A menopause specialist is a healthcare provider who has specialized training in managing the complex health needs of women during the menopausal transition. Physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants and other practitioners can go beyond their standard medical education to develop expertise in menopause care.
Specialists also can achieve credentials from the Menopause Society, a nonprofit organization that works to give healthcare professionals tools and resources to improve the health of women during menopause and beyond.
All licensed healthcare professionals are eligible to take a competency exam to become a Menopause Society Certified Practitioner (MSCP). They are well equipped to address menopause symptoms and the long-term health implications of declining hormone levels, including effects on bone health, heart health, and overall wellness.
Understanding what a menopause specialist does can help you get the help you need to take control of your health during what can be a confusing and difficult stage of life.
Understanding menopause and the menopausal transition
Menopause is the time when a woman’s menstrual periods stop. It’s a normal part of aging that occurs when a woman’s ovaries produce much less of the hormones estrogen and progesterone. The menopausal transition unfolds in three stages , each with its own characteristics and potential symptoms.
- Perimenopause is when hormone levels begin fluctuating and menstrual cycles become irregular. This stage can last anywhere from a few months to several years.
- Menopause is officially diagnosed after a woman has gone 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period. It typically occurs in the late 40s or early 50s.
- Post menopause refers to the years that follow, when many acute symptoms may ease but long-term health considerations come into play.
Common menopause symptoms
Estrogen and progesterone help to regulate the reproductive system and play roles involving the bones, heart, brain, skin, and sleep. The dramatic decline in their production during menopause can cause a wide range of symptoms that may vary in type, severity, and duration.
Common concerns include:
- Hot flashes and night sweats
- Vaginal dryness
- Sleep disturbances
- Mood changes, including irritability, anxiety, and feelings of sadness
- Weight gain, particularly around the midsection
These symptoms can compound one another, diminishing quality of life and making even routine tasks feel challenging.
What does a menopause specialist do?
Menopause specialists offer comprehensive care that is rooted in understanding each woman’s unique experience, health history, and treatment goals.
As certified menopause practitioners, MSCPs have studied the latest research on hormone therapy, non-hormonal treatments, and the health considerations unique to midlife women. The credential must be renewed every three years through continuing education and/or retesting, so certified practitioners stay current with evolving treatment guidelines and emerging evidence.
When choosing a trusted provider for menopause support, this certification indicates specialized expertise and commitment to evidence-based care. Let’s take an in-depth look at the types of care that MSCPs and other menopause specialists may provide.
Comprehensive symptom assessment
The foundation of specialized menopause care begins with a thorough evaluation. A menopause specialist conducts detailed discussions about the symptoms you’re experiencing, how frequently they occur, and how they are affecting your quality of life.
The goal is to understand the full impact of symptoms on your work, relationships, sleep, mood, and daily functioning. The specialist also reviews your medical history, family health patterns, and any medications or supplements you take.
Hormone therapy management
One core area of expertise for menopause specialists is hormone replacement therapy (HRT), which involves taking medicine to replace the hormones your body isn’t producing. Specialists understand the nuances of different hormone formulations, delivery methods, and dosing strategies.
They are trained to customize hormone therapy to match your symptoms, preferences, and medical needs, choosing from options such as:
- Bioidentical hormones
- Combination therapies
- Targeted treatments for specific concerns
These specialists also are trained to determine when a woman needs to consider alternative approaches due to personal or family health history. Whatever course is chosen, they provide ongoing monitoring and are skilled at adjusting treatment plans as your body responds and your needs evolve.
Non-hormonal treatment options
Menopause specialists are well-versed in evidence-based, non-hormonal treatments that can manage menopause symptoms. These may include:
- FDA-approved medications designed to reduce hot flashes
- Targeted therapies for mood changes or sleep disturbances
- Complementary approaches supported by scientific research
A skilled practitioner can guide you through these options, explaining which treatments are most likely to ease your symptoms and helping you make decisions about your care.
Long-term health management
Preventive care and long-term health protection are also part of a menopause specialist’s services. As estrogen levels decline during menopause, women face increased risks for certain health conditions. Specialists focus on:
- Bone health. Conducting screening and implementing strategies to prevent osteoporosis and reduce the risk of fractures.
