Only 10 of the 33 countries and territories in the region have identified national guidelines for menopause care, according to a regional analysis presented by PAHO.
Washington, D.C., 10 November 2026 (PAHO) – The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) called on countries in Latin America and the Caribbean to strengthen menopause care within health services and adopt an approach that goes beyond symptom management to include the prevention of chronic diseases, mental and sexual health, and the promotion of healthy aging.
The call was made during a PAHO-organized webinar, Guidelines for Menopause Care: Regional Overview, Experiences and Challenges in Latin America and the Caribbean, where PAHO presented the results of a regional analysis examining the availability of national guidance for menopause care.
Of the 33 countries and territories examined, only 10 (30.3%) had at least one identified, current national guidelines on the management of menopause. In the remaining 23 countries, no national guidelines that meet the study’s criteria were identified.
"These findings show that we still have a long way to go to ensure adequate and timely menopause care in our region. We need evidence-based clinical guidelines that comprehensively address women's needs and translate into accessible, quality health services," said Suzanne Serruya, Chief of PAHO's Women's, Maternal, Neonatal and Reproductive Health Unit.
Menopause is a natural transition that can be accompanied by hot flashes, sleep disturbances, mood changes, and genitourinary symptoms that affect quality of life. Care for menopause also provides an opportunity to assess cardiovascular risks, prevent osteoporosis, and promote healthy lifestyles. Women may live nearly one-third of their lives after menopause, underscoring the importance of appropriate care during this stage.
PAHO has also warned that research on women's health has historically focused on their reproductive years, while menopause has received relatively little scientific attention. Expanding the available evidence is essential to inform policies and health services that respond to women's needs.
From recommendations to comprehensive care
The regional analysis, conducted between May and July 2026, examined the availability and content of menopause care guidelines. Among the 15 documents reviewed in depth, the analysis identified the differences in recommendations covering diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and the organization of health services.
Although most addressed diagnosis and long-term health, gaps were found in recommendations for special clinical situations, such as premature menopause and a history of cancer, which require individualized care.
The analysis also highlighted that having guidelines does not guarantee their implementation. Translating recommendations into effective care requires training health workers, establishing care and referral pathways, facilitating access to treatments, and strengthening follow-up. Primary health care plays a central role in symptom assessment, prevention, and providing guidance to women.
A response that goes beyond health services
During the webinar, experts from the International Menopause Society (IMS), the World Health Organization (WHO), scientific societies, and country representatives discussed barriers to accessing treatment, cardiovascular disease prevention, and the training of health professionals.
Discussions also addressed the impact of menopause in the workplace and the importance of promoting inclusive environments without reinforcing stereotypes or creating discrimination based on gender or age. The experience of Honduras highlighted the value of incorporating women's needs and preferences into the design of health services.
PAHO emphasized the need to develop and update national guidelines tailored to each country's context and strengthen their implementation as part of broader efforts to reduce gaps in women's health and promote healthy aging across the Americas.
