If you’ve started experiencing signs of perimenopause or menopause, or you’re in your 40s and are having unusual symptoms related to sleep, mood, memory, joints, or sex, it’s important to find a healthcare provider that understands the mosaic of menopause symptoms. Unfortunately, most healthcare providers have limited to no training in menopause management—even gynecologists—so finding the right answers and support can feel daunting.

Unsure where to start? Check out these platforms to find a provider near you (or virtually) that can help:

Clinically-Endorsed Provider Locators:

The Menopause Society’s Find a Practitioner Directory

Search for Menopause Society Certified Practitioners (MSCPs) near you.

Prosayla’s Find a Provider Directory

Supported by ISSWSH, connect with providers who specialize in women’s sexual health and related concerns.

Virtual Menopause Telehealth Options

Midi Health

Offers virtual menopause care with clinicians trained in midlife and menopausal health.

Alloy

Fill out an online intake form to work with a menopause-specialized doctor and create a tailored treatment plan.

Here’s the truth: most women aren’t getting the menopause care they deserve—not because they’re not asking, but because many providers simply aren’t trained in it. That’s not your fault but it does mean you have to be your own best advocate.

Many women are surprised to learn that comprehensive menopause care is not included in all standard medical training. A 2022 national survey found that only 31.3% of US OB/GYN residency programs include a dedicated menopause curriculum. This means most doctors, including gynecologists, receive little formal education on menopause care.

Meanwhile, the need for expert care is huge. There are an estimated 1.3 million women entering menopause each year in the US, yet there are only about 1,300 Menopause Society Certified Practitioners worldwide. This shortage explains why finding a provider who can offer up-to-date, evidence-based care can be difficult and takes persistence.

If you're in your 40s and noticing unusual symptoms, you may be experiencing early signs of perimenopause, even if your periods are still regular. Symptoms can often start earlier than expected and go beyond hot flashes and irregular cycles. Start by talking to your primary care provider (PCP) or OB/GYN. They can help by:

• Ruling out other causes of your symptoms
• Providing initial guidance or symptom relief
• Referring you to a certified menopause practitioner if needed

It can also help to ask if they are familiar with the 2025 AUA GSM Guidelines, which offer evidence-based recommendations for physicians to identify and manage menopausal and genitourinary symptoms. If your concerns aren’t taken seriously, and your provider is not open to a conversation about vaginal estrogen or hormone therapy, you should search for a provider who understands menopause.

Menopause symptoms can be more than hot flashes and vaginal dryness. Hormonal changes can also impact your skin, bones, heart, brain, and pelvic floor health. In a perfect world, every healthcare provider would be trained to approach midlife patients through the lens of menopause—but that’s not always the case.

Common menopause-specific providers include:

• Gynecologists: Trained in reproductive health and often address common menopausal symptoms.
• Urologists or Urogynecologists: Focus on urinary and pelvic floor issues that commonly emerge during menopause.
• Certified Menopause Practitioners (MSCPs): Clinicians certified by The Menopause Society in evidence-based midlife and menopausal care.
• Pelvic Floor Physical Therapists: Certified to help strengthen pelvic floor muscles to help minimize vaginal or urinary discomfort.

Not every provider is caught up with the latest research, that’s why seeing someone with menopause-specific training matters. A trained expert can guide you through the options, explain risks based on your health profile, and partner with you to create a personalized treatment plan that works for you. As we shared above, you can search for menopause-informed providers by checking out The Menopause Society’s directory to find certified MSCPs or consider Prosayla’s Directory for specialized sexual health support. Telehealth companies that specialize in menopause like Alloy and Midi Health can also be a great source to find trusted providers and solutions.

Finding a provider who listens and validates your experience is key. As you search:

• Check credentials and menopause-specific training
• Ask trusted friends, family, or providers for referrals
• Before spending time and money on a consultation, first ask if the provider supports the use of vaginal estrogen
• Schedule a consultation to see if their style and approach align with yours
• Trust your instincts—if you don’t feel supported, it’s okay to seek another opinion

If your “menopause checkup” lasts five minutes and ends with “that’s just a part of aging” or “tough it out”—that’s not menopause care, that’s dismissal.

A proper menopause evaluation isn’t just about hormone levels. (Spoiler: you often don’t need labs to start treatment. In fact, experts say hormone testing generally has little diagnostic value during perimenopause).

Here’s what a proper evaluation should include:

• A full symptom review—hot flashes, brain fog, sleep issues, libido changes, vaginal dryness, mood shifts, and more
• A timeline of your menstrual and reproductive history
• A look at your heart and bone health, because midlife is when we start seeing risks shift
• A conversation about pelvic and vaginal health—yes, this matters and should never be skipped
• Most importantly: an open dialogue about your goals, lifestyle, and what you want from this next chapter

Navigating menopause should not feel isolating, which is why it’s so important to find a knowledgeable and supportive provider. It’s just as important for you to stay informed and educated through available resources like Menopause Made Clear so you can advocate for yourself and get the care you deserve. There’s no reason to grin and bear symptoms or accept that it’s “just a part of aging.” You deserve to feel your best, no matter your age.