- Heart health. Monitoring cardiovascular risk, which increases after menopause, and providing guidance on managing cholesterol, blood pressure, and other factors that affect heart disease.
- Cancer screening. Reviewing and updating recommendations based on your age and risk factors.
Personalized care plans
Menopause specialists can create personalized care plans that address your whole health, not just isolated symptoms. These plans may include:
- Lifestyle changes. Nutrition adjustments, exercise programs tailored to maintain bone density and heart health, and stress management techniques that can ease physical and emotional symptoms.
- Patient education. Taking time to explain what’s happening in your body, what to expect as you move through the stages, and how treatment options work.
- Ongoing support. Providing continuity of care throughout a process that may cover several years.
This holistic approach to women’s health empowers you to make informed decisions and provides ongoing menopause support.
Who needs to see a menopause specialist?
While many women can manage mild menopausal symptoms with guidance from their primary care physician or gynecologist, certain situations may warrant the expertise of a menopause specialist.
Women with severe or complex symptoms
Consider seeing a menopause specialist if you’re experiencing:
- Debilitating hot flashes or night sweats that interfere with your ability to work, socialize, or maintain your normal routine.
- Significant sleep disturbances that leave you chronically exhausted despite trying various remedies.
- Severe mood changes or depression that affect your relationships and daily functioning.
- Multiple symptoms occurring simultaneously when standard treatments haven’t provided adequate relief.
Early or premature menopause
Women who experience menopause before age 40, whether naturally or due to surgical removal of the ovaries, face unique health challenges that require specialized guidance. Early menopause increases the risk of bone loss, heart disease, and other conditions typically associated with older age.
A menopause specialist understands the needs of younger women navigating this transition and can provide hormone therapy guidance to help protect long-term health while managing immediate symptoms.
Complex medical histories
Some health situations make menopause management more complicated:
- History of breast cancer or other hormone-sensitive conditions that make determining safe and effective treatments more complex.
- Multiple chronic health conditions requiring careful coordination to ensure menopause treatments don’t interfere with other medications or therapies.
- Previous negative experiences with menopause treatments that caused unpleasant side effects or didn’t help your symptoms.
Women seeking specialized expertise
You don’t necessarily need to be in crisis to benefit from seeing a menopause specialist. Many women simply want:
- Access to the most current, evidence-based treatment options available.
- A provider whose practice focuses on this life stage.
- Personalized menopause care that considers their unique circumstances, preferences, and goals.
- Comprehensive support that addresses both immediate symptom relief and long-term wellness.
What are the benefits of specialized menopause care?
Let’s recap the advantages of receiving care from a menopause specialist:
- Improved symptom management through treatments tailored to your situation.
- Access to the latest research and treatment options, so you benefit from advances in menopause care as they emerge.
- An individualized approach that’s based on your complete health profile.
- Comprehensive support that addresses your physical and emotional well-being.
- Patient education that empowers you to advocate for yourself and make decisions about your care.
- Continuity of care throughout the menopausal transition.
Finding the specialized care you need
Navigating menopause doesn’t have to mean suffering through years of uncomfortable symptoms or accepting a diminished quality of life. Menopause specialists can make this transition smoother and protect your health for years to come.
If you’re struggling with menopause symptoms or have complex health concerns, seeking specialized care is a proactive step toward feeling like yourself again.
Contact Florida Medical Clinic Orlando Health to learn more about our comprehensive menopause services and discover how expert support can help you thrive during this important life stage.
About Dr. Govender
Dr. Deshanie Govender of Tampa, a family medicine specialist, is an advocate for patient-centered, team-based treatment.
She is a Menopause Society Certified Practitioner (MSCP). With advanced expertise in menopause and midlife women’s health, she provides personalized, evidence-based care for symptoms like hot flashes, sleep disturbances, and mood changes, as well as hormonal concerns. Dr. Govender helps women restore balance and thrive through every stage of midlife.
She also established The Period Project Corporation to alleviate period poverty and developed a smartphone app to assist students with impairments.
Her goal is to help each patient feel heard, valued, and empowered to make positive changes to their health through preventative medication, education, and lifestyle counseling. Request an appointment by calling (813) 875-8453.