New needs for menopausal women during covid-19 pandemic. A physician-based investigation

Abstract

It was evaluated whether the COVID-19 pandemic may have influenced the manifestation of menopausal symptoms. In a web interview, 143 physicians, experts on the menopause, were asked to rate their perceived prevalence of hot flush, sleep disorder, sexual disturbance, anxiety and depression as ‘rare’, ‘seldom’, ‘frequent’ and ‘very frequent’ in patients they managed prior to and during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to physicians, there was no major change in the prevalence of hot flush, sleep disorder and sexual disturbance but prevalence of anxiety (39-8% vs 75.5%; p < 0.0001) and depressive (35.6% vs 72.0%; p < 0.0001) symptoms increased during COVID-19 pandemic. COVID-19 pandemic has changed the composite picture of menopausal symptoms, challenging physicians to adjust their therapeutic approach to the new need. Approaches capable to treat vasomotor symptoms but also highly effective on mood disturbance should be preferred.