Five Reasons Why You Should See a Certified Menopause Provider

It may be surprising to learn that, even in today’s era of advanced medicine, many doctors receive little to no training in menopause care. As a result, millions of women are left navigating “The Change” without relief for treatable symptoms. The good news is certified menopause providers are stepping up to close that gap. While doctors may have a broad understanding of menopause, certified providers are at the forefront of this evolving field of women’s health.

The Gap in Standard Medical Care

Research of both primary care physicians and gynecologists found that the discussion of menopause is initiated by the patient 91% of the time. Despite the fact that menopause and estrogen deprivation “can be debilitating, life-altering and even life-threatening, only about 6% of women receive counseling and treatment for the consequences of menopause,” wrote Dr. Lauren Streicher, a clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology.

“Clinicians are very busy, especially primary care providers,” says Camille Moreno, DO, MSCP, medical director of the Midlife Women’s Health & Menopause Program at University of Utah Health. “They might only have 10 minutes to answer questions, which can be frustrating because menopause discussions take time.”

Why Seek a Certified Specialist?

If you’re struggling with the many pitfalls of perimenopause or menopause, here are five reasons to seek help from a professional trained in this field:

• Expertise and Precision: They are equipped with the skills to troubleshoot symptoms and find safe solutions with precision and compassion.
• Validating Your Experience: If you're searching for answers about confusing or hard-to-diagnose bodily changes, a certified menopause provider will listen with care and validate your experience. “The most common reasons why women seek advanced menopause care are that they feel they were dismissed, not heard, or told that it's all in their head,” Moreno explains.
• Access to Personalized Options: Consult a certified menopause provider who can recommend safe, personalized options based on your medical history, as not all women are ideal candidates for hormone replacement therapy.
• Time for Comprehensive Discussion: Certified menopause providers have the bandwidth to hear you out, take notes, and provide thoughtful insights.
• A Multidisciplinary Approach: Menopause care requires a multidisciplinary approach, and certified specialists are highly trained to connect their patients with the care they need, such as a sleep study or a registered dietitian.

Understanding Treatment Options

Hot flashes are a signature symptom of menopause, but for some women, they last far longer than expected—sometimes up to 15 years. Certified menopause providers have the expertise and training to identify safe, effective solutions for even the most complex cases. Some non-hormonal options may include:

Prescription Medications

• Veozah (for hot flashes)
• Antidepressants (for hot flashes, mood swings, depression, and anxiety)
• Gabapentin (for hot flashes, night sweats, and sleep)
• Oxybutynin (for overactive bladder, night sweats, and hot flashes)

Mind-Body Treatments and Supportive Therapies

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (for sleep, mood swings, and stress)
• Integrated health therapies (for hot flashes, sleep, mood swings, and stress)
• Lifestyle approaches (for weight management and overall health)

Lastly, you should see a certified menopause provider to live a life free of treatable ailments. Even if you're hesitant about medication, a trained specialist can walk you through alternative options and connect you with other providers who can help. To find a certified menopause care specialist in your area, you may visit The Menopause Society directory.