Abstract
CONTEXT: Menopause is a crucial phase of the women fraternity which marks the end of reproductive age. Mostly it is physiological; however, certain conditions may lead to premature menopause. Menopause has an extensive spectrum of symptoms which are extremely bothersome. An effective, empathetic, and rational treatment strategy is necessary. AIM: The present study was carried out to appraise the treatment strategies to tackle menopausal problems in Acharya Vinoba Bhave Rural Hospital, Sawangi (Meghe), Wardha - a tertiary care hospital in rural Vidarbha. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This monocentric hospital-based qualitative study was carried out on 330 menopausal women. Data were collected from in-depth interview of the health-care professionals of obstetrics and gynecology department and patients. RESULTS: Of 330 participants, the incidence of natural menopause was 90.96% (2016) and 85.36% (2017); surgical menopause was 09.03% (2016) and 14.63% (2017). There was no incidence of chemotherapy-induced and pelvic radiation-induced menopause during the study. Pharmacotherapy (85.45%) and surgery (19.09%) were the mainstay treatments. The most common route of drug administration was oral (92.20%), followed by intravaginal (15.60%), topical (09.57%), and injectables (0.35%). Pharmacotherapy was categorized into core therapy (84.75%), supportive therapy (47.52%), and alternative therapy (03.19%). CONCLUSION: The present study concludes that there is a decline in the use of hormone replacement therapy for the management of menopausal complaints. There is lack of awareness of the complexity of menopausal symptoms and available treatment strategies in this rural population, and therefore, it is recommended to organize various awareness camps, so that a prompt and most suitable treatment can be provided.