Friday September 16, 2011

WASHINGTON, Sept. 14, 2011 /PRNewswire/—A new OWL survey of women showed women of all ages need more information about menopause, and that younger women, in particular, often lack even basic information about this major life stage:

  Nearly 70 percent of younger women (age 30-44), many of whom could shortly experience initial symptoms,  say they don’t have enough information about menopause;
  Two-thirds of younger women say they do not know most signs and symptoms of menopause;
  Nearly a quarter of younger women – 24 percent – say they have more information about symptoms and treatments for erectile dysfunction (ED) than menopause.

Additionally, the survey results showed that younger women aren’t aware of some of the most serious and life-altering symptoms of menopause. Only 16 percent of women age 30-44 cited painful intercourse as a symptom of menopause, and only half of women in this age group thought vaginal dryness was a serious symptom. Younger women also showed substantially less understanding that weight gain and insomnia are common menopausal symptoms. In contrast, in women ages 55-60, about 50 percent recognized insomnia and painful intercourse as symptoms of menopause; three-quarters understood vaginal dryness to be a symptom; 58 percent reported weight gain as a symptom.

“Many younger women have more information about ED than menopause,” said Bobbie Brinegar, Executive Director at OWL. “We need to demystify menopause.” 

Strong majorities of women of all ages – over 90 percent of those surveyed – voiced support for a publicly available, Web–based menopause education program that includes information about how to manage and treat menopausal symptoms.

“Our survey shows a clear need to educate women about this important juncture in life earlier so they know what to expect and can plan for how they would like to deal with menopause’s symptoms,” said Margaret Huyck, Ph.D., President of OWL. “Getting reliable information earlier will mean better health and higher quality of life outcomes for women in the future.”

After seeing these survey findings, OWL would like to see a push toward evidence based menopause education.

Click here to see more of the findings.