Introduction

Menopausal changes can be distressing and risk women health. Physicians have a vital role to prepare women to pass menopause safely. This study assessed knowledge, practice, and barriers toward perimenopausal counseling among primary health care (PHC) physicians in Eastern Province; Saudi Arabia.

Methodology

It was a cross–sectional study conducted from March 2017 till May 2018 among 310 physicians in three representative sectors of the Eastern Province. An electronic self–administrated questionnaire designed and validated by the researchers was used.

Results, Conclusion and Recommendations    

A response rate of 79.7% was obtained. Results showed 94.3% of the physicians had fair knowledge with a mean of total knowledge score of 11/24. Their knowledge defect was mainly in hormonal therapy and mental health related problems. Most participants reported discussing menopausal symptoms (86.7%), assessing for osteoporosis (93%) and cardiovascular risks (91.5%). However, 56.7% never counseled patients about hormonal therapy. Among those who were prescribing hormonal therapy, the main reasons were for management of vasomotor symptoms (24.7%) and osteoporosis (23.5%). Lack of experience and time constrain were perceived as major barriers affecting the counseling (84.2% and 79%, respectively). This study encourages menopausal training and practice among physicians.