Resources
The places and people I turn to, and how I prepare for appointments.
These links are for general education. They aren't medical advice, and none of them are sponsored. Your own healthcare provider is the right person to help with decisions about your care.
Find a menopause specialist
-
The Menopause Society
A nonprofit of menopause clinicians and researchers. Its practitioners have passed an exam in menopause care.
-
International Society for the Study of Women's Sexual Health (ISSWSH)
A medical society focused on women's sexual health, including the changes that come with menopause.
-
The 'Pause Life recommended clinicians list
A list of menopause-friendly clinicians, recommended by women in Dr. Mary Claire Haver's community.
My menopause and midlife teachers
The doctors and advocates I learn from. Their websites, videos and podcasts are a great place to start.
-
Dr. Kelly Casperson
Urologist
-
Dr. Mary Claire Haver
OB-GYN
-
Dr. Heather Hirsch
Internal medicine physician and menopause specialist
-
Dr. Rachel Rubin
Urologist and sexual medicine specialist
-
Dr. Vonda Wright
Orthopedic surgeon and researcher
-
Dr. Stacy Sims
Exercise physiologist and nutrition scientist
-
Dr. Gabrielle Lyon
Family medicine physician and nutrition expert
-
Dr. Corinne Menn
OB-GYN and menopause specialist
-
Dr. Jayne Morgan
Cardiologist and women's heart health advocate
-
Tamsen Fadal
Journalist and menopause advocate
Menopause position statements and guidelines
These are a great resource to share with your medical provider to help facilitate a discussion about hormone therapy.
-
The Menopause Society: 2022 Hormone Therapy Position Statement
The Menopause Society's official position on hormone therapy (PDF).
-
American Urological Association (AUA): Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM) Guideline
The AUA's guideline for diagnosing and treating GSM.
-
Global Consensus Position Statement on the Use of Testosterone Therapy for Women
An international statement on testosterone therapy for women, free to read in full.
-
"The musculoskeletal syndrome of menopause" by Dr. Vonda Wright and colleagues
Published in the journal Climacteric in 2024.
-
"Is it time to revisit the recommendations for initiation of menopausal hormone therapy?" by Taylor S and Davis SR
This paper is behind a paywall, so send this information to your doctor. The link above goes to the free summary.
Taylor S, Davis SR. Is it time to revisit the recommendations for initiation of menopausal hormone therapy? Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol. Published online October 14, 2024. doi: 10.1016/S2213-8587(24)00270-5. PMID: 39419045.
Before your next appointment
- Track your symptoms for a few weeks: what happens, when, and how much it affects your day.
- Note your cycle changes, if you still have periods.
- Bring a list of every medication and supplement you take.
- Write down your top three questions and ask those first.
- Ask about getting lab tests done. Dr. Mary Claire Haver provides a comprehensive checklist of labs that she recommends.
- If you feel brushed off, it's okay to ask for a referral or a second opinion.
More general information
- Office on Women's Health, plain-language guides from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
If you're struggling
Mood changes in midlife are real and common. If you're having a hard time, talk with your provider. If you're in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in the U.S.