The DDA has updated its dispenser education module on the menopause.

The menopause is a fact of life for all women. While “the change”, as it is sometimes referred to, brings with it freedom from periods and therefore decreased risk of pregnancy, it can also be a time of stress and anxiety due to the physical and emotional changes experienced by many which can last for years. These symptoms are a result of falling oestrogen production, which, once stabilised, has its own long-term effect on health.

This training, available free and exclusively to DDA members, is designed to provide practice dispensary staff with background information on the menopause so you can help your patients better manage what can be a difficult time in their lives. Throughout this training, you will find various activities to help reinforce your learning. Ten, multiple choice questions at the end will help you identify any areas needing a quick recap.

Aims

By the end of this article, you will:

•  know what the term menopause means, and appreciate what happens inside a woman’s body at this time
•  be able to list the main symptoms that women experience during the menopause, and describe the longer-term impact on health
•  be able to explain the lifestyle measures that women can adopt to try and manage their menopause symptoms and protect their future health
•  be aware of the treatment options, when they are appropriate and some of their side effects
•  know how often women on medication for the menopause should be reviewed by their prescriber
• be familiar with available initiatives/support

DDA members can view all dispenser training modules in the online Dispenser Education Modules Archives