Special Report: Fostering open conversations

In the fourth episode of the Contemporary OB/GYN Special Report series, JoAnn V. Pinkerton, MD, and Jill Liss, MD, MSCP, FACOG, discussed strategies to promote more open and effective communication between clinicians and patients about vasomotor symptoms (VMS) and menopause. The conversation emphasized the importance of normalizing dialogue early, reducing stigma,¹ and addressing the impact of menopause in both clinical and workplace settings.

Liss highlighted that many women hesitate to discuss menopause-related symptoms with their clinicians. “We leave the onus too often on the patient to proactively bring things up, and we need to be asking early and often about these types of symptoms,” she said. She encouraged clinicians to initiate conversations about hot flashes, night sweats, and sleep disturbances during routine visits to ensure earlier recognition and management.

Pinkerton agreed, stressing that reducing stigma requires effort both in healthcare and in the workplace. “People at work are afraid to tell people that they’re having hot flushes and night sweats because they’re afraid they’ll be assumed to be aging or unable to work as well,” she said. She underscored the need for open communication—asking patients what they have heard, what concerns they have, and where they are getting information—to build trust and cultural sensitivity.

The discussion also touched on the professional consequences of untreated menopause symptoms, as many women leave the workforce at the peak of their careers due to unmanaged VMS.² Both physicians agreed that workplaces and clinicians alike should help normalize menopause conversations to improve quality of life and retention.

Our Experts:
JoAnn V. Pinkerton, MD, division director, Midlife Health Center, University of Virginia.

Jill Liss, MD, MSCP, FACOG, associate clinical professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado School of Medicine.

Liss has no relevant disclosures to report. Relevant disclosures for Pinkerton include Bayer.

References:

1. Dahlgren MK, Kosereisoglu D, Smith RT, et al. Identifying Variables Associated with Menopause-Related Shame and Stigma: Results from a National Survey Study. J Womens Health (Larchmt). 2023;32(11):1182-1191. doi:10.1089/jwh.2023.0185
2. Tomlinson H. Supporting women in the workplace going through menopause. World Economic Forum. April 28, 2023. Accessed October 17, 2025. https://www.weforum.org/stories/2023/04/growth-summit-23-how-does-menopause-affect-women-in-workplace/