A clinical guideline on the diagnosis and management of the menopause is in final preparation.
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), after two and a half years of research and development, is at the final stage of preparation for this new and definitive guideline. Publication date is 12 November 2015 followed by a formal launch on 17 November 2015 at the joint Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG)/British Menopause Society (BMS) Advanced Training Skills meeting.
Need for a clinical guideline
The Department of Health has recognised the variable and in many cases inadequate guidance, support and treatment-knowledge that is currently available. There is a real need for clear information on menopausal symptoms and possible long-term effects of Estrogen depletion, including risks for osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease and changes in the vagina and bladder. This is applicable to women experiencing the perimenopause, the menopause and those in the post reproductive stage of their lives. It is also relevant to those women with premature ovarian insufficiency, regardless of cause.
Clinical issues
- Diagnosis and classification of the stages of menopause
- Optimal clinical management of menopause-related symptoms
- Contribution of HRT in preventing long-term potential associated conditions of the menopause, especially osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease
- Diagnosis and management of premature ovarian insufficiency.
The guideline will:
- Offer broad guidance to cover management of the menopause
- Be based on the best clinical evidence
- Take account of clinical and cost effectiveness
- Take account of the patient perspective.
When published, in November this year, the guideline will be applicable for all NHS healthcare settings where NHS care is received or commissioned.