What are the key challenges for clinician providers who care for the older woman past reproductive age or those who are surgically menopausal? Menopausal symptoms are a concern for a substantial number of women in the United States. Annually, 11 million women reach the age of natural menopause—approximately 51.3 years.1,2 In addition, more than 500,000 women undergo a hysterectomy each year, with removal of the ovaries in more than 50%.3 Whether menopause occurs naturally or is surgically-induced, more than 85% of these women experience symptoms associated with estrogen deficiency, including, but not limited to, hot flushes and night sweats.4,5
