#United States #London #Mayo Clinic #Flo Health #Perimenopause

Exploring Perimenopause Awareness Through the Global Lens

Flo Health and Mayo Clinic have collaborated to produce the first digital study focused on perimenopause awareness, marking a vital step in understanding this crucial women's health issue. Most women experience perimenopause as they transition into menopause, and it can significantly affect their quality of life. However, a recent study highlighted stark contrasts in knowledge about this phase between American women and those from other nations.

A Closer Look at the Findings

The findings from this global survey, which engaged over 17,000 women in 158 different countries, reveal that American women are notably less informed about perimenopause than their peers in other countries such as the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. The study, which was published in the official journal of The Menopause Society, presents several alarming statistics:

• - American participants ranked sixth in terms of perimenopause knowledge, falling behind several countries worldwide.
• - Despite many women over 40 experiencing perimenopause, there exists a concerning gap in knowledge, particularly concerning symptoms and conditions associated with this transition.

In fact, while most participants were aware of common symptoms like hot flashes and sleep disturbances, they were generally less knowledgeable about broader indicators such as fatigue and digestive changes. Dr. Anna Klepchukova, the Chief Medical Officer at Flo Health, emphasizes, "Normalizing conversations about perimenopause and menopause is essential for empowering women to seek the support they need."

Symptoms Across Borders

The survey identified key symptoms experienced by women aged 35 and older, including:

• - Fatigue and exhaustion (83%)
• - Irritability (80%)
• - Sleep disturbances (76%)
• - Digestive issues (76%)

Women actively in perimenopause reported intensified symptoms, showcasing a prevalent disconnect between the anticipated experiences of perimenopause and the actual symptoms encountered. This discrepancy highlights the necessity for improved education surrounding perimenopause, particularly in the U.S.

Educational Disparities

The research further suggests disparities in perimenopause symptom knowledge across various countries, reinforcing the notion that wealthier nations tend to have better understanding. The United Kingdom, for example, displayed the highest symptom recognition rates, while lower-income countries like Nigeria, France, and parts of Latin America reported significantly lower knowledge scores.

Dr. Mary Hedges, a Principal Investigator at the Mayo Clinic, points out, "We need to advance research in the area of perimenopause. Many women might not recognize the symptoms during this phase, leading them to overlook discovering treatments that can alleviate their discomfort."

A Call to Action

The findings of the study underline the pressing need for increased public conversation regarding perimenopause. While conversations surrounding menopause are becoming more visible, especially with celebrity advocacy emerging, foundational knowledge still lags in many areas, particularly among women who may not associate their experiences with perimenopause.

Moving forward, both Flo Health and Mayo Clinic are intent on providing women with medically-backed resources and insights to better understand their bodies throughout this transition. As highlighted by the study, "Women should feel equipped to have open and honest discussions with their doctors, creating a healthcare environment conducive to addressing their needs during perimenopause."

Conclusion

Ultimately, this groundbreaking study serves to ignite a dialogue on perimenopause, pushing to normalize discussions about women's health issues. The hope is that through enhanced awareness and education, women can advocate for their health effectively, leading to a broader recognition of perimenopause as an integral part of their life cycle. With continuous partnerships between health organizations and digital health tools like those offered by Flo, progress can be made towards empowering women worldwide in their health journeys.