Dear Ellen,
I just turned 46 years old. I think I may be experiencing perimenopause. I have been pretty thrown and a bit shocked to realize this big change is upon me so early. I am a very healthy, super active, really fit woman and I did not expect to have to deal with menopause till at least my 50s!
How do I find a good specialist?
Sincerely, Susan
Dear Susan,
Perimenopause arrives unscheduled, uninvited, and often sooner than you think. Many women start experiencing perimenopausal symptoms as young as age 38. There is no one-size-fits-all age or right or wrong age. Unfortunately, you won’t receive a “save the date” so you can plan your outfit. The average age of menopause is 51. Remember, you are not officially in menopause unless you have been without a period but for 12 consecutive months.
Finding a menopause specialist who specializes in perimenopause symptoms is critical for your well-being. This might not be the same person who delivered your babies or has been giving you your regular Pap smear. A specialist will have the unique knowledge and skill set necessary to offer you the perimenopause help and menopause help you need. They should be able to:
- Recognize and diagnose your perimenopause symptoms.
- Run the proper blood work and tests.
- Partner with you to determine the treatment approaches that are right for you.
- Make the necessary adjustments to your treatments on an ongoing basis.
Think of your menopause specialist as a business partner, and don’t be afraid to be picky! I went through several before I found one who was right for me. Choosing the right menopause specialist is the first step in getting the perimenopause help you need.
Many women spend more time researching hotels, hairdressers, and restaurants than researching menopause specialists. Don’t skimp! You have to do your research. First, check out my Menopause Specialist Directory. These specialists have been recommended by women who have found hormone happiness! In addition, if you know a great specialist who specializes in another field, this is a great place to start. Great specialists often know other great specialists! Your current gynecologist might even be a good resource, as many private practices contain a variety of different specialists within the group—it doesn’t hurt to ask. Try talking to family and friends for a recommendation of someone who has provided them good perimenopause and menopause help. Med students often know great healthcare professionals as well. You can check out the North American Menopause Society for some assistance in finding healthcare professionals who specialize in perimenopause and menopause.
Additionally, you might want to consider an Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM) certified practitioner. This means that they are experienced in functional medicine, which utilizes each patient’s environment, lifestyle and genetic information to address health issues including chronic disease.
Once you have a list of menopause specialists, do some more research. First things first, Google the name. We Google celebrities all the time—why not check out your healthcare professional, too? Then visit your state medical licensing board’s Web site to verify that the specialist is currently licensed. Here are some useful sites:
Good Luck! Keep me posted!
Remember: Suffering in silence is OUT! Reaching out is IN!
Ellen
7 thoughts on “How Do I Find A Menopause Specialist?”
Hi,
10 years ago I learned I was perimenopausal and found Dr.Tutera. He has been an amazing asset to my health care. Without pellets and Dr. Tutera I would be a hot mess. PUN intended. The pellet method is the only method I trust for my menopausal symptoms. I can feel the difference within 2 days of getting my pellets. No more hot flashes, night sweats or mental fogginess. I highly recommend Dr. Tutera for your menopause issues.
Can anyone reading this make a solid recommendation for someone in the Boston area? Would greatly appreciate it!
Beth, did you check on my Menopause Specialist Directory? These specialists have been recommended by the sisterhood. If you can’t find one near you, check out this Dear Ellen for more tips on how to find a specialist! Whatever you do, don’t give up until you get the help you need and deserve! Good Luck!!!
Hi Ellen,
I was wondering if there was anyone you heard of in UK that you would recommend to one of the Sisterhood who has just been told at the age of 42, with an 18 month old baby, that she has entered the premenopause and is absolutely distraught?
Love your blog! xx
Millie, I am so happy that you find my blog helpful. Did your doctors do a hormone panel to determine you are perimenopausal? Download my free eBook, MENOPAUSE MONDAYS The Girlfriend’s Guide to Surviving and Thriving During Perimenopause and Menopause. In Chapter 14. I list some of the tests to speak to your menopause specialist about. Please note that the average age of menopause is 51. You are in menopausse when you have been without a period for 12 consecutive months. If you haven’t had a period for 6 months and then suddenly she shows up –you have to start the clock over! Perimenopause is the 6-10 years BEFORE you reach menopause. So beginning perimenopause at the age of 42 is not unusual. You are not alone!
Thank you for the awesome article, whatever the problem is whether its related to your physical health, Psychological health or you need Orthodontic treatment you should contact a specialist.
i have had bad issues with menopause for 5 years now and my local obyn doctors really dont know much about it and how to help me how do i find a menopause specilist that really knows about menopause..not just give me a cream and say try that.