The Big Picture
Menopause is a normal life transition, but that doesn’t mean women should have to navigate it without support. Too often, silence and gaps in care leave women unsure what is happening in their bodies—and leave clinicians without the preparation to help.
Lisa Taylor-Swanson, PhD, LAc, an assistant professor at the University of Utah College of Nursing, sees an opportunity to change that. Through MENOGAP, a group medical visit model, she and her colleagues are working to make menopause care more accessible, evidence-based, and supportive.
What’s Happening
Perimenopause—the years leading up to menopause—can bring significant changes. Hot flashes and night sweats may occur alongside disrupted sleep, brain fog, anxiety, or changes in mood. Menopause itself is defined as 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period, but the transition can begin years earlier and looks different for each person.
Taylor-Swanson says many women have historically been left to make sense of these experiences on their own. Some may not realize their symptoms are connected to perimenopause; others may assume they simply have to endure them. The result can be a “Bermuda Triangle” in women’s health: women feel lost, families don’t know how to help, and providers may not have enough training or time to address the transition.
MENOGAP offers another approach. In the four-week program, participants meet in a small group with Taylor-Swanson and a prescribing provider. They receive education, discuss their experiences, learn practical strategies for managing symptoms, and take part in group acupuncture. A follow-up check-in takes place three months later. The model draws on the idea that shared learning and peer support can help people feel less alone.
Why It Matters
Menopause symptoms can affect sleep, memory, mood, and quality of life. When people don’t know that support is available, they may go without care that could help. Evidence-based treatment and clear information matter—and so does being listened to.
Early MENOGAP pilot data show improvements in menopause symptom scores and participants’ confidence in managing their health. Participants also reported feeling more informed and supported. The program’s community-centered approach has informed related efforts, including Mujeres en Menopausia and Waning Moon, developed with community partners for specific cultural contexts.
Taylor-Swanson’s goal extends beyond symptom relief. She hopes women can move through menopause with the knowledge and support they need to feel grounded, make informed choices, and envision what comes next. As she puts it, the phrase “menopausal zest” captures the possibility of reaching the other side of the transition with renewed clarity and confidence.
The Bottom Line
Women deserve to have their menopause concerns taken seriously. If something feels off, it is worth bringing up with a health care provider, asking questions, and seeking care from someone who listens. With open conversation, evidence-based support, and community, menopause can be more than a period to endure—it can be a transition women navigate with understanding and care.