Clinical Report: Menopause may be underdocumented in EHRs

Overview

This study reveals a significant discrepancy between self-reported menopause observations and those documented in electronic health records (EHRs), with surveys identifying nearly seven times more cases than EHR data.

Background

Menopause is a critical phase in women's health that can have profound implications for physical and mental well-being. Accurate documentation of menopause in clinical records is essential for effective management and treatment.

Data Highlights

Among 396,000 participants, 192,655 reported permanent cessation of menstrual periods, while only 27,975 had an EHR diagnosis code for menopause. This indicates a significant underreporting in EHRs.

Key Findings

• Survey data identified nearly seven times more menopause observations than structured EHR data.
• Among participants with an EHR menopause diagnosis, over 99% reported that their periods had permanently stopped.
• Only 18% of participants reporting natural or surgical menopause had an EHR diagnosis.
• Structured EHR data showed limited documentation of menopause-related symptoms, with fewer than 20 observations for abnormal vasomotor function.
• Age distribution for EHR diagnoses primarily occurred between 50 and 80 years, with a notable increase at age 65.
• Survey responses indicated that 56% attributed cessation of periods to natural menopause, while 31% attributed it to surgery.

Clinical Implications

Healthcare professionals should be aware of the limitations of EHRs in documenting menopause.

Conclusion

The study highlights the discrepancy between self-reported menopause observations and EHR documentation.

Related Resources & Content

1. Staples JW, et al., Menopause, 2026 -- Menopause in the All of Us Research Program: A Descriptive Summary of Electronic Health Record and Survey Response across Sociodemographic Characteristics
2. Journal of Medical Internet Research (JMIR) — Menopause Apps Offer Empowerment, but Pose Risks
3. Frontiers in Reproductive Health — American Medical Women's Association's commitment to advancing menopausal health equity and awareness
4. Journal of Medical Internet Research (JMIR) — Women’s Engagement With Different Internet-Enabled Technologies to Access Digital Menopause Information: Mixed Methods, Multiphase Sequential Study
5. JAMA Network Open — Insurance Type and Menopausal Hormone Therapy Use Among US Women
6. Menopause Apps Offer Empowerment, but Pose Risks
7. American Medical Women's Association's commitment to advancing menopausal health equity and awareness
8. Women’s Engagement With Different Internet-Enabled Technologies to Access Digital Menopause Information
9. Insurance Type and Menopausal Hormone Therapy Use Among US Women
10. Menopause (2026) - VA/DOD Clinical Practice Guidelines
11. (PDF) Menopause in the All of Us Research Program: A Descriptive Summary of Electronic Health Record and Survey Response across Sociodemographic Characteristics
12. In perimenopausal and postmenopausal women, what are the long-term effects of using hormone therapy for at least one year? | Cochrane