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Faubion, Stephanie S.

https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9341-7726

Mayo Clinic

Mayo Clinic

Citations 141

Evaluation of the accuracy and readability of large language model responses on menopause and hormone therapy
Karam, J H, Shufelt, Chrisandra , Safwan, Nancy , Kapoor, Ekta , Christmas, Monica , Shufelt, Chrisandra L , Karam, Jana, Faubion, Stephanie S.

Menopause | December 2, 2025 | Volume: 33 | Issue: 5 | Pages: 515-520

10.1097/gme.0000000000002695 Get It

Objective: Generative artificial intelligence is rapidly evolving and is now being explored in health care to support patient and clinician education. This study evaluated the accuracy, completeness, and readability of four large language models (LLMs): ChatGPT 3.5, Gemini, ChatGPT 4.0, and OpenEvidence in answering questions about menopause and hormone therapy. Methods: A total of 35 questions (20 patient-level, 15 clinician-level) were entered into each LLM. OpenEvidence was only used for clinician-level questions. Four blinded expert reviewers rated responses as accurate and complete, accurate but incomplete, or inaccurate. Readability of patient-level responses was assessed using the Flesch Reading Ease Score (FRES) and word count. Analysis used ANOVA for readability, odds ratios for accuracy comparisons. Results: For patient-level questions, ChatGPT 3.5 achieved the highest accuracy (70%), followed by ChatGPT 4.0 (60%) and Gemini (30%); Gemini had significantly lower odds of accuracy compared with ChatGPT 3.5 (OR=0.18, 95% CI=0.05-0.71; P =0.014). FRES scores differed significantly ( P <0.001): Gemini scored 38.9±7.3 (“difficult”), ChatGPT 3.5 scored 31.0±11.2, and ChatGPT 4.0 scored 26.5±8.6 (both “very difficult”). For clinician-level questions, ChatGPT 4.0 achieved the highest accuracy (67%), followed by ChatGPT 3.5 and OpenEvidence (60% each) and Gemini (47%); no significant differences were observed among models (all P >0.05). Conclusion: LLMs demonstrated limited accuracy and frequent incorrect or incomplete responses to menopause-related queries, highlighting the need to improve model performance to ensure accurate and reliable information for both patients and clinicians.
Sexuality and sexual health in older adults—recommendations from the Fifth International Consultation on Sexual Medicine (ICSM 2024)
Luria, Mijal , Ros, Carlos Teodósio Da , Srini, Vasan Satya , Da Ros, Carlos , Faubion, Stephanie, Park, Kwangsung , Gewirtz‐Meydan, Ateret , Arbanas, Goran , Ho, Christopher C.K. , Srini, Vasan Satya , Faubion, Stephanie S.

Sexual Medicine Reviews | November 25, 2025 | Volume: 14 | Issue: 1 | Pages: No page available

10.1093/sxmrev/qeaf069 Get It

Abstract Introduction This is the first International Consultation on Sexual Medicine (ICSM) position paper on sexual health in older adults. Physical, cognitive, and psychosocial factors create a unique set of challenges related to sexuality in older adults. Objectives This study explores the impact of the physiological aspects of aging, state of health, psychological, relationship-related, and sociocultural factors, on sexual health in older adults. The goal of this review is to provide recommendations for the comprehensive evaluation and treatment of this population. Methods A narrative review was conducted under the auspices of the ICSM, as part of its ongoing efforts to develop expert, evidence-based guidance in the field of sexual health. A multidisciplinary panel of international experts composed of specialists in urology, gynecology, psychiatry, sexual medicine, social work, and sex therapy was convened. A comprehensive literature review was conducted based on a search of psychological sources (PsycInfo), medical databases (PubMed, Medline), and Google Scholar. All retrieved articles were reviewed and critically assessed. Recommendations were then formulated using a modified Delphi method. Results Although there is extensive literature on the prevalence and risk of sexual challenges of adults over the age of 65, there is limited evidence regarding the quality of treatment modalities. In particular, there is scant data on women in this age group. This population faces specific and multifactorial challenges, which point to the need for a comprehensive approach to their care. Conclusion Any approach to sexual health in older adults needs to take all the factors that affect sexual health into account, while endorsing the full spectrum of sexual expression in a non-judgmental way. Individuals in a relationship should be offered a couple-centered approach. Special attention is needed for individuals in cognitive decline. Healthcare providers must be aware of ageist biases, which may prevent them from providing appropriate care.
Psychosocial stress in women with functional hypothalamic amenorrhea and potential implications for cardiovascular disease risk
Klejc, Kamelia, Safwan, Nancy , Stouffer, Kelly, Berga, Sarah L. , Andrade, Maria D. Hurtado, Shufelt, Chrisandra , Shufelt, Chrisandra L , Andrade, Maria D. Hurtado, Faubion, Stephanie S. , Mehta, Puja K.

