How to Choose a Menopause Clinician

We're not here to gatekeep doctors, but let's be real: not every clinician is equipped to handle menopause care well. Whether you're talking to your current doctor or searching for a new one, here's your FLUXX-approved guide to choosing the right clinician to support you through menopause.

What Does "Clinician" Mean to Us?

We use the word clinician across FLUXX to include doctors (MD/DO), nurse practitioners (NPs), physician associates (PAs), OB/GYNs, and other licensed healthcare professionals who can diagnose, prescribe, and treat patients.

But here's the truth: titles alone don’t guarantee menopause expertise.

So we made this page to help you:

Understand who can do what
Know what to ask
Feel confident advocating for the care you deserve

(See also: [Clinician glossary entry])

What FLUXX Recommends You Look For

We recommend clinicians who:

Ask about your symptoms and your goals
Know when low-dose vaginal estrogen or transdermal therapy may make sense
Explain the why behind each treatment option
Offer science-backed advice without shame or judgment
Stay current with The Menopause Society guidelines and recent research
Are certified by the Menopause Society

(See also: [Hormone Therapy 101], [Take the FLUXX Quiz], [Latest Menopause News]

If You're Starting with Your Current Doctor

You may already have a clinician you like and trust. But many general practitioners, OB/GYNs, and internists don't get more than 1-2 lectures on menopause in their entire training.

If you're wondering whether they can help with your menopause care, try asking:

"I'm having symptoms I think are related to perimenopause or menopause. Are you comfortable treating that?"
"Can we talk about hormone therapy as an option?"
"Do you typically prescribe estrogen or progesterone for patients like me?"
"What kinds of menopause training or continuing education have you done?"
"Are there any restrictions on what you can prescribe here, or do you refer out?"

Tip: Bring a symptom tracker and your goals (e.g., "I want to sleep better," "I want to understand my hormone options") to make the conversation concrete.

If you feel dismissed or unsure after the conversation, that’s useful data. You’re allowed to ask for a second opinion or look elsewhere.

If You’re Looking for a New Clinician

Whether your current clinician isn’t a fit or you’re starting from scratch, here’s where to begin:

Places to Start:

The Menopause Society’s directory: Find a Practitioner
Telehealth options: Midi Health, Alloy, Elektra.
Word of mouth: Ask friends, Facebook groups, local clinics

What to Look For:

Do they list menopause or hormone therapy as a specialty?
Are they MSCP- or NCMP-certified? (These are real menopause credentials)
Do they offer longer appointment times or upfront questionnaires?
Do they treat you like a collaborator in your own care?

What to Ask Before You Book:

"Do you see patients for perimenopause or menopause care?"
"Do you prescribe hormone therapy, including low-dose vaginal estrogen or transdermal options?"
"Are you familiar with The Menopause Society guidelines?"
"What’s your general approach to treatment planning?"

Preparing for Your First Appointment

Here’s what to bring:

Your FLUXX results and symptom tracker
A list of your current medications and supplements
Any family history of breast cancer, heart disease, clots, or early menopause
Your top 3 questions or concerns (written down, because brain fog is real)
A notebook or phone for taking notes

Optional but encouraged:

A support person
A printout of questions like the ones above
A clear goal: "I want to understand whether HT is right for me" or "I want help managing sleep and mood swings"