Podcast Summary
A pharmacist's personal journey to specialize in female health: Pharmacist Victoria's experience with her sister's hormonal imbalance during perimenopause led her to specialize in female health, highlighting the importance of patient-centered care and the need for more education and resources for women during these stages of life.
Victoria, a dedicated pharmacist from Dublin, shares Dr. Newson's passion for providing evidence-based information and support for women going through the perimenopause and menopause. Victoria's personal experience with her sister's hormonal imbalance during perimenopause led her to specialize in female health in her independent pharmacy. However, she noted that during her pharmacy training, there was little focus on menopause and perimenopause, which is now changing. Victoria's journey illustrates the importance of patient-centered care and the need for more education and resources for women during these stages of life.
Understanding Menopause and its Treatments: Menopause can be confusing and challenging, but proper diagnosis and informed decisions about treatments like HRT can help women feel like themselves again. Access to accurate information and education is crucial for making informed decisions about women's health.
Menopause can be a confusing and challenging time for women, and it's essential to understand the available treatments and their benefits. The speaker shared her personal experience of experiencing menopause symptoms late in life and how she was initially misdiagnosed. After receiving the correct diagnosis and starting HRT therapy, she felt like herself again. However, she mentioned that she didn't have a comprehensive understanding of HRT and its different forms before her experience. Additionally, she highlighted the importance of access to accurate information and education about women's health, particularly in Ireland. The speaker's story emphasizes the need for increased awareness and understanding of menopause and its treatments to help women make informed decisions about their health.
Shifting Conversation on Menopause Care in Ireland: Collaborative approaches between healthcare professionals and pharmacists, use of symptom checkers, and easy prescribing guides are being explored to make menopause care more accessible, efficient, and patient-centered. However, resistance from some doctors and pushback against the conversation remains a challenge.
The conversation around menopause care in Ireland has been shifting, driven in part by influencers, radio programs, and personal experiences. Many women are seeking help but feeling unsatisfied with traditional treatments and prescriptions. To address this, collaborative approaches between healthcare professionals and pharmacists are being explored. The use of symptom checkers and easy prescribing guides can streamline the process and empower women to take an active role in their own care. However, there is still resistance from some doctors and pushback against the conversation around menopause care. It's crucial to listen to women's needs and concerns and work together to find effective solutions. Overall, the goal is to make menopause care more accessible, efficient, and patient-centered.
Collaborative care between doctors, pharmacists, and women during menopause: Open communication and shared knowledge between doctors, pharmacists, and patients can lead to effective and empowering healthcare experiences for women during menopause, despite challenges like cultural barriers and system limitations.
Collaborative care between doctors, pharmacists, and patients can lead to more effective and empowering healthcare experiences, particularly for women going through menopause. The discussion highlighted the importance of open communication and shared knowledge, with pharmacists playing a crucial role in providing information and swapping out prescriptions. However, challenges remain, including cultural barriers to discussing certain symptoms and limitations in the healthcare system. Despite these hurdles, the progress made in Ireland towards specialized care and greater patient empowerment is commendable. Ultimately, a joined-up approach that values partnership and information sharing can lead to better health outcomes for many.
Challenges women face in getting help for perimenopause and menopause: Healthcare professionals' lack of understanding and awareness can leave women feeling vulnerable, confused, and isolated during perimenopause and menopause. Empowering women to advocate for themselves and offering resources for alternative practitioners can help support women in seeking appropriate treatment.
Women going through perimenopause and menopause can face significant challenges in getting the help they need due to a lack of understanding and awareness from healthcare professionals. This can lead to feelings of vulnerability, confusion, and isolation. The speaker shares her personal experience of developing symptoms and struggling to get a diagnosis and appropriate treatment. She emphasizes the importance of shared decision-making and empowering women to advocate for themselves. The speaker also suggests strategies for pharmacists and other healthcare professionals to support women in seeking the help they need, such as providing information, encouraging open communication, and offering resources for alternative practitioners. Overall, the conversation highlights the importance of increasing awareness and understanding of perimenopause and menopause, and the need for more comprehensive and compassionate healthcare approaches for women during these stages of life.
Empowering Women During Menopause: Community Pharmacists' Role: Community pharmacists collaborate with GPs to adjust menopause medication doses, use social media to reach a large audience, and share personal experiences and multidisciplinary knowledge to promote holistic menopause care.
