symptom burden. Prior to initiating hormone therapy, practitioners occasionally evaluate alternative options derived from pollen or soja, while carefully screening for medical histories involving breast cancer.

Hot Flashes Signal Cardiovascular Health Risks

Beyond immediate comfort, managing symptoms serves a preventative function in overall health. García Casals pointed out that hot flashes can function as important markers for cardiovascular health, emphasizing that clinical consultations aim to improve long-term morbidity and mortality rates rather than merely restore restful sleep. To support physical resilience during this transition, specialists recommend maintaining a balanced diet, exercising regularly, avoiding tobacco and alcohol, engaging in twice-weekly strength training to counteract muscle mass loss, and protecting pelvic floor health to prevent prolapse.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational and scientific communication purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition, diagnosis, or treatment plan.