Stress | November 24, 2025 | Volume: 28 | Issue: 1 | Pages: No page available

10.1080/10253890.2025.2589533 Get It

Update in Cardiovascular Health
Kapoor, Ekta , Faubion, Stephanie S. , Kapoor, Ekta , Kling, Juliana M.

Journal of Women's Health | November 3, 2025 | Volume: 35 | Issue: 2 | Pages: 112-115

10.1177/15409996251392794 Get It

The goal in selecting these recent articles was to help identify literature that may change the clinical practice of women’s health for practitioners in the primary care setting. Articles were identified by reviewing the high-impact medical and women’s health journals, national guidelines, ACP JournalWise, and NEJM Journal Watch. In this Clinical Update, we selected recent publications relevant to the cardiovascular health of women.
MON-720 Beyond Age: Sex as the Key Weight Loss Predictor with Tirzepatide
Castaneda, Regina, Bechenati, Dima , Villamarin, Jose L. , Tama, Elif , Meek, Jesse Lu, Bennett, Pamela K, Castaneda, Regina, Gutiérrez, René de Jesús Rivera , Espinosa, Maria A, Meek, Jesse Lu, Acosta, Andrés , Faubion, Stephanie S. , Shufelt, Chrisandra , Hurtado, Maria D.

Journal of the Endocrine Society | October 23, 2025 | Volume: 9 | Issue: Supplement_1 | Pages: No page available

10.1210/jendso/bvaf149.055 Get It

Abstract Disclosure: R. Castaneda: None. D. Bechenati: None. R.D. Rivera Gutierrez: None. M.A. Espinosa: None. J.L. Villamarin: None. E. Tama: None. J.L. Meek: None. P. Bennett: None. A. Acosta: Novo Nordisk, Gila Therapeutics, Amgen Inc, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Boehringer Ingelheim, Rhythm Pharmaceuticals, General Mills, Currax, Nestle, Phenomix Sciences, Busch Health, RareDiseases, National Institute of Health, Vivus Pharmaceuticals, Apollo Endosurgery, Satiogen Pharmaceuticals, Spatz Medical. S. Faubion: Era Women’s Health Platform, PriMed, MedAll, AiCME, Medscape, Weight Watchers. C. Shufelt: Bayer Advisory Board. M.D. Hurtado: Novo Nordisk, National Institute of Health, Phenomix. Introduction: Tirzepatide, a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist, is an FDA-approved medication demonstrating the highest efficacy for weight loss among currently available treatments. However, the influence of sex and age on weight loss outcomes with tirzepatide remains unclear. Objective: To investigate the influence of sex and age on weight loss outcomes in patients treated with tirzepatide. Methods: This retrospective study evaluated weight loss outcomes associated with tirzepatide across sex and age groups. Patients with active malignancy, prior bariatric surgery, or concurrent anti-obesity medication were excluded. The primary endpoint was total body weight loss percentage (TBWL%) at 15 months by sex and age. The influence of age was analyzed as a categorical (≤45, 46-59, ≥60 years) and continuous variable. Secondary outcomes included TBWL% at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months by sex and age. Data were analyzed using independent t-tests, one-way ANOVA, and multivariate regression; results are reported as mean ± standard deviation. Results: The study included 1033 patients (57.1% female; mean age 56 ± 11 years; mean BMI, 37.7 ± 8 kg/m2). By age category, 18.8% (196) were ≤45 years (35.7% males, 64.3% females), 45.9% (473) were 46-59 years (42.7% males, 57.3% females), and 35.3% (364) were ≥60 years (54.7% males, 45.3% females). At all timepoints, TBWL was significantly greater in females compared to males at all timepoints. At 15 months females had a higher TBWL than males: 15.3% ± 10, n=340, vs. 10.2% ± 8, n=244, (p &lt; 0.001). Among females, premenopausal women achieved a higher TBWL than postmenopausal women: 16.9% ± 10 vs 14.4% ± 9, p = 0.04. Analysis by age groups revealed a trend toward higher TBWL in younger patients that did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.152): ≤45 years (14.7% ± 10%), 46-59 years (12.9% ± 10%), and ≥60 years (12.7% ± 9%). After adjusting for baseline age, BMI, and diabetes status, sex remained a strong predictor for weight loss outcomes (PE= 4.5, 95% CI [2.96, 5.97], p &lt; 0.001), following type 2 diabetes status (PE= 4.8, 95% CI [3.0, 6.7], p &lt; 0.001). Conclusion: Sex but not age was a strong predictor of weight loss with tirzepatide. Female sex was associated with greater weight loss than male sex. These results emphasize the importance of considering sex-specific factors in weight loss strategies and warrant further investigation into the underlying biological mechanisms. Differential weight loss by menopause, underscores the role of sex hormones. Presentation: Monday, July 14, 2025
MON-829 Sex-Specific Cardiometabolic Benefits of Tirzepatide: A Real-World Study on ASCVD Risk Mitigation
Bechenati, Dima, Castaneda, Regina, Villamarin, Jose L. , Tama, Elif , Meek, Jesse Lu, Taaffe, Tina M, Bennett, Pamela K, Gutiérrez, René de Jesús Rivera , Castaneda, Regina, Espinosa, Maria A, Meek, Jesse Lu, Acosta, Andrés , Faubion, Stephanie S. , Shufelt, Chrisandra , Hurtado, Maria D.

