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Early detection of deteriorating mental health for women who are experiencing symptoms associated with perimenopause and menopause is critical to ensure the well‐being of women. Unfortunately, many women during this phase of their lives find it difficult to access relevant and timely treatment. This concurrent mixed methods study using an online survey and qualitative interviews explored Australian women's knowledge and experiences of perimenopause and menopause and specifically reports on findings associated with women's mental health. Four hundred and eleven women completed the online survey in its entirety and 25 women participated in semi‐structured interviews between April and July 2022. Survey data were analysed using SPSS and, in this article, data are presented as descriptive statistics. Qualitative interviews were analysed using thematic analysis guided by Braun and Clarke (2013; 2019). Quantitative and qualitative data specific to women's mental health were integrated into three themes: (1) increased anxiety and depression, (2) a negative impact on emotions and (3) a negative impact on self‐worth. Findings from this study will help to inform clinical services for women as it highlights the need to improve education about perimenopause and menopause for healthcare providers and women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Methylnaltrexone is a peripherally-acting mu-opioid receptor antagonist studied in both cancer and non-cancer patients with opioid-induced constipation (OIC), but mostly in the outpatient setting. For adult hospitalized cancer patients with OIC, its effectiveness is unknown. Objectives: Describe the efficacy of methylnaltrexone for OIC in the inpatient setting, defined as bowel movement (BM) within 24 hours of methylnaltrexone administration. Methods: We performed a single-center, retrospective chart review of all hospitalized, adult patients with a cancer diagnosis who received methylnaltrexone from the palliative care team between January 1st, 2012 and July 1st, 2019. Results: We identified 194 patients. The mean age was 59, 50.5% were male and 88% were white. 192 patients (98%) received the 8 mg dose subcutaneously. The median oral morphine equivalent (OME) was 135 mg (IQR 70-354 mg). 45% (95% confidence interval, 38-53%) had a BM within 24 hours. Higher OME was correlated with successful BM, with a response in 93% (86/92) of patients receiving ≥150 OME and 2% (2/102) of patients receiving <150 OME (P <.0001). Prior laxative use did not predict response at 24 hours whether these were osmotic laxatives (40.7% vs 47.1%, P =.52), stimulant laxatives (45.7% vs 45.2%, P >.99), or stool softeners (44.7% vs 46.1%, P =.89). Conclusion: Methylnaltrexone has a high response rate when used as treatment for OIC in hospitalized adult cancer patients, especially for patients taking ≥150 OME. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To explore the international literature related to women's knowledge and experience of perimenopause and menopause and to inform future directions for research and individualised healthcare delivery. Background: Menopause is a normal physiological process experienced by most women. Despite this, care and support is fragmented and the implication on women's long‐term health is not sufficiently understood. Design: An integrative review of primary research on women's knowledge and experience of perimenopause and menopause. Method: CINAHL, Medline, Wiley Online Library, SCOPUS, PubMed and Google Scholar were searched from 2011 to 2021.Quantitative and qualitative studies written in English exploring women's knowledge and experience of menopause were included. The search strategy for the review complied with PRISMA guidelines. The mixed methods appraisal tool was used to assess quality. Thematic analysis was employed to present a narrative synthesis of the data. Results: A total of 17 studies, comprising 10 quantitative, and seven qualitative studies met the inclusion criteria. The four themes regarding women's knowledge and experience of perimenopause and menopause identified in the literature were as follows: (1) Symptoms associated with perimenopause and menopause; (2) Strategies to manage symptoms; (3) Support and information (4) Attitudes, education and health literacy. Conclusion: This integrative review of the international literature highlights that women's knowledge of perimenopause and menopause varies significantly globally and within countries. The experience of perimenopause and menopause for women is heterogenous and influenced by deeply embedded sociocultural patterns. Relevance for Clinical Practice This integrative review has shown that individualised support for women during perimenopause and menopause is critical to ensure the diverse needs of women are suitably addressed. No Patient or Public Contribution: As this was a review of the literature, no patients, service users, caregivers or members of the public were involved in this review. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]