By Kesha Tansey, Senior Director, Client Partnership at Inizio Evoke
Despite touching the lives of nearly half the global population, menopause remains an educational blind spot in healthcare. A staggering 80% of OB-GYN residents in the US report feeling uncomfortable even discussing menopause with patients. And it shows.
At a time when science is advancing with promising breakthrough therapies, this disconnect in confidence and training risks leaving too many women+ without the care they need - and deserve. For those working in health, the belief is strong: we can - and should - do better. But how?
This is where digital medical communications can act not only as a bridge, but as a transformation tool.
Closing the communications gap to drive positive impact
The lack of menopause education goes beyond being a curriculum oversight - it’s a human impact issue, with real consequences.
Research conducted by Inizio Evoke found that many HCPs, especially in primary care, defer or downplay treatment due to unfamiliarity with vasomotor symptoms (VMS) protocols or lingering fears about hormone replacement therapy (HRT). For women+, this can result in fragmented patient journeys, delayed diagnoses, and a reliance on self-care - often through trial and error.
It's why empathy must be the foundation of any communications strategy in women’s health. There must be a deeper understanding of the weight that HCPs carry, the confusion patients feel, and the systemic gaps that drive both experiences.
Harnessing digital tools to demystify science
The statistics speak volumes: as many as 60% of people in menopause only learned more about the condition after developing symptoms. By then, many feel blindsided, unprepared to evaluate treatments, and unsure how to advocate for their own care.
That insight led the team at Inizio Evoke to ask: what can be done differently?
They set out to bring change to the change. Their research shows that the right omnichannel communications strategy can shift the dynamic - supporting a more personalised, evidence-based, and empathetic approach to menopause care.
Rather than relying solely on traditional med-ed formats, they propose bringing HCP training into the real world with:
‘Science made simple’ animations that demystify, with a message that sticks
Interactive simulation tools to help HCPs role-play difficult consultations
Video case studies that blend real patient stories with clinical insights
Modular, personalised journeys using adaptive learning paths
All of this is designed to help clinicians walk a mile in a patient’s shoes - before offering a prescription.
Making the science more human
When HCPs feel better informed and empathetic, they become better advocates.
With the right digital tools, a new world becomes possible - one that transforms menopause from a silent struggle into a well-supported, celebrated life stage. A world where HCPs don’t just prescribe, but partner with patients to truly understand their experiences.
At Inizio Evoke, there’s pride in being part of that movement. Because the greatest innovation isn’t only in the molecules launched - it’s in making medicine feel more human. It’s in making health more human.
Want to talk more about how Inizio Evoke is reimagining HCP engagement in women’s health? Get in touch: kesha.tansey@inizioevoke.com
References:
Robotham, K., & Smith, E. (2024). Stop the stigma: Addressing menopause in the workplace. Catalyst
DePree, B. M. D., Houghton, K., Shiozawa, A., Esterberg, E., King, D. D., Kim, J., & Mancuso, S. (2023). Treatment and resource utilization for menopausal symptoms in the United States: A retrospective review of real-world evidence from US electronic health records. Menopause, 30(1), 70–79. https://10.1097/GME.0000000000002095
Barber, K., & Charles, A. (2023). Barriers to accessing effective treatment and support for menopausal symptoms: A qualitative study capturing the behaviours, beliefs and experiences of key stakeholders. Patient Preference and Adherence, 17, 2971–2980. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10657761/
Panay, N., Joffe, H., Maki, P. M., Nappi, R. E., Pinkerton, J. V., Simon, J. A., Soares, C. N., Thurston, R. C., Francuski, M., Caetano, C., Genga, K., Haberland, C., Haseli Mashhadi, N., Laapas, K., Parke, S., Seitz, C., Schwarz, J., & Zuurman, L. (2025). Elinzanetant for the treatment of vasomotor symptoms associated with menopause: A phase 3 randomized clinical trial. JAMA Internal Medicine. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamainternmed.2025.4421