Bvihsa Launches Specialist Menopause Clinic
The BVI Health Services Authority is set to launch a dedicated Specialist Menopause Clinic at the Dr. D. Orlando Smith Hospital on September 4. Led by Dr. Neveta Sutherland-Vaccianna, the service will provide comprehensive assessments and individualized treatments for women experiencing perimenopause and menopause. The initiative marks the first dedicated public health service of its kind in the Virgin Islands.
The BVI Health Services Authority (BVIHSA) has announced the upcoming launch of a dedicated Specialist Menopause Clinic at the Dr. Set to open on September 4, the facility marks the first time specialized menopause care will be formally integrated into the territory's public women's health services.
The clinic will operate every Friday and will be led by Dr. Neveta Sutherland-Vaccianna, a Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist. Sutherland-Vaccianna is currently the only certified menopause specialist practicing in the Virgin Islands and one of just a handful in the Eastern Caribbean.
Health officials noted that the initiative aims to address a broad range of symptoms associated with perimenopause and menopause that often go unrecognized or untreated. While many associate menopause primarily with hot flushes, symptoms can frequently manifest as persistent fatigue, poor sleep, anxiety, brain fog, weight fluctuations, low libido, and physical discomfort.
Left unaddressed, these issues can significantly affect daily life, mental well-being, and personal relationships. Care at the clinic will be tailored to each individual, taking into account medical history, personal preferences, and underlying risk factors. Available treatments will include Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT/HRT) where appropriate, alongside evidence-based non-hormonal therapies and lifestyle interventions.
The clinic will also monitor and manage broader health concerns related to hormonal changes, including bone density, cardiovascular risk, and metabolic health. In addition to routine care, specialized management will be available for women navigating complex circumstances. This includes individuals dealing with premature ovarian insufficiency, surgical menopause, early menopause, or symptoms triggered by cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and pelvic radiotherapy.
Beyond providing clinical care, the BVIHSA hopes the clinic will help dismantle the long-standing perception that women must simply endure difficult symptoms as a natural consequence of aging. Appointments will be accessible through medical referrals or by booking directly through the hospital's outpatient services department.
Primary source: BVI Platinum