The Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of War jointly released a clinical practice guideline to improve care for women experiencing perimenopause and menopause.
The guideline provides recommendations on diagnosis, symptom management, and treatment safety, covering hot flashes, sleep problems, mood and cognitive changes, genitourinary symptoms, sexual dysfunction, bone health, weight management, cardiovascular disease, and breast cancer risk.
For vasomotor symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats, the guideline addresses hormonal treatments including estrogen and progesterone, as well as nonhormonal options including certain antidepressants and gabapentin. The guideline also covers treatment for breast cancer survivors and other patient populations.
The guideline includes diagnostic and treatment flowcharts and a pocket card matching symptoms with recommended treatments for use during clinical appointments. It directs providers to related clinical guidance when patients need further evaluation or treatment.
Women represent an essential and growing portion of the military force and the fastest-growing group among veterans and VA healthcare beneficiaries. The agencies said the guideline provides a common framework for continuity of care across both healthcare systems.