Holistic approach

Menopause is more than a purely biological condition. Even if symptoms are not troublesome, it is a time of potentially immense change, including in a person’s self-image, and can have profound effects on self-esteem, relationships, work and personal wellbeing alongside physical symptoms.

A holistic review takes a personalised bio‑psycho‑social approach, considering the totality of a person’s environment and needs, including:

• Life goals.
• Self-image.
• Family.
• Lifestyle.
• Workplace.
• Relationships.
• Psychological pressures.
• Physical changes.

and the process must include:

• Trust.
• Patient centred, personalised care.
• Patient empowerment.
• Shared decision making.
• Psychosocial support.
• Minimising the discomfort of change.
• Continuity of care.