It’s important to find a doctor or clinician who understands menopause. This is less obvious than it seems, as many medical schools consider menopause coursework elective. As a result, 80% of OB-GYN residents say they feel uncomfortable discussing menopause. Given that most women will live 30 years beyond menopause, you deserve a doctor who can provide optimal care before, during, and after this transition.
The Menopause Society established a set of standards for healthcare providers to ensure quality care for women throughout menopause. These practitioners take specific coursework and must pass a competency exam to be a Menopause Society Certified Menopause Practitioner (NCMP).
Unsure where to start? Check out our "Ask The Expert" Interview here.
Menopause care can be a complicated puzzle that may require special training and skills. Unfortunately, most medical schools do not teach this subject well. It’s important to advocate for yourself and your unique menopause needs. You may find that you need a new provider if your current one is not prepared or willing to address your new concerns. Consider seeing a specialist who can help you with this transition.
You don’t necessarily need to see a Gynecologist. There are Internal Medicine Doctors, Nurse Practitioners, and Physician Assistants who can also be knowledgeable and treat Menopause.
Menopause (from perimenopause to postmenopause) impacts the whole body—bones, skin, mood, sleep, heart, and more—so all your providers should understand it.
The Menopause Society certifies clinicians with additional specialized training. Find a certified practitioner here
Menopause can affect nearly every part of your body. Hormonal changes may cause symptoms in your skin, bones, joints, mental health, eyes, and heart, as well as migraines, hot flashes, and more. Everyone experiences it differently.
Track your symptoms for a few weeks before your appointment using:
Symptoms Tracker in English
Symptoms Tracker in Spanish
Menopause Rating Scale
Prioritize what matters most: Focus on the symptoms that have the biggest impact on your daily life.
Be alert to new changes: Even seemingly small or unrelated symptoms may be hormone-related and worth discussing with your provider.
Write down your top questions and concerns.
Start with your most urgent issues (e.g., sleep, mood, hot flashes).Prepare a concise but thorough medical history, including reproductive and family history as these are important for your clinician to know about.
Share your treatment preferences (“I’d like to try hormone therapy” or “I prefer non-medication options”).
Be open to your provider’s input—there are many myths and misconceptions about menopause treatments.
Your well-visit has certain requirements, so this may not be the time to fully address peri/menopause. Try to schedule a menopause consultation. You may need multiple visits, especially if you have many symptoms to address.
Menopause is the final reproductive stage, with long-term consequences; thus, conversations about symptoms and concerns should continue for the duration of your life.
Staying current on preventive care is an important part of menopause health. All screenings should be personalized based on your risk factors. Ask your provider which screenings are right for you.
Bone density scan (DEXA): Measures bone strength and risk for osteoporosis/osteopenia. Usually recommended at 65+, but a baseline scan around menopause may be helpful—especially if you have risk factors such as family history, being under 127 lbs, over 5’7”, steroid use, or early menopause.
Cervical cancer screening (Pap/HPV): Every 5 years if you have no significant history.
Breast cancer screening: Mammogram every 1–2 years starting in your 40s; yearly after 50. Shared decision-making and individualized care are important, as other options (ultrasound, MRI) may be considered, especially if you are at higher risk due to family history or dense breasts.
Blood pressure check: At least once a year.
Colorectal cancer screening: Colonoscopy every 10 years starting at age 45 for those with average risk. The best test is the one you’ll actually complete, guided by your personal risk and prior findings.
Cholesterol & cardiovascular risk (lipid panel): Every 3–5 years, or more often if results are abnormal.
Skin cancer check: Regular self-exams and provider exams; timing depends on your risk.
Dental visits: At least twice a year for cleaning and oral health.
Mental health screening: Be screened for depression and anxiety, as risk increases during perimenopause.
Dismissal: Be cautious if your symptoms are brushed off as “normal for your age” or “in your head.” Your experiences are real and deserve attention.
Sales pitches: Avoid providers who push products, expensive hormone testing, or subscription-based services.
Hormone testing: Routine hormone tests are usually not helpful in perimenopause because hormone levels fluctuate. Testing may be appropriate in special situations, such as fertility concerns, thyroid issues, early menopause, or complex clinical situations (e.g., after hysterectomy, endometrial ablation, or with an IUD causing amenorrhea).
Compounded products: Often marketed as “bio-identical,” these are generally less regulated, more expensive, and not safer than FDA-approved options. Use only when no commercial alternatives exist.
Remember that once you are in menopause, you are always going to discuss menopause as there are long term health risks.
Trusted resources for accurate information:
The Menopause Society
Society for Women’s Health Research
International Menopause Society
The Mayo Clinic
Women's Wellness & Healthy Aging Program at Johns Hopkins
Susan Dominus, New York Times Magazine: Women Have Been Misled
Jennifer Gunter, NYT: How to Have a Feminist Menopause
Why is Perimenopause Still a Mystery? – New York Times
NAMS Guidelines on Hormone Therapy & Nonhormone Therapy
NAMS Position Statement on Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause
Guidelines for Perimenopausal Depression
https://www.letstalkmenopause.org/our-articles/the-perimenopause-puzzle-where-do-i-begin
Written and Approved by Robin Noble, MD, Medical Director, Intermed; Chief Medical Advisor, Let’s Talk Menopause; and Heidi Flagg, MD, Spring OBGYN; Medical Advisor, Let’s Talk Menopause
Disclaimer of Medical Liability. LET’S TALK MENOPAUSE, INC. DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. The information, including but not limited to text, graphics, images, and other material contained on this website is for informational purposes only. The content on this site is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Reliance on any information provided on this website is solely at your own risk. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new healthcare regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking advice because of something you have read on this website.
Please answer the questions to complete the symptoms checklist. While not a diagnostic tool, it is a printable resource to share with your provider to have an informed discussion about perimenopause.