Community pharmacists, like the one in Koolock, play a crucial role in empowering women during the menopause journey. They start by prescribing subtherapeutic doses and then collaborate with GPs for further adjustments. Social media platforms, such as Instagram and Facebook, are effective tools to reach a large audience, especially those who may struggle with literacy. The pharmacist's personal experiences and multidisciplinary collaborations help disseminate essential information, promoting a holistic approach that includes exercise, nutrition, and stress management. By sharing their knowledge and experiences, healthcare professionals can bridge the gap in understanding, reaching more people than ever before.
Navigating Menopause Information on the Internet: Healthcare professionals should provide accurate menopause info, filter out misinformation, and offer support. Everyone's journey is unique, focusing on overall well-being is key.
The internet and social media can be a double-edged sword when it comes to health information, especially during sensitive stages like menopause. On the one hand, they provide access to a wealth of information and resources. On the other hand, they can be a source of misinformation and even dangerous supplements. It's crucial for qualified healthcare professionals to use their knowledge responsibly and empower people with accurate information. The support and community provided by healthcare professionals and other women going through menopause can make a significant difference in people's lives, helping them navigate symptoms, feel heard, and transform their health. It's essential to remember that everyone's journey is unique, and addressing the whole person, including diet and exercise, can lead to better overall well-being.
Collaboration between healthcare pros and patients for effective menopause care: Healthcare pros and patients working together can help women navigate menopause, addressing common symptoms like vaginal dryness, urinary symptoms, and libido changes, leading to significant improvements in quality of life.
A collaborative approach between healthcare professionals and patients is crucial for effective menopause care. The menopause is a long-term condition, and addressing symptoms requires ongoing support and education. Pharmacists, as accessible healthcare professionals, can provide valuable information and reinforce messages about lifestyle changes, such as exercise. The fragmented nature of healthcare can make it difficult for patients to receive the continuity they need, and meaningful conversations can make all the difference. Women may not always feel comfortable bringing up sensitive topics with their doctors, and pharmacists can serve as a friendly and knowledgeable resource. Symptoms like vaginal dryness, urinary symptoms, and libido changes are common, and addressing them can lead to significant improvements in quality of life. By working together, patients and healthcare professionals can help women navigate menopause and age well.
Empathy and Understanding in Pharmacy: Pharmacists offer more than meds, they provide empathy, support, and education. Empathy fosters a welcoming environment, while resources like 14Fish promote self-care and knowledge. Encourage open conversations and prioritize self-care for a better healthcare experience.
Every person's experience with health concerns is unique, and it's essential to approach each situation with empathy and understanding. The role of a pharmacist extends beyond dispensing medication; they can provide valuable information, support, and empathy. By creating a welcoming environment and being trained to listen and respond sympathetically, pharmacists can help patients feel heard and understood. Moreover, the use of resources like 14Fish can empower individuals to take charge of their health by providing easily accessible, understandable information. It's crucial to encourage open conversations about personal health journeys, especially in educational settings, to foster a culture of empathy and progressive thinking among future healthcare professionals. Lastly, the importance of self-care cannot be overstated. Taking a few minutes for oneself, whether it's through seeking professional help or engaging in simple self-care practices, can make a significant difference in managing symptoms and overall well-being. By emphasizing the importance of empathy, education, and self-care, we can create a healthcare system that truly supports and empowers individuals on their unique health journeys.
Approaching Pharmacists for Menopause Support: Women can ask about their pharmacist's menopause training, persist for desired treatments, and seek advice on medication usage and lifestyle changes.
Women seeking help for menopause and perimenopause symptoms should not be discouraged if they don't get the answers they need from their GPs. Instead, they can turn to their pharmacists for assistance. Victoria Newson, a menopause expert, recommends three ways women can approach their pharmacists: 1) Ask if they have undergone any additional training on menopause and perimenopause, and if not, ask them to look into it. 2) Don't be deterred if you don't get what you want the first time. Go back, armed with more knowledge and a clear reason for requesting specific treatments. 3) Pharmacists can provide valuable information on medication usage, including correct dosages, application methods, and timing. Additionally, they can offer advice on lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise, which can help alleviate symptoms. By taking a proactive approach and seeking out knowledgeable pharmacists, women can find the support they need to manage their menopause and perimenopause symptoms effectively. For more information, visit balance-menopause.com or download the free Balance app.
