How to Navigate Menopause Care When You’re Not Getting Answers

Menopause |
5 min read

Written By

Michelle Zlakowski

Published

February 27, 2026

Medically reviewed by

Alyssa Dweck MS, MD, FACOG, MSCP, Chief Medical Officer

Although society is talking about menopause more, it’s important to recognize that some healthcare providers may be lacking menopause-specific training. It may be surprising to know that only a fraction of OB/GYN residency programs include a menopause curriculum – which is why many healthcare providers, even with the best of intentions, may simply lack the specific or more diverse set of knowledge you may need.¹ As a result, you may be feeling dismissed, unheard, or unsure about where to turn next.

Menopause symptoms—from hot flashes to mood swings to sleep disruption—are often misunderstood or misdiagnosed. But, there are steps you can take to better advocate for yourself; including asking the right questions and finding a healthcare professional who suits your specific needs.

1. Track Your Symptoms Thoroughly

Before you even step into an appointment with your healthcare provider, first, do your best to create a clear picture of what you’re experiencing. Document how often symptoms occur, how severe they are, and how they impact your daily life (including your sleep, mood, work, intimacy, etc.). A detailed symptom log will become an objective reference you can share with providers, making it easier to distinguish menopause-related symptoms from other health issues.²

Providing clear documentation provides your care team with a baseline for how to approach your menopause symptom management.

2. Prepare a List of Targeted Questions for Your Doctor

Once you understand the extent of your symptoms, it’s time to ask questions. Bring a written list of specific questions with you to your next appointment to ensure you don’t forget any important topics. Here are some questions you may consider asking:³

“How can I tell if my symptoms are due to menopause or another condition?”
“What treatments or lifestyle changes might help these symptoms?”
“What type of supplements could help my specific symptoms?”
“Would hormone replacement therapy (HRT) be appropriate for me, or would hormone free options be better?”
“Are there any risks I should know about with HRT?”
“What is your experience in working with women in menopause and prescribing HRT?
“Can you recommend a menopause specialist if needed?”

Consider also adding questions about your specific symptoms to this list to receive more personalized menopause healthcare guidance.³

3. Ask for Longer or Follow-Up Appointments

Menopause is complex life stage and often involves changes within multiple systems in our body – which impacts our sleep, mood, sexual health, and metabolism, among other things. A standard 10- to 15-minute visit, or even during your annual gynecology exam with your provider may not be enough to cover everything thoroughly. If possible, try to book a double appointment to ensure you have enough time to discuss your detailed history, symptoms, and care options, without feeling rushed.⁴

4. Know What Type of Healthcare Provider You’re Talking To

Not all physicians have specific training in menopause care. Many general practitioners and gynecologists can provide great baseline care, but if your symptoms are complex or your initial provider seems unfamiliar with the nuances of menopause symptoms, it’s reasonable to ask for a recommendation for a menopause specialist, to round out your care team.

The Menopause Society offers specific training in menopause care to physicians who would like to offer more nuanced support to women transitioning through menopause. They can provide guidance regarding hormone therapy or prescription medication use, as well as alternative treatment options for menopause symptom management.⁵

5. Check Credentials for Menopause Expertise

Clinicians are pursuing additional training in menopause care. To determine if a physician specializes in menopause, look for providers who:⁶

Include “menopause” in their stated areas of expertise
Are part of recognized menopause societies or advisory panels
Have experience treating a wide range of menopause symptoms

The Menopause Society offers a directory of practitioners with menopause expertise to help you find a menopause-certified provider near you.

6. Don’t Settle—It’s Okay to Switch Providers

If you feel like your current provider dismisses your symptoms, minimizes your concerns, or doesn’t address your questions about menopause adequately, you are not obligated to stay. You have the right to seek second opinions or look for a menopause-certified practitioner or clinician to help manage your menopause experience.

If you’re struggling with symptoms like hot flashes, sleep disturbances, mood changes, or sexual health concerns that your current clinician isn’t addressing, a menopause specialist may be able to help. In many cases, women who change providers find that a menopause-focused clinician offers far better symptom relief and long-term care.⁷

7. Follow Up and Advocate for Ongoing Symptom Management

Menopause is a transition, with symptoms often evolving with time. Ultimately, it’s up to you to be proactive and manage your health, as well as seeking support for managing your symptoms.

Don’t forget after your initial visit:

Ask for a follow-up appointment
Request a care plan in writing
Take notes about what works and what doesn’t
Track your symptoms as they change

Make sure you establish a way to have ongoing dialogue with your healthcare provider as part of your process for managing menopause symptoms, so that they can help support you in feeling your best through menopause and beyond.

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