Literature Review: Knowledge, Training Standards, and Curriculum Effectiveness in Menopause Care among Primary Care and Reproductive Health Clinicians

Year of Publication
2026
Author
Date Published
09/2026
Institution
UCSF Health Workforce Research Center on Long-Term Care
City
San Francisco, CA
Abstract

Menopause is a universal life stage for women, characterized by significant physiological changes that impact health, quality of life, and long-term disease risk. Associated conditions include vasomotor symptoms, sleep disturbances, mood disorders, sexual dysfunction, bone density loss, and increased cardiovascular risk. While clinical guidelines for menopause management are available from leading organizations such as the Menopause Society, the Endocrine Society, and ACOG, studies suggest that many primary care and reproductive health clinicians are unfamiliar with these guidelines or lack the confidence to apply them in practice. This contributes to delayed treatment, underutilization of hormone therapy, and inconsistent care. This report synthesizes evidence on three key aspects of menopause care: (1) clinicians’ knowledge of evidence-based treatment, (2) accreditation standards for training programs in menopause care, and (3) the effectiveness of curricula in preparing clinicians to manage menopause-related concerns.

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