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University of Chicago Medicine Leads Global Partnership to Shape Future Research
In an exciting development for menopause care, a global initiative has finalized the top research priorities aimed at addressing gaps in menopause treatment and improving the lives of those navigating this natural life transition. The Menopause Priority Setting Partnership (MAPS), led by the University of Chicago Medicine (UChicago Medicine) in collaboration with international partners, has identified key areas that will guide future research efforts.
The finalized list, which highlights the top ten research priorities, was published in a Dec. 21 journal letter in The Lancet. These priorities were determined at the 19th World Congress on Menopause, held in Australia, and are based on the findings of two international surveys administered by MAPS.
Among the top priorities are non-hormonal treatments, beneficial lifestyle changes, and understanding the effects of perimenopause and menopause on sleep and cognition. The international steering committee, consisting of clinicians, researchers, and menopause advocacy group representatives, developed this list to address the pressing concerns of those experiencing menopause as well as the clinicians supporting them. The final priorities reflect global perspectives on menopause, shedding light on what is needed to enhance women’s health during this critical life stage.
Dr. Monica Christmas, director of UChicago Medicine’s Menopause Program, shared her enthusiasm for the research initiative: “A process like this is really gratifying because you get a better understanding of what is important globally, not just here in Chicago or the United States.”
A Global Look at Menopause Research
Menopause, marked by the cessation of menstruation and a decline in estrogen production, brings with it a host of physical and emotional challenges. Hot flashes, sleep disturbances, and cognitive impairment are just some of the common symptoms that many individuals experience. However, the specific impact on health and well-being varies widely across different populations.
The MAPS initiative sought to identify unanswered research questions related to menopause from both individuals with lived experience and clinicians. UChicago Medicine is the only institution in the U.S. involved in the study, collaborating with the University of Melbourne in Australia and the EGA Hospital Charity in the U.K.
In the first MAPS survey, launched in October 2023, 1,698 responses were gathered from 593 participants across 42 countries. A second, more detailed survey generated 2,125 responses, helping to create a shortlist of 26 key questions. Among the most pressing concerns raised by respondents was the need for safe and effective non-hormonal treatments for menopause-related symptoms. Despite recent interest in hormone therapy (HT), many respondents sought alternative approaches, such as prescribed medicines, herbal remedies, and complementary therapies.
The Call for Better Menopause Care
The interest in non-hormonal treatments reflects broader concerns about the safety of hormone therapy. Although HT was once a popular treatment for menopausal symptoms, a landmark study published in 2002 raised alarms about the increased risk of stroke, heart attack, and breast cancer associated with estrogen and progestin use. Since then, numerous studies have attempted to clarify these risks and rewards, emphasizing the need for personalized care that takes into account individual health factors.
Dr. Christmas emphasized the importance of understanding how menopause impacts overall health and quality of life: “This is a pivotal time for midlife women’s health. MAPS highlights significant gaps in menopause management, especially in areas like sleep, cognition, and the management of symptoms in women with complex medical histories.”
Advocacy and Awareness in Menopause Care
Karen Nakawala, a steering committee member of MAPS and a cervical cancer survivor, emphasized the need for greater awareness and resources for menopause care. Nakawala, known for her advocacy work in Zambia, stated that addressing the stigma surrounding menopause and creating supportive environments—such as workplace policies that include mental health support—are crucial to improving women’s experiences.
“We need to have resources available for women and health support to help manage symptoms and effects,” Nakawala said. “Public campaigns to raise awareness and reduce stigma are vital, along with better workplace policies to support women during menopause.”
Shaping the Future of Menopause Research
MAPS researchers are now working on translating these priorities into actionable research questions. The initiative is also engaging with funding organizations to drive future studies that will explore and address these critical gaps in menopause care.
For more detailed information, the full article, “Top Ten Menopause Research Priorities,” is published in The Lancet (2024), DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(24)02602-3.
Disclaimer: The content of this article is based on data collected through the Menopause Priority Setting Partnership (MAPS) global survey. While efforts have been made to present accurate information, the views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of all participants involved in the initiative.
