Menopausal hormone therapy: mini audit

Menopause can significantly impact daily functioning, work participation, and overall wellbeing.

In Australia, more than two-thirds of women aged 45–64 who have reached menopause report being troubled by menopausal symptoms within a five-year period, and over 40% report that these symptoms have made daily activities difficult. Despite its universality, many women experience avoidable distress, confusion, and inconsistent care when seeking support for menopausal symptoms. Vasomotor symptoms, sleep disturbance, mood changes, and sexual dysfunction can substantially affect quality of life, while declining oestrogen levels contribute to longer-term health risks including osteoporosis. Supporting women through menopause therefore requires both effective symptom management and consideration of long-term health and healthy ageing strategies. 

Despite recent clinical guidance reaffirming the safety and efficacy of appropriately prescribed menopausal hormone therapy (MHT), uncertainty remains among health professionals and consumers. The legacy of earlier research has contributed to ongoing caution about MHT use, while more recent messaging on social media has sometimes promoted MHT beyond the available evidence. These conflicting messages can contribute to confusion for both clinicians and patients. Many GPs report variable confidence in menopause management, while women often encounter mixed information, stigma, or barriers related to language and health literacy when seeking care. 

This mini-audit activity provides you with the tools to review your current approach to menopause management in your practice. During the audit, you will be able to review patient encounters involving menopausal symptoms and compare your management with current best practice recommendations. This process will support reflection on opportunities to optimise care and improve outcomes for women experiencing menopause. 

This mini-audit reflective activity comprises four core components and one optional component:

• Select patient encounter
• Review best practice guidance
• Reflect on practice
• Upload your reflections
• Discuss your reflections with peers (optional) 

Funded by the Australian Government through the Quality Use of Diagnostics, Therapeutics and Pathology Program.