The president

Women Face Fragmented Healthcare System ⁢During Menopause,Driving Demand for Specialized Clinics

WASHINGTON ⁢- women navigating perimenopause and ‍menopause frequently enough find themselves⁢ on a frustrating circuit of specialist visits‌ – a ‍dermatologist for ‍skin changes,a neurologist for brain⁤ fog,an OB/GYN for vaginal dryness,and a general practitioner for cholesterol – highlighting a​ critical gap in healthcare⁣ tailored to this meaningful life stage. ⁣This fragmented approach is fueling a ‌growing demand‍ for specialized menopause ⁣clinics and concierge practices offering extensive care, experts say.

The experience⁣ is widespread. Symptoms of ⁢perimenopause and menopause are⁣ so ⁤diverse that women⁣ frequently‌ seek help from multiple‍ doctors before⁤ realizing the root cause is hormonal change.This can lead⁤ to delayed diagnosis, ineffective treatment, and significant out-of-pocket ​expenses, even⁣ before ‌ meeting annual insurance deductibles.

Dr. Julie Andresen, author of The Perimenopause​ Survival ⁤guide and founder of the ⁣Menopause Clinic at ‍Brigham and Women’s Hospital,⁢ understands this struggle⁣ firsthand. ⁣She previously saw ​upwards of 20 patients a ⁣day addressing menopause-related issues.Now,running The Collaborative,a concierge practice,she sees fewer than half that number,allowing for more in-depth consultations.

“I was⁣ spending so much money seeing so many doctors before hitting my deductible,” Andresen said, explaining her decision to embrace ⁣the concierge model. ⁢”This was really my last resort.”

The‌ need ‌for specialized care stems from a historical lack of focus on women’s health during midlife. Menopause was often dismissed as ​a “natural” process rather‌ than⁢ a medical transition requiring attention. This has resulted in limited training for many⁣ physicians on recognizing and treating menopause symptoms effectively.

andresen’s experience reflects a growing trend. Patients are ​seeking longer appointments, comprehensive education, and a physician ‍who understands the interconnectedness of menopause symptoms. She notes that ​patients at The⁤ Collaborative ​often spend over an hour at their ⁤first appointment and actively engage with educational resources,with some watching more than eight hours of videos ⁣on menopause.

This increased ⁣awareness is also driving‌ advocacy. Andresen recently wrote a letter to ‌the FDA this summer, urging‍ for improved⁣ treatment options for women experiencing menopause.⁣ She, and others, believe that better​ care is not just a matter⁤ of comfort, but a vital‍ investment in women’s overall health and well-being.

Laura Trujillo ⁤is a national columnist focusing on health and wellness.‍ She is the⁤ author of “Stepping Back from the ledge: A Daughter’s Search for⁢ Truth and Renewal,” and can be reached at ltrujillo@usatoday.com.