Journal of the Endocrine Society | October 23, 2025 | Volume: 9 | Issue: Supplement_1 | Pages: No page available

10.1210/jendso/bvaf149.068 Get It

Abstract Disclosure: R.D. Rivera Gutierrez: None. D. Bechenati: None. R. Castaneda: None. M.A. Espinosa: None. J.L. Villamarin: None. E. Tama: None. J.L. Meek: None. T.M. Taaffe: None. P.K. Bennett: None. A.J. Acosta: Novo Nordisk, Gila Therapeutics, Rhythm Pharmaceuticals, Amgen Inc, General Mills, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Boehringer Ingelheim, Currax, Nestle, Phenomix Sciences, Busch Health, RareDiseases, National Institute of Health, Vivus Pharmaceuticals, Apollo Endosurgery, Satiogen Pharmaceuticals, Spatz Medical. S. Faubion: Era Women’s Health Platform, PriMed, AiCME, MedAll, Medscape, Weight Watchers. C. Shufelt: Bayer Advisory Board. M.D. Hurtado: Novo Nordisk, National Institute of Health, Phenomix Sciences. Background: Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) have demonstrated cardiovascular (CV) benefits. Tirzepatide (TZP), a dual GLP-1 and gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP) receptor agonist approved for weight management and glycemic control, currently lacks evidence on CV outcomes. This study evaluates TZP’s impact on cardiometabolic parameters and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk scores. Methods: We conducted a multicenter retrospective study of adults prescribed TZP from June 1, 2022, to November 1, 2024. Inclusion criteria included 12 months of TZP use and age &gt;18 years. Exclusion criteria were pregnancy, active malignancy, concurrent FDA-approved antiobesity medications, and prior bariatric surgery. Endpoints included changes in blood pressure, lipid profiles, liver enzymes, glucose control parameters, medication use (statins, aspirin, antihypertensives), and ASCVD risk scores from baseline to 12 months, stratified by sex. Data were obtained from electronic medical records. We present data as mean differences [95% CI]. We used T-tests and multivariate regression analyses for analyses. Results: Among 831 participants (59.4% female; 91.2% White; mean age: 58 ± 12 years), 12-month weight loss was -12% [-13, -11], p&lt;0.001. We observed significant improvement in systolic blood pressure (SBP) (-4 [-5, -3] mmHg, p&lt;0.001), triglycerides (TG) (-38 [-52, -23] mg/dL, p&lt;0.001), total cholesterol (TC) (-7 [-10, -4] mg/dL, p&lt;0.001), LDL cholesterol (LDL) (-6 [-9, -4] mg/dL, p&lt;0.001), fasting glucose (FG) (-39 [-48, -29] mg/dL, p&lt;0.001), ALT (-10 [-15, -5] U/L, p&lt;0.001), HbA1c (-1.3% [-1.5, -1.2], p&lt;0.001), and HDL cholesterol (HDL) (+4 [+3, +5] mg/dL, p&lt;0.001). The Lifetime and 10-year ASCVD scores did not significantly change after 12 months (p&gt;0.05), underscoring TZP’s potential in mitigating the aging-associated increase in CV risk. Considering sex, females had greater weight loss (-13% [-14, -12] vs. -10% [-11, -9], p&lt;0.001), and greater improvements in TC (-5% [-8, -2] vs -3% [-6, 0.1], p&lt;0.001) and LDL (-10% [-14, -6] vs -4% [-8, 1], p&lt;0.001). Males had a greater reduction in DBP (-2% [-4, -1] vs (-1% [-6, 3], p=0.006). Both males and females demonstrated similar improvements in FG and HbA1c. Conclusion: TZP significantly improved CV and metabolic parameters after 12 months, with greater benefits observed in females. These improvements effectively mitigated the age-related rise in ASCVD risk scores. Larger, prospective studies are warranted to confirm these findings and further investigate TZP’s long-term CV effects. Presentation: Monday, July 14, 2025
European Society of Endocrinology clinical practice guideline for evaluation and management of menopause and the perimenopause
Lumsden, Mary Ann , Dekkers, Olaf M. , Jayasena, Channa , Louwers, Yvonne V. , Pinkerton, JoAnn V. , Šojat, Antoan Stefan , Hulsteijn, Leonie T. van , Jayasena, Channa N , Lambrinoudaki, Irene , Sojat, Antoan Stefan , van Hulsteijn, Leonie , Dekkers, Olaf M , Faubion, Stephanie S. , Hirschberg, Angelica Lindén , Lambrinoudaki, Ιrene

