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Menopause is a time to prioritize your health and well-being. While some focus on lifestyle changes to manage perimenopausal symptoms and prevent disease, others may need hormones or other therapies.

With the overwhelming information available, much of it misinformation, women benefit from personalized guidance from a certified menopause specialist.

Schedule a Menopause Consultation

Services Offered:

Menopause education & personalized health screening for women & transgender men.
Diet/lifestyle counseling
FDA-approved bio-identical hormone & non-hormone therapies, including GLP1’s where appropriate
Management of related conditions:
- Sexual, vaginal & urinary health
- Breast and bone health
- Metabolic health (thyroid, blood sugar, lipids)
- Fertility and contraception
- Weight and body composition

Note: Primary care provider needed for acute care needs. Referrals available here

Schedule a Menopause Consultation

Menopause Frequently Asked Questions

Are my symptoms related to menopause? MAYBE

The perimenopausal transition is gradual and can span years before final period, even with regular menses & normal labs. Key points:

Menopause occurs one year after your final menstrual period, typically around 50-52 (possible between 40-60)
Symptoms can begin up to 10-15 years before final menses and may last several years after
Factors affecting transition include genetics, lifestyle habits, surgery, medication, and general health status
Symptoms can fluctuate daily and monthly due to erratic hormone production

**Important** Pregnancy is possible with perimenopausal symptoms throughout the 40s. Contraception & fertility planning should be part of the perimenopause assessment.

When to Seek Care: If suspect perimenopausal symptoms, schedule an appointment; diagnosis is made from reviewing your history and symptoms, not hormone levels

Do I need hormones? MAYBE

Not all women benefit from menopausal hormone therapy (MHT). This decision should be individualized based on:

Specific symptoms & their impact on quality of life
Personal medical & family history and risk factors
Other potential causes of symptoms (like thyroid issues)
Your preferences for treatment approaches

The key is finding the right balance between managing symptoms and potential risks. This decision should be made through a detailed discussion with your healthcare provider.

Do I need to see a menopause specialist? MAYBE

You might not —menopause is a natural life stage, not a disease. However, a certified menopause specialist can help:

Individualized risk vs benefit assessment
Treatment of menopause-related symptoms
Management of associated conditions:
- Osteoporosis
- Anxiety and depression
- Insomnia
- Cardiovascular disease
- Diabetes
- Migraines
- Sexual dysfunction

**Warning: Providers offering unregulated treatments (pellets, injections, compounded): Major professional societies do not recommend these.

Do you prescribe bio-identical hormones? YES

Yes, but understand the terminology:

"Bio-identical" means chemically identical to those your body produces
FDA-approved bio-identical options are available in various doses and formulations
Custom-compounded hormones rarely necessary and:
- Not covered by insurance
- Less regulatory oversight
- Typically more expensive
- No evidence of being safer or more effective

Are there non-hormonal treatment options? YES

Lifestyle modifications:
- Diet changes
- Drinking too much alcohol? Read here
- What about cannabis? Read here
- Regular activity
- Stress management
- Acupuncture
Targeted supplements (when appropriate):
- Valerian for sleep
- Calcium/vitamin D if your diet is insufficient
Non-hormonal meds may address multiple symptoms
“Menopause supplements" lack research, expensive

Aren't hormones dangerous? TYPICALLY, NO

MHT offers benefits but requires careful consideration:

Reduced hot flashes and night sweats
Improved sleep and mood
Better cognitive function
Relief from urinary and vaginal symptoms
Improved bone density
May reduce heart disease/diabetes risk if started early

Important Considerations:

NO systemic MHT is completely risk-free for all
Vaginal estradiol is safe without progesterone
MHT may be appropriate for most:
- Those in perimenopause
- Those within 10 years of menopause or < age 60
- Healthy older women with persistent symptoms
Treatment may continue beyond age 65 if beneficial
Individualized decisions with professional guidance