Strategic framework to advance scientific innovation in clinically dominant diseases in traditional Chinese medicine: Menopausal syndrome

<x>Abstract</x> <sec> <title>Objectives:</title> This study aims to explore the strengths of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and its integration with Western medicine (WM) in diagnosing and treating menopausal syndrome (MPS), as well as to propose a scientific research paradigm for future developments in MPS management. </sec> <sec> <title>Methods:</title> The study is based on the outcomes of the 21^st Youth Salon Series on Clinically Dominant Diseases, held by the China Association of Chinese Medicine (CACM) on 18 April 2023 in Beijing. Experts in TCM, WM, and interdisciplinary fields discussed the pathogenesis, treatment approaches, and potential integration strategies for MPS. These discussions were analyzed to develop strategic frameworks and scientific priorities for MPS research. </sec> <sec> <title>Results:</title> The analysis highlighted the unique advantages of TCM and integrated TCM-WM approaches for MPS management, suggesting key areas for further investigation. Four main strategic areas were proposed: Optimizing the diagnosis and treatment system, establishing a framework for comorbidity prevention and control, improving the evidence-based system, and fostering interdisciplinary collaborative research. </sec> <sec> <title>Conclusions:</title> The study presents a comprehensive research paradigm for MPS, focusing on TCM-advantaged approaches. It emphasizes the need for further interdisciplinary collaboration and the integration of TCM with WM. The paper aims to support the development of clinical guidelines, new herbal medicines, and national scientific planning, contributing to the high-quality development of TCM and its application in modern medicine. </sec>