To my patients,
I am writing this email blast from Lisbon, Portugal where the 18th World Congress of the International Menopause Society has just concluded. As many of you know, I have been the president of this society for the last two years and this meeting was the culmination of that term. There were over 1,700 healthcare providers from 76 countries, 183 invited speakers with dozens of scientific sessions, debates, “meet the expert” sessions, and over 200 oral or poster communications. I was honored to deliver the Presidential Lecture. I highlighted the history of the role of vaginal ultrasound in menopausal and perimenopausal patients of which I was the first to suggest its utility, for instance, in measuring the lining of the uterus in patients with abnormal bleeding, sonohysterograms, that is putting fluid into the uterus to see the lining better, and using ultrasound and color Doppler blood flow to allow us to leave benign ovarian cysts alone without surgery, just to name a few. I also delivered a “meet the expert” session on SERMs (selective estrogen receptor modulators) something I have spoken to many of you about.
The presentations involved all aspects of midlife women’s health before, during, and after menopause. There are important new areas a few of which I share here: Duavee, the combination of estrogen and a SERM will be shipping again January 1. Although the FDA is allowed to take up to six months to reapprove it, all efforts are being made to expedite this. Secondly, the role of muscle and bone health – preventing the muscle wasting of sarcopenia, something I have talked to so many of you about, has finally made its way into these scientific sessions; and, finally, a new drug to treat hot flashes known as an NK3 receptor antagonist is likely to gain approval in February. While this will not offer the benefits of HRT to bone or vagina, it is an important addition especially for breast cancer survivors and patients who have experienced blood clots and cannot take estrogen regardless of the severity of their hot flashes or night sweats.
Hearing all the science from all over the globe was stimulating and exciting. Also exhausting, especially as the president with all the ceremonious responsibilities that went along with it. I learned being asked to pose for a “selfie” is the 2022 equivalent of being asked for an autograph! I am ready to use all that I know as well as all that I learned to benefit all of you.
Yours in Health,
Dr Goldstein