Menopause is a natural life transition that impacts the health and well-being of millions, yet it remains widely under-addressed in primary care. With 90% of people born with ovaries experiencing menopause between the ages of 45 and 56, the associated symptoms can significantly disrupt daily life, decrease work productivity, and have negative economic impacts.

From vasomotor symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats to genitourinary concerns such as vaginal dryness, discomfort with sexual intercourse, and urinary urgency, menopause presents a spectrum of challenges that demand evidence-based, patient-centred management. Furthermore, the risk of cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis may be elevated during this stage of life.

Despite the availability of effective treatments, misinformation and hesitancy around menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) often hinder appropriate care. To address this practice gap, the Centre for Effective Practice (CEP) is developing an evidence-informed clinical tool on the management of menopause-associated symptoms in primary care, to be launched in September 2025. This tool will be accompanied by free educational discussions with clinical pharmacists through CEP’s Academic Detailing Service.

This presentation will summarize the latest evidence on treating menopause-associated symptoms, helping nurse practitioners navigate the benefits, risks, and contraindications of MHT. Attendees with gain practical information to confidently support their patients through perimenopause and menopause, ensuring improved symptom management and enhanced quality of life. During the presentation, we will also provide a brief overview of the process for developing CEP’s clinical tool, and hear perspectives from an Academic Detailing Service participant. By the end of the presentation, attendees will be able to:

• Recognize the socioeconomic burden of untreated menopause-associated symptoms
• Evaluate current evidence-based treatment options for perimenopausal and menopausal patients
• Address common misconceptions and hesitations around MHT
• Access CEP’s evidence-informed clinical tool and Academic Detailing Service to support further learning and implementation in practice.

With nurse practitioners at the forefront of primary care, they are in an excellent position to identify and manage menopause-associated symptoms. This session will empower them to embrace perimenopause and menopause as opportunities for proactive health optimization, ensuring their patients receive the timely, evidence-informed care they deserve.

SPEAKER:

Silvana Ferrara is a dedicated pharmacist with over 25 years of experience across retail and long-term care settings. Since 2018, she has served as an academic detailer with the Centre for Effective Practice (CEP), providing one-on-one educational visits to primary care physicians and nurse practitioners in the Hamilton-Niagara-Haldimand-Brant region. Having effectively facilitated over 300 discussions on best practices, Silvana delivers objective, evidence-informed insights to enhance patient care. She remains committed to supporting the advancement of knowledge translation in primary care.