New international guidelines reshape menopause care
New international guidelines are placing greater emphasis on personalised treatment and improving quality of life for women experiencing menopause, recognising the physical and psychological impact of symptoms and the need for better access to medical support.
According to a report by the Athens-Macedonian News Agency (AMNA), the recommendations of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), published in the November 2026 issue of Obstetrics & Gynecology, underline the importance of tailoring treatment to each woman's individual needs, medical history and risk factors.
Professor Sofia Kalantaridou, Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, explains that the new guidance addresses symptoms including hot flashes, night sweats, sleep disturbances and mood changes, which can significantly affect everyday life.
Menopause affects millions of women worldwide
Menopause is a natural stage of a woman's life, but its effects can present significant challenges. With increasing life expectancy, women may now spend up to 40% of their lives after menopause.
Hormonal changes during this period can cause physical and psychological symptoms, including hot flashes, night sweats, chronic fatigue, sleep problems, mood swings and difficulties concentrating.
Other health concerns, such as osteoporosis, sexual dysfunction, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, also become more common during this stage of life.
Menopause typically occurs around the age of 50 to 51. However, approximately 12% of women experience it before the age of 45, while around 3.5% develop premature ovarian insufficiency before the age of 40.
More than one billion women worldwide are currently over the age of 50, with a significant proportion experiencing menopause-related symptoms.
Despite its widespread impact, menopause remains a taboo subject in many societies, leaving many women struggling without seeking appropriate medical assistance.
Hormone therapy under renewed scientific review
The international approach to menopause treatment has also been evolving.
In November 2025, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced plans to remove certain boxed warnings from the labelling of specific menopause hormone therapy products.
The warnings, introduced in 2003, included concerns about cardiovascular risks, breast cancer and dementia.
The development reflects a broader reassessment of scientific evidence and the importance of evaluating the potential benefits and risks of hormone therapy on an individual basis.
The United States has also announced the creation of a Women's Health Division within the National Institutes of Health, aimed at advancing research into women's health throughout their lives, with particular attention to menopause.
Treatment tailored to individual needs
Under the new ACOG recommendations, menopause care should be based on each woman's symptoms, medical history, individual circumstances and potential treatment risks.
Available options include both hormonal and non-hormonal therapies designed to address hot flashes, night sweats, sleep disturbances and mood-related symptoms.
The guidelines also highlight the importance of non-pharmaceutical approaches, including cognitive behavioural therapy, regular physical activity and a healthy lifestyle supported by balanced nutrition.
The choice of treatment should take into account medical indications, contraindications and the potential benefits and risks for each individual.
Breaking the taboo through open discussion
Professor Kalantaridou, who also serves as president of the Hellenic Society of Family Planning, Contraception and Reproductive Health and vice-president of the Hellenic Society of Climacterium and Menopause, stresses that women must have access to appropriate support throughout the transition from reproductive age to menopause.
She argues that progress should not be measured solely by the development of new treatments, but also by a wider cultural shift towards openness, information and understanding.
Menopause should no longer be treated as a phase of life during which women are expected to endure debilitating symptoms in silence.
Instead, women should be encouraged to discuss their experiences with healthcare professionals and receive appropriate medical and non-medical support to protect their health and quality of life.
