If you can’t sleep or think, have uncontrollable mood swings, sudden onsets of low libido, and have hot flashes, it’s probably caused you to be a little naughty and not so nice this year!  Santa can’t help —  but a menopause specialist can! The good news is you don’t need to sit on your menopause specialist’s lap to get the help you need and deserve.

We know you have a long holiday, “To Do List,” and will spend hours driving all over town to find the right gift for everyone on your list. Would you drive across town for an appointment with a fabulous menopause specialist?

It is time to add a menopause specialist to your holiday shopping list! No need to shop until you drop– we’ve got you. Here is your quick Menopause Specialist Shopping Guide:

Search Doctor Recommendations

• Check out the North American Menopause Society for assistance finding a licensed healthcare professional trained in perimenopause, menopause, and post-menopause. Those who pass the NAMS training have demonstrated their expertise in the field and are awarded the NCMP or NAMS Certified Menopause Practitioner credential.
• Additionally, you might want to consider an Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM) certified practitioner.  This means they are experienced in functional medicine, which utilizes each patient’s environment, lifestyle, and genetic information to address health issues, including chronic disease.
• Your current gynecologist might be a good resource, as many private practices contain various specialists within the group.
•  If you have an excellent doctor you trust, ask them for a menopause specialist recommendation. Great specialists often know other great specialists.
• Try talking to your sisterhood of family and friends and find out if they have a menopause specialist that helped them.
• Your trusted pharmacist may have a list of top menopause specialists they can share with you.

Research the Menopause Specialist Recommendations 

Visit your state medical licensing board’s website to verify that the specialist is currently licensed. Here are some useful sites :

• American Board of Medical Specialties
• Health Grades
• RateMDs

Interview Your Potential Specialist  

The next step is to set up a consultation.  Most specialists will not charge for this consultation; if they do, it’s probably well spent. You want to be completely comfortable with your menopause specialist—after all, he or she will be your new business partner in your menopause business! This is an excellent time to think inside the box. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or walk away if it’s not the right fit. Here are some tips on how to approach your interview:

• Download my free Menopause Symptoms Chart.  Fill this chart out for at least two weeks and take it to your appointment.  This way, you can not just tell but show your specialist how you’re feeling.
• Bring an advocate. Bring someone comfortable advocating with you in your quest for menopause help- your spouse, lover, partner, or friend. Another set of ears is always beneficial.
• Bring all of your questions with you on your iPhone or a notepad. It is helpful to jot down the answers so you can refer back to them later.
• Get a feel for the specialist’s approach. For instance, what tests do they typically run, and what approaches do they endorse for treatment options?

Give yourself the gift of a great menopause specialist. This gift will bring you excellent health and endless joy.  Time to rekindle your quality of life!

Remember:  Suffering in silence is OUT!  Reaching out is IN.

Sign up for MENOPAUSE MONDAYS® Blogs 

Be sure to follow me on Instagram @menopause_mondays.

Follow me on TikTok  @menopausemondays

Sign up for my fun YouTube Videos!

Download my free eBook: MENOPAUSE MONDAYS the Girlfriend’s Guide to Surviving and Thriving During Perimenopause and Menopause.

*EllenDolgen.com does not recommend, endorse, or make any representation about any tests, studies, practices, procedures, treatments, services, opinions, healthcare providers, physicians, or medical institutions that may be mentioned or referenced.