Understanding the use of complementary medicine during the menopausal period: experiences, expectations and care pathways

The menopausal period, characterised by the gradual cessation of ovarian function, is a biological transition accompanied by a variety of symptoms (hot flushes, sleep disturbances, genitourinary symptoms, mood swings), the intensity and impact of which on quality of life vary greatly from woman to woman. 

Beyond its biomedical aspects, this stage is embedded in social and cultural contexts that influence women’s experiences, perceptions and healthcare pathways. 

Although effective treatment options exist, notably hormone therapy, their use remains inconsistent due to contraindications, perceptions of risk or inequalities in access. At the same time, significant and growing use of complementary and integrative medicine is observed in Switzerland, particularly among women. 

However, despite this widespread use, knowledge remains limited regarding the reasons for using these approaches, their role in care pathways, and how they fit into women’s overall experiences during the menopausal period, particularly in the Swiss context.

Objectives

• To explore how women going through the menopausal period in the canton of Vaud integrate complementary medicine into their care pathways, as well as the role they attribute to it in their lived experience.
• To identify the biographical, symptomatic, psychological, social and cultural factors underpinning the use of complementary medicine, as well as women’s expectations.
• To describe the ways in which these practices are accessed and the sources of information used.
• To examine the perceived role of complementary medicine in different aspects of the menopausal experience (symptomatic, relational, social and identity-related). 
• Level of satisfaction with care, particularly in terms of the therapeutic relationship and support.

This study will provide a better understanding of how women integrate complementary medicine into their care pathway during the menopausal period, as well as the role they attribute to it in their experience (symptomatic, psychological, social and identity-related dimensions). It will provide insights into the motivations, expectations, perceived benefits and limitations of these approaches, which remain poorly documented in the Swiss context.

These findings could improve understanding of women’s needs and support more patient-centred, coordinated and holistic care, thereby contributing to better information and a more appropriate integration of complementary medicine into the healthcare system.