PAHO urges stronger menopause care to advance healthy aging in the Americas

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has called on countries in Latin America and the Caribbean to strengthen menopause care within health services and adopt an approach that goes beyond symptom management, according to a press release. The appeal was made on 10 November 2026 in Washington, D.C., during a PAHO-organized webinar on regional guidelines for menopause care. PAHO presented findings showing that only 10 of 33 countries and territories in the region have identified national guidelines for menopause care. The organization urged a comprehensive model covering chronic disease prevention, mental and sexual health, and healthy aging. The call reflects long-standing gaps in women’s health policy across the Americas.

The webinar, titled Guidelines for Menopause Care: Regional Overview, Experiences and Challenges in Latin America and the Caribbean, served as the platform for releasing the regional analysis. Of the 33 countries and territories examined, only 10 (30.3%) had at least one current national guideline on menopause management. In the remaining 23 countries, no national guidelines meeting the study’s criteria were identified. PAHO has also warned that research on women’s health has historically focused on their reproductive years, while menopause has received relatively little scientific attention. Expanding the available evidence is essential to inform policies and services responsive to women’s needs.

Menopause is a natural transition that can bring hot flashes, sleep disturbances, mood changes, and genitourinary symptoms affecting quality of life. Care during this stage also provides an opportunity to assess cardiovascular risks, prevent osteoporosis, and promote healthy lifestyles. Women may live nearly one-third of their lives after menopause, underscoring the importance of appropriate care. The regional analysis, conducted between May and July 2026, examined the availability and content of menopause care guidelines. Among the 15 documents reviewed in depth, the analysis identified differences in recommendations covering diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and the organization of health services.

Although most guidelines addressed diagnosis and long-term health, gaps appeared in recommendations for special clinical situations such as premature menopause and a history of cancer.

“These findings show that we still have a long way to go to ensure adequate and timely menopause care in our region. We need evidence-based clinical guidelines that comprehensively address women’s needs and translate into accessible, quality health services,” said Suzanne Serruya, Chief of PAHO’s Women’s, Maternal, Neonatal and Reproductive Health Unit.

The analysis also highlighted that having guidelines does not guarantee their implementation. Translating recommendations into effective care requires training health workers, establishing care and referral pathways, facilitating access to treatments, and strengthening follow-up.

During the webinar, experts from the International Menopause Society (IMS), the World Health Organization (WHO), scientific societies, and country representatives discussed barriers to treatment, cardiovascular disease prevention, and the training of health professionals. Discussions also addressed the impact of menopause in the workplace and the importance of promoting inclusive environments without reinforcing stereotypes or creating discrimination based on gender or age. The experience of Honduras highlighted the value of incorporating women’s needs and preferences into the design of health services. PAHO emphasized the need to develop and update national guidelines tailored to each country’s context. The organization framed these measures as part of broader efforts to reduce gaps in women’s health and promote healthy aging across the Americas.