Sweden Launches First National Guidelines to Improve Menopause Care
Sweden has introduced its first national guidelines for menopause care to improve treatment and support for over one million women experiencing menopause symptoms.
- • Sweden's National Board of Health and Welfare introduces first national guidelines for menopause care.
- • Guidelines aim to provide equitable, accessible care for over one million women affected by menopause.
- • Healthcare professionals receive support for identifying and treating various menopause symptoms including hormone therapy.
- • Emphasis on recognizing diverse menopause symptoms and improving awareness among women and healthcare providers.
Key details
Sweden's National Board of Health and Welfare has introduced the country's first-ever national guidelines for menopause care, aiming to ensure equitable, professional, and accessible healthcare for the over one million women affected by menopause symptoms nationwide. This landmark initiative responds to the long-overlooked need for clear, standardized support and treatment for menopause, which significantly impacts women's quality of life, work, and family life.
The guidelines assist healthcare professionals in diagnosing and managing menopause symptoms such as hot flashes, heart palpitations, concentration difficulties, sleep disturbances, anxiety, joint pain, and depression. They also provide comprehensive support options including hormone replacement therapy, non-hormonal treatments, lifestyle advice, and follow-up care, areas previously lacking consistent national direction. Midwife Maria Karlström from the menopause clinic in Överkalix emphasized the importance of acknowledging symptoms beyond the typical hot flashes, stating that effective hormonal treatment is sometimes necessary and calling for a shift away from simply "biting the bullet."
The initiative has been widely praised, with Camilla Friberg (S), regional councilor in Norrbotten, calling it a milestone for women's health rights in Sweden. She highlighted that the guidelines address a crucial gap in healthcare and advocate for increased awareness and appropriate care during menopause. Women seeking information and support can find resources on 1177.se or contact their local health centers and specialized menopause clinics like the one in Överkalix.
The guidelines arrive as broader conversations about women's health and aging gain momentum, exemplified by the upcoming health event Allt för Hälsan at Stockholmsmässan from November 7 to 9. This event focuses on women's health, including menopause, mental health, relationships, aging, and combating ageism, featuring notable speakers and experts such as Sofia Ståhl and international guest Dr. Rangan Chatterjee.
The launch of these national menopause care guidelines marks a significant advancement in Swedish healthcare, promising more consistent, empathetic, and effective support for women's health across all regions of the country.