European Journal of Endocrinology | October 13, 2025 | Volume: 193 | Issue: 4 | Pages: G49-G81

10.1093/ejendo/lvaf206 Get It

Abstract Women make up 51% of the world's population, and the global population of postmenopausal women is growing. About 25% of these women experience debilitating menopausal symptoms. Since it is important that all health care professionals have a fundamental knowledge of managing women presenting with symptoms related to the menopause, this European Society of Endocrinology Clinical Practice Guideline was developed. It provides guidance on evaluation and optimal clinical management of women who go through the menopause in middle age, those with Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI), Early Menopause and those for whom hormones are not appropriate, including women with, or at high risk of, breast cancer. This guideline discusses the benefits and risks of hormone therapy administration as well as summarizing other treatments for menopausal symptoms. Further, the contentious issue of the impact of menopausal hormone therapy in the prevention of chronic disease is considered.
Executive Summary: The AUA/SUFU/AUGS Guideline on Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause
Kaufman, Melissa R. , Ackerman, A. Lenore, Amin, Katherine , Coffey, Marge, Danan, Elisheva R. , Hardart, Anne , Ippolito, Giulia M., Northington, Gina M. , Powell, Charles R., Rubin, Rachel , Westney, O. Lenaine , Wilson, Tracey , Lane, Giulia I. , Ackerman, A. Lenore, Coffey, Marge, Faubion, Stephanie S. , Goldstein, Irwin , Ippolito, Giulia M., Lee, Una J

Urogynecology | September 30, 2025 | Volume: 31 | Issue: 11 | Pages: 1005-1014

10.1097/spv.0000000000001753 Get It

Purpose Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) describes the symptoms and physical changes that result from declining estrogen and androgen concentrations in the genitourinary tract during the menopausal transition. This guideline provides information to clinicians regarding identification, diagnosis, counseling, and treatment for patients with GSM to optimize symptom control and quality of life while minimizing adverse events. Methods The systematic review used in the creation of this guideline is based on research conducted by the Minnesota Evidence-based Practice Center (EPC) under contract to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality and funded by the Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute. The EPC synthesized effectiveness and/or harms outcomes from 68 publications. An additional 66 articles evaluating 46 nonhormonal interventions were described in an evidence map. Results Clinicians diagnose GSM based on symptoms, with or without related physical findings, and after ruling out other etiologies or co-occurring pathologies. There is a large body of evidence examining the use of hormonal and nonhormonal treatment options to manage the symptoms of GSM; however, the local low-dose vaginal estrogen has the most robust evidence base. Conclusion The strategies defined in this document were derived from evidence-based and consensus-based processes. Given that there is insufficient information to recommend one hormonal therapy over another, this guideline is not meant to support a stepwise progression through different hormonal approaches. The clinician should make treatment decisions in the context of shared decision-making, considering patient goals and preferences, using the evidence of efficacy and adverse events of each possible intervention as a guide.
Documentation of menopause-related international classification of diseases codes in the electronic health record in midlife women with menopause symptoms
Karam, J H, Safwan, Nancy , Pevnick, Joshua M. , Berdahl, Carl T. , Chaudhry, Rajeev , Kapoor, Ekta , Cole, Kristin , Shufelt, Chrisandra , Shufelt, Chrisandra L , Karam, Jana, Carter, Rickey E. , Chaudhry, Rajeev, Kling, Juliana M. , Winham, Stacey J. , Faubion, Stephanie S.

