Menopause Support

Menopause is a time to prioritize your health and wellbeing. While some women focus on lifestyle changes to manage symptoms and prevent disease, others may seek relief through hormone therapy or alternative treatments.

With overwhelming information available, women benefit from personalized guidance from a certified menopause specialist.

Schedule a Menopause Consultation

Services Offered

Menopause education and personalized health screening
Diet/lifestyle counseling aligned w/ "Health at Every Size"
Treatments including FDA-approved bio-identical hormone therapy and non-hormonal therapies
Management of related conditions:
- Vaginal and urinary health (genitourinary syndrome) & libido
- Breast and bone health
- Metabolic health (thyroid, blood sugar, lipids)
- Fertility and contraception
- Weight and body composition

Note: Please maintain a primary care provider for acute care needs. Referrals available here

Schedule a Menopause Consultation

Menopause Frequently Asked Questions

Are my symptoms related to menopause?

Menopause is not like a light switch—it's a gradual transition that can span many years. Key points to understand:

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

**Important Note About Fertility:** Pregnancy is possible even with menopausal symptoms throughout your 40s. Contraception and fertility planning should be part of every woman's perimenopause assessment.

When to Seek Care: If you suspect perimenopausal symptoms, schedule a complete medical examination. Diagnosis typically comes from reviewing your medical/menstrual history and specific symptoms.

Do I need hormones?

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

Your specific symptoms & their impact on quality of life
Personal medical 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 that affect your daily life and considering potential risks. This decision should be made through detailed discussion with your healthcare provider.

Why do I need to see a menopause specialist?

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

* Individualized risk assessment
* Evidence-based treatment of menopause-related symptoms
* Management of associated conditions:
- Osteoporosis
- Anxiety and depression
- Insomnia
- Cardiovascular disease
- Diabetes
- Migraines
- Sexual dysfunction

**Warning: Be cautious of practitioners promoting unregulated treatments like pellets, injections, or compounded hormones. These are not recommended by major professional societies.

Do you prescribe bio-identical hormones?

Yes, but it's important to understand the terminology:

"Bio-identical" means hormones chemically identical to those your body produces
FDA-approved bio-identical options are available in various doses/formulations
Custom-compounded hormones are rarely necessary and:
- Are not covered by insurance
- Have less regulatory oversight
- Are typically more expensive
- Show no evidence of being safer or more effective

Are there non-hormonal treatment options?

Yes, several evidence-based options exist:

Lifestyle modifications:
- Diet changes
- Regular activity
- Stress management
- Acupuncture
Targeted supplements (when appropriate):
- Valerian for sleep
- Calcium and vitamin D if dietary sources are insufficient
Non-hormonal medications that can address multiple symptoms
Most "menopause supplements" lack research support and can be expensive

Aren't hormones dangerous?

MHT offers several benefits but requires careful consideration:

Benefits can include:

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

Important Considerations:

No systemic MHT is completely risk-free for all
Vaginal estradiol can be used safely without progesterone
MHT may be appropriate for most:
- Women in perimenopause
- Those within 10 years of menopause
- Healthy older women with persistent symptoms
Treatment can continue beyond age 65 if beneficial
Decisions should be individualized with professional guidance

What lab work or testing will I need?

Most women don't need extensive hormone testing because:

Hormone levels fluctuate significantly during perimenopause
Single measurements can be misleading
Normal levels don't rule out perimenopause
Symptoms, not levels, guide treatment

Testing may be warranted for:

Sexual dysfunction evaluation
Fertility concerns
Early menopause
Ruling out other conditions (thyroid disease, vitamin deficiencies)
Screening for associated health risks (lipids, glucose)
**Note: Salivary/urine hormone testing not recommended for evaluating/treating symptoms.