As you notice signs of perimenopause or menopause, reaching out to a healthcare provider can be a pivotal step. Whether you don't feel like yourself or have trouble with your daily routine because of symptoms, a professional can help you find the most effective way to manage them.
There are doctors who have special training in menopause
If you have a problem with your feet, you should go to a podiatrist. If you have a problem with your teeth, you go to a dentist. But what about your menopause symptoms? Start by seeing your gynecologist. They have the most training to help people going through menopause.
Not every gynecologist may be able to meet your needs when it comes to your menopause symptoms. But there are providers who have chosen to take extra training and care specifically for patients going through perimenopause and menopause.
Versalie spokesperson Niecy Nash-Betts shares how important it is to speak with your healthcare provider:
"62% of menopausal women have not discussed hitting menopause with their doctor, so be sure to take the initiative to speak with your physician about any and all symptoms around this time so you can create a menopause management plan that’s right for you."
Find a menopause practitioner
The Menopause Society is a non-profit organization that provides menopause education for the public. They also provide training and certification to providers interested in specific care for menopause and beyond. They’re the leading nonprofit organization with the mission of promoting the health and quality of life of women during midlife and beyond. They do this thorough an understanding of menopause and healthy aging.
Practitioners can receive the Menopause Society Certified Practitioner (MSCP) designation through The Menopause Society. This is a form of additional training. If you’d like to see what providers might be near you, check out The Menopause Society’s ‘Find a Menopause Practitioner’ search. This credential can be an effective way to help you find a provider who has a special interest in menopause. Some providers may still be qualified even if they haven’t pursued this optional certification. You’ll need to ask more questions to better understand their expertise.
Other healthcare providers who can help
In addition, there are other specialists you can see for different menopause symptoms. Additionally, there are some healthcare professionals who've taken extra training to provide better care to those going through perimenopause, menopause, and beyond. You may need to do a little research to find a good fit for you.
Start a conversation with your trusted provider
If you have a good relationship with your primary care provider, endocrinologist, or gynecologist, you can start talking to them. You may find that they’re able to provide resources and recommendations.
But we’ve also heard from many people that they don’t get all the support they’re looking for from these providers. They’re told, “It’s a normal part of your aging. You’ll get through it.” or “There’s nothing I can do to help you.” Not all healthcare providers receive specific training on menopause and menopause symptoms. If this happens to you, there are likely other providers who can help.
Consider telemedicine
If you can’t find a provider near you or live in an area where this feels unrealistic (you have limited, unsafe, or no access to a variety of healthcare providers), another great option is menopause telemedicine. It can be a convenient and cost-effective option that can help improve your ability to consult with providers you might not be able to see otherwise. You can access care from providers specializing in menopause without having to travel for hours for a short appointment.