Menopause | September 16, 2025 | Volume: 33 | Issue: 3 | Pages: 290-296

10.1097/gme.0000000000002648 Get It

Objective: To evaluate the documentation of menopause-related International Classification of Diseases-10 (ICD-10) codes in the electronic health record (EHR) among midlife women with moderate or greater menopause symptoms receiving primary care. Methods: This cross-sectional study from the Hormones and Experiences of Aging (HERA) cohort included women aged 45-60 years receiving primary care at one of 4 Mayo Clinic sites who completed a one-time survey between March 1, 2021 and June 30, 2021. The survey captured demographic data, menopause symptoms using the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS), health care utilization, and treatment. Women with an MRS score ≥12 were included. The primary outcome was documentation of a menopause-related ICD-10 code in the EHR in the 12 months before survey completion. Results: Of 5,254 women with completed surveys, 2,414 (49%) had an MRS score ≥12 and were included. Among these, 1,519 (63%) reported seeking care for their menopause symptoms in the past 12 months, but only 345 (23%) had a menopause-related ICD-10 code. Women with an ICD-10 code had higher MRS scores (18 [IQR: 14-22] vs 17 [IQR: 14-20]; P = 0.002) and were more likely to use systemic hormone therapy (HT; 26% vs 9%; P < 0.001), and vaginal HT (20% vs 6%; P < 0.001). Conclusions: Menopause-related ICD-10 diagnosis codes were under-documented in women with significant menopause symptom burden. Those with a code were more likely to report menopause treatment. These findings highlight a critical gap between symptom burden and diagnosis coding in the EHR, underscoring the need to improve identification and management of menopause symptoms.
Understanding the sexual concerns of older women presenting for care to women’s health clinics: a cross-sectional study
Karam, J H, Shufelt, Chrisandra , Kingsberg, Sheryl A. , Cole, Kristin , Kapoor, Ekta , Mara, Kristin C. , Winham, Stacey, Mara, Kristin C , Shufelt, Chrisandra L , Karam, Jana, Winham, Stacey J. , Kling, Juliana M. , Faubion, Stephanie S.

Menopause | August 12, 2025 | Volume: 32 | Issue: 12 | Pages: 1095-1102

10.1097/gme.0000000000002617 Get It

Objective: To compare the prevalence of female sexual dysfunction (FSD) and distress between sexually active midlife women (50-64 y) and older women (65+ y) presenting for care at women’s health clinics at a tertiary care center. Methods: This cross-sectional study included women aged 50 and above who received care at Mayo Clinic women’s health clinics in Rochester, MN; Scottsdale, AZ; and Jacksonville, FL, between May 1, 2015, and August 31, 2022. Sexual function and distress were compared between midlife and older women using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), Female Sexual Distress Scale-Revised (FSDS-R), and self-reported sexual health concerns. Results: Among 3,465 sexually active women, older women were less likely to report loss of sexual desire (33.4% vs. 47.6%; P <0.001) and reduced genital sensation (13.0% vs. 16.9%; P =0.024) compared with midlife women. There were no significant differences for vaginal dryness, painful intercourse, or arousal/orgasm difficulties. FSFI scores were higher in older women for desire (3.0 vs. 2.4; P <0.001) and lubrication (3.9 vs. 3.6; P <0.001). While total FSFI scores were similar between older and midlife women (21.2 vs. 22.2; P =0.11), sexually related distress was lower in older women compared with midlife women (13.0 vs. 15.0; P =0.015). The prevalence of FSD (defined as FSFI score ≤26.55 and FSDS-R score ≥11) was similar between groups (51.8% vs. 56.2%; P =0.056). Conclusions: Older women experienced FSD at similar rates as midlife women but reported less sexual distress, potentially reflecting lower expectations regarding sexual function. Addressing sexual health concerns in older women may enhance quality of life.