The best doctor to see for issues related to menopause is an obstetrician-gynecologist (OB-GYN) who specializes in treating women going through menopause, also known as a menopause specialist. An OB-GYN receives extensive training in female reproductive health issues, including perimenopause and menopause.
A menopause specialist has additional expertise in:
- Diagnosing and treating menopause symptoms
- Managing issues caused by hormonal changes
- Providing counseling on lifestyle changes to ease symptoms
- Prescribing hormone therapy if appropriate
- Monitoring patients for side effects of treatment
Some key things a menopause specialist can do include:
- Evaluate symptoms - Do a full assessment of symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, difficulty sleeping, urinary issues, and mental health changes.
- Review medical history - Look at your full medical history, including results of your last Pap test, mammogram, and any surgeries or health conditions.
- Check hormone levels - Order blood tests to measure hormone levels and see if you are perimenopausal or postmenopausal.
- Discuss treatment options - Explain the pros and cons of treatment approaches like hormone therapy, medications, supplements, and lifestyle changes. Develop an individualized treatment plan for your situation and goals.
Reasons to see a menopause specialist include:
- Your family doctor has not been able to successfully treat your menopausal symptoms
- You are experiencing severe or unusual symptoms
- You need guidance navigating treatment options
- You had early onset menopause or a surgical menopause
When making your appointment, confirm the OB-GYN treats menopausal patients and ask about their experience managing perimenopause and menopause. It can also help to get a recommendation from friends or your family physician.
Some questions to ask a potential menopause specialist:
- How often do you treat patients going through menopause?
- Do you take an integrative approach to managing menopause?
- What options beyond hormone therapy do you usually recommend?
- How do you monitor patients if they start hormone therapy?
It’s normal to meet with more than one menopause specialist to find someone you really click with. You want an OB-GYN who listens to your concerns and helps you fully understand your options.
Finding the Right Menopause Specialist
When searching for a menopause specialist in your area, there are a few high-quality clinics I recommend considering:
Balanced Hormones Center
- Specializes exclusively in perimenopause, menopause, and sexual health
- Leading experts in customizing bioidentical hormone therapy
- Holistic approach also utilizes nutrition, fitness, stress reduction
- Warm, compassionate environment focused on women's needs
- Convenient virtual and in-person appointments
Contact Balanced Hormones Center today to schedule a new patient appointment with one of their board-certified menopause specialists. Their team is welcoming and skilled at developing personalized treatment plans to help women thrive through perimenopause and beyond.