Mr Patsy McGlone (Mid Ulster): To ask the Minister of Health to detail any steps he is taking to support the mental health of women going through (i) menopause; (ii) perimenopause; and (iii) hormonal treatment related to menopause.
Minister of Health: My Department recognises that women experiencing perimenopause, menopause and menopause related hormone treatments can face a range of psychological symptoms including anxiety, low mood, sleep disturbance and reduced wellbeing.
Women experiencing mental health difficulties associated with perimenopause or menopause have access to the full range of health and social care mental health services including primary care support, psychological therapies and specialist mental health services where clinically indicated.
With regard to support for menopause, women experiencing menopause may present with a range of symptoms including psychological symptoms such as low mood, anxiety, poor concentration and sleep disturbance. These symptoms often occur alongside other physical and emotional symptoms associated with hormonal changes. Support is tailored to individual needs and may include lifestyle advice, improved sleep hygiene, regular physical activity, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and, where clinically appropriate, hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Most women are assessed and managed in primary care by their GP, including GPs with a special interest in menopause. Where specialist input is required, referrals can be made to the Health and Social Care (HSC) Trust’s menopause service for advice or assessment.
Women experiencing perimenopause may experience a combination of physical, psychological and emotional symptoms as a result of fluctuating hormone levels. Management is based on individual clinical need and may include lifestyle interventions, CBT, support to improve sleep and wellbeing, and HRT where appropriate. Primary care remains the main setting for assessment and treatment and GPs are trained to recognise the impact of perimenopause on mental health wellbeing and can access specialist advice from secondary care menopause services where there is diagnostic uncertainty or where complex treatment decisions are required.
With regard to hormonal treatment related to menopause, women receiving hormonal treatment related to menopause are monitored and supported through primary care and specialist menopause services, where required. Treatment plans are individualised, taking account of both physical symptoms and any impact on mental wellbeing.
Where concerns arise regarding treatment response or side effects of management options, GPs can seek advice from the HSC Trust Specialist menopause service. Most referrals are managed through a triage process, with advice and a care plan provided to the referring GP. More complex cases may be offered assessment in a specialist menopause clinic.
My officials in my Department have established a Regional HSC Gynaecology Services Forum with representation from primary care, HSC Trusts and the Public Health Agency (PHA), to oversee improvements in gynaecology services, including menopause care. This work includes consideration of service development, clinical pathways, workforce capability, and training needs.
My Department also continues to support the delivery of training and education for healthcare professionals to improve awareness, identification, and management of menopause-related symptoms, including their impact on mental wellbeing.
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