Dr Sarah Ball has spent the past week in the beautiful city of Florence, attending the European Menopause and Andropause Society Conference (EMAS 2023). An awful part of the job but somebody’s got to do it! (Yes, the rest of the team were slightly jealous!)
Attending local, national and international menopause conferences are excellent opportunities for consolidating previous knowledge, learning about new research and networking with so many other enthusiastic groups and individuals with experiences working in the menopause space.
There were several lectures reminding us why bodyidentical HRT is the current current gold standard HRT for the majority of those seeking relief from menopausal symptoms (as well as those with Premature Ovarian Insufficiency and for those wishing to consider it as a treatment for osteoporosis).
However, there are a few other newer types of menopausal treatments on the horizon that were a source of excitement for Dr Ball. Some are medications based on newer types of reproductive hormones, some newer combinations of already established products, some new non-hormonal medications for treatment of hot sweats and flushes and some are based on localised treatments for improving vulval and vaginal health.
As we know, HRT is not a ‘one size fits all’ and therefore having additional options for those with specific issues or needs is greatly welcomed.
In general, we continue to have a lack of data in general about women’s health matters, and that has traditionally been especially clear in relation to menopausal health. Having said that, things are changing for the better and this conference was a fantastic opportunity for a huge number of clinicians and researchers to present their work and to advance our understanding.
Dr Ball was also very reassured to see plenty of airtime given to addressing menopause in the workplace. And, as an example, was intrigued to talk with June Potts, who presented her work about menopausal awareness for those who work in confined spaces, specifically pilots.
Another new word to add to the vocabulary is ‘Couplepause’, following a session addressing the area of sexual health needs of those in an intimate relationship – moving away from seeing the potential issues (eg lack of libido, vaginal dryness) as belonging to an individual, but owning and addressing it as a shared mutually supportive experience where either one or both individuals can be affected directly or indirectly.
Aside from the amazing continuous professional developing and new friendships made there was also plenty of time and opportunity to practice what we preach as menopause specialists – to connect with people who lift us, to eat well, (especially the Mediterranean diet which was bountiful in Florence), to enjoy alcohol in moderation, to walk the bustling streets of this glorious, chic Italian city, to be out in nature and to enjoy intellectually stimulating conversation.
Dr Ball will now share all her newfound knowledge with Dr Duffy and Dr Macbeth and our 3 ever-keen doctors will now be looking forward to attending the annual conference of the British Menopause Society in Stratford-upon-Avon at the end of next month.
Last updated: September 2024
