New insights from a recent study highlight unmet needs and growing interest in non-hormonal strategies for menopause management
A recent study titled Knowledge of menopause-associated symptoms and non-hormonal strategies: an Italian survey on social media platforms has been published in the scientific journal Post Reproductive Health. Supported independently by Fidia Farmaceutici, the research was developed by a multidisciplinary board of clinicians and experts, in collaboration with several patient associations. It provides a comprehensive view of how women experience menopause today and which approaches they perceive as most helpful.
The survey collected responses from 473 postmenopausal women (median age 56), recruited through social media channels and patient communities. The findings reveal important insights that can inform future directions in women’s health, medical education, and non-hormonal care strategies:
Vaginal dryness stands out as one of the most impactful symptoms
Among the most recognized (83,7%) and burdensome menopausal symptoms, vaginal dryness plays a significant role, affecting not only physical wellbeing but also intimate relationships and overall quality of life.
A clear need for more evidence-based information
While women correctly identify the most common symptoms of menopause, many remain uncertain about the origin and significance of others, such as weight gain, attributed to menopause by nearly 9 out of 10 respondents. This highlights the need for clearer, more evidence-based information and for more structured dialogue with healthcare professionals.
Menopause is experienced as a multidimensional transition
Beyond physical symptoms, the study shows a meaningful impact on emotional wellbeing, interpersonal relationships and, for a subset of women, professional life. More than one quarter of participants reported notable effects on their intimate relationships, underscoring the importance of integrated, holistic support.
Growing preference for non-hormonal approaches
A large majority of participants expressed a clear preference for non-hormonal strategies, perceived as safer and more in line with personal expectations.
- Lifestyle interventions were considered effective by 96.8% of respondents.
- Many also reported perceived benefits from complementary options such as nutraceuticals and non-pharmacological support tools.
These insights offer valuable direction for future initiatives aimed at strengthening awareness, accessibility of high-quality information, and collaborative approaches in women’s health. The study demonstrates how combining clinical expertise with patient experience can lead to a more comprehensive understanding of women’s needs during menopause and support the development of educational and healthcare strategies aligned with emerging expectations.
For a full overview of the methodology and statistical findings, the original publication is available in Post Reproductive Health (DOI: 10.1080/20533691.2026.2630422).
