(095) Experiences of Menopause: A Social-Media Survey Exploring Quality of Life, Relationships, Mental Health, and Access to Hormone Therapy

Abstract Introduction Menopause can significantly impact physical, psychological, and relational wellbeing, yet many women report delays in diagnosis and inconsistent access to treatment. While public awareness is growing, access to timely, evidence-based care remains highly variable. Research has largely focused on clinical outcomes such as bone density or cardiovascular risk, with less attention to quality of life (QoL), day-to-day functioning, or patient-reported experiences. There is a particular gap in data capturing patterns of misdiagnosis, inappropriate prescribing, and the lived impact of menopause on work, relationships, and mental health. Objective To explore how menopause affects quality of life, mental health, relationships, and access to treatment, and to identify patterns of misdiagnosis and prescribing among women experiencing menopausal symptoms. Methods An anonymous cross-sectional survey was disseminated via social media between 19/08/2025–24/10/2025 aimed at women experiencing menopausal symptoms. Quantitative data were analysed descriptively to characterise patterns of symptom burden, misdiagnosis, and healthcare access. As a self-selecting, digital sample, results reflect the experiences of respondents engaged in online health communities and may not be representative of all demographics. Results Responses were received from 3567 women, across 71 countries and 6 continents. Almost all respondents (94%) reported that media or online discussions prompted them to research menopause themselves. Before receiving HRT, 64% had their symptoms attributed to other causes (eg, anxiety, ageing, lifestyle), and 48% were prescribed medications that did not address the underlying hormonal changes such as antidepressants (87%) or sleeping tablets (21%). Other prescriptions included gabapentinoids, benzodiazepines, beta blockers, and mood stabilisers. Perimenopause or menopause had a major impact on wellbeing. Nearly all women (91%) reported moderate to severe effects on mental health. The most common symptoms were difficulty concentrating (90%), emotional disconnection (84%), irritability (83%), and low mood (81%). Daily life was significantly impacted, with 89% of women feeling their work performance was noticeably impaired, 91% reporting relationship strain, and 67% feeling more disconnected from family. Access to HRT was frequently delayed. One-third received treatment within 3 months, but another third waited over a year, with some women waiting for more than three years, and others still waiting for treatment at the time of the survey. Over 60% saw multiple healthcare professionals before accessing treatment; 11% saw more than 6. and 10% reported attending over 10 GP appointments before being prescribed HRT. Conclusions This large-scale survey highlights substantial unmet needs in menopause care. Delayed access to HRT, frequent misdiagnosis, and severe impacts on mental health and QoL reinforce the urgent need for improved education among healthcare providers and timiely prescribing of hormone treatments within primary care systems worldwide. Disclosure No.