Menopause is a physiological stage in a woman's life, but its associated symptoms can significantly impact quality of life. Until now, ULS Santa Maria did not have a dedicated clinic, often leading to hospital referrals. The new clinic is positioned as a differentiation within Primary Care itself, maintaining coordination with hospital care.
The objective is to improve access to differentiated care, promote health literacy, and support informed and individualized decision-making. The clinic will be staffed by two doctors with specific training in the area: Rita Sebastião and Alysha Amad. There will be coordination with Gynecology, Endocrinology, and Psychiatry.
The approach will be individualized, including symptom assessment, discussion of therapeutic options, lifestyle advice, and monitoring of cardiovascular, metabolic, and bone health risk factors, as well as genitourinary symptoms and changes in sexual function. The clinic will also support cases of early menopause, premature ovarian insufficiency, and surgical or induced menopause.
“"With this clinic, we are taking an important step in differentiating Primary Care, bringing women a response that, until now, they have not always found in the community. Menopause has a real impact on the daily lives of many users, and we want each one to be heard, informed, and accompanied in an individualized way, in coordination with other levels of care whenever necessary."
The clinic is intended for users registered with ULS Santa Maria with specific needs related to menopause. Access is via referral from the Family Doctor or by the user's request through the email menopausa.csp@ulssm.min-saude.pt. Before scheduling, users will receive an electronic questionnaire.
