The Middle Years Group: a holistic approach to the management of the menopause in primary care

Objectives: The menopause is attaining greater significance as symptoms and long-term sequelae are amenable to hormone replacement treatment. However, hormone replacement treatment is no panacea and all women undergoing the menopause need to make informed decisions about its use. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of a series of group sessions for women aged 45–55 years, dealing with physical, social, emotional and medical aspects of the climacteric. Methods: All women registered at the Roborough surgery were invited to join a group for four sessions, led by the health visitor and counsellor, with a doctor leading one session on hormone replacement treatment. Women’s views on the group were obtained by questionnaire. Prescribing data on hormone replacement treatment and antidepressants were analysed for attenders and a matched group of those invited who did not attend. Results: Twelve percent of invited women attended. All stated that sessions helped an understanding of the physical and emotional changes at this time. No significant differences were found in the use of hormone replacement treatment, antidepressants or in subsequent use of the counsellor’s services between the attenders and a matched group of non-attenders. Conclusions: This group offered all women at risk the opportunity to discuss, share and learn about all aspects of the menopause. It was well received and made no major differences to the uptake of hormone replacement treatment.