Faced with a lack of information and monitoring marked by social and territorial inequalities, the government announced several measures on Thursday intended to improve the management of menopause, which affects more than 17 million French women but remains "« an unthought“.
The strengthened My Prevention Assessment scheme, the increased role of midwives, and the dissemination of good practices to healthcare professionals are among a dozen commitments unveiled at the first "Menopause Conference".
The organization of this event was one of the 25 recommendations in 2025 of a report, the result of a mission entrusted by Emmanuel Macron to Stéphanie Rist, then a member of parliament, who has since become Minister of Health.
Medically synonymous with the end of ovarian activity and the cessation of menstrual cycles, menopause has various consequences on women's health: sometimes debilitating symptoms, risk of developing future pathologies (osteoporosis, cardiovascular risks, cognitive risks, etc.).
Collective unthought
But " even today«,« judged Stéphanie Rist at Paris Santé Campus, “ The answer too often depends on each woman's ability to fend for herself. »"because menopause remains"« a collective unthought“.
Arguing for a "« more accessible information«" , A "« more organized route " And " a more collective responsibility«"She announced that 'My Prevention Assessment, offered particularly to those between 45 and 50 years old,' will be..."« reinforced " For " better orient » women.
To broaden their access to healthcare professionals, contractual negotiations will begin.« in the coming weeks »"between the Health Insurance and midwives, on the implementation of a "« extended menopause consultation allowing for a comprehensive health assessment“.
“ A significant step forward«"The National Organization of Midwives (ONSSF) welcomed this in a statement, saying it was waiting for..."« the framing letter »"setting priorities.".
Noting that "« almost one in two women receives no gynecological follow-up«", the president of the national council of the Order of Midwives, Isabelle Derrendinger, stated during the conference that« Midwives are ready to provide long consultations and prescribe Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT).
The Minister of Health announced that she had referred the matter to the High Authority for Health regarding "« the conditions under which midwives could be authorized »"to prescribe these treatments.".
The subject is sensitive. On behalf of the French Menopause Society (Gemvi), Geneviève Plu-Bureau remarked that learned societies of medical gynecologists were "« a little hesitant to delegate »"The prescription of HRT. Conversely, Olivier Marpeau, gynecologist and health influencer, judged that"'we have no choice »"given the limited access to gynecologists.".
For the management of menopause, new recommendations from the HAS, expected mid-2027, will be disseminated to healthcare professionals and integrated into their continuing education; others, to patients.
An ocean of contradictory information
They will allow us to« strengthen the quality of support " And " to allow for appropriate care«" , according to Sophie Gehin, head of the good practices department of the HAS, which has already reassessed the hormonal treatment of menopause in 2025.
“ Against the ocean of sometimes contradictory information«According to Stéphanie Rist, a national awareness campaign will be launched in January and, without delay, a guide to good practices for content creators.
Because " The informational void (…) is filled with miracle cures, unverifiable claims, fake professionals, and commercial content.«", she lamented, and "« The speed of AI-powered translation tools accelerates disinformation“.
Besides health, menopause can also disrupt work.
Read alsoMenopause has an unexpected effect on the brain
Taboo
She "« should no longer be an obstacle to women's professional lives«", and some "« concrete solutions«" , as "« a change in working hours, a few days of teleworking«", can be brought, "« in compliance with social dialogue«" , argued Labour Minister Jean-Pierre Farandou.
At work, menopause still faces the "« taboo«", according to Florence Chappert, a member of the National Agency for the Improvement of Working Conditions, who urged "« very concrete organizational adaptations »"because the days off do not correspond"« not to their needs“.
The expected benefits of improved menopause support for women, employers, and society will be assessed by the High Commission for Strategy and Planning. Conclusions are expected in mid-October 2027, for World Menopause Day…and a few months after the presidential election.
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