Menopause symptoms can be difficult to manage, especially when you try to do it on your own. Many women have only a few minor symptoms while others have them all. Now is the time to stop suffering and get the relief you really need. How to choose the best menopause doctor in Virginia isn’t difficult to do.
But, you should take your time conducting your search. This guide will walk you through all the steps you need, and before you know it you’ll be on your way back to your life before hot flashes, mood swings, and low libido changed it so dramatically.
What Exactly Is Menopause?
Menopause is actually defined as a period of time when you’ve stopped your period for 12 consecutive months. Many patients experience this transition between the ages of 45 to 55. Menopause can last anywhere from 7 to 14 years.
Surgeries like a hysterectomy or oophorectomy (surgical removal of one or both ovaries) can trigger early menopause. If you do not begin treatment immediately following surgery, you will start to experience menopausal symptoms.
What Are the Most Common Menopausal Symptoms?
Menopause occurs when your body’s production of estrogen decreases. This can trigger symptoms such as hot flashes, changes in your period, hot flashes, mood swings, incontinence, and sexual dysfunction. You might also notice weight gain and bouts of insomnia.
Is It Really Necessary to Have a Menopause Doctor?
Yes, it is. Think about it like this.
If a patient has heart problems, they see a cardiologist. Skin problems? A dermatologist. Having a baby? Ob-gyn. So, if you are struggling with menopause, why wouldn’t you see someone specifically trained to help you?
The changes that happen to your body during menopause are profound. Estrogen is responsible for many of your bodily functions and when they’re off, so are you in many ways. Having a menopause doctor only makes sense if you wish to safely restore hormonal balance and find relief.
Take These Seven Steps to Choose the Best Menopause Doctor in Virginia
Absolutely! As mentioned, this is a search that requires a little of your time. Your menopause doctor will be an essential member of your personal healthcare team. Ideally, it’s someone you can build a rapport with as you’ll likely see them fairly often as you begin treatment.
Follow these steps for a successful menopause doctor search:
Check your health insurance plan.
For financial reasons, it always makes sense to ask your health insurance carrier for a list of in-network menopause doctors. They’ll probably be listed as gynecologists. Choosing an in-network doctor will certainly save you money on visits and prescriptions as well as other treatments.
Choose a doctor who specializes in menopause.
Not all gynecologists are the same and there are some that have more expertise in menopause than others. So, look into their background. Education, specialized training, and certifications matter. Your menopause doctor should also stay current on studies, research, and menopause treatments.
Ask people you trust.
If you don’t have insurance, or even if you do, it’s a good idea to speak to other women who have transitioned into menopause. What was their experience like? Who do they recommend?
Find out what their patients have to say.
Obviously, not all online reviews are legit but as a whole, these reviews can provide some insight. Take the time to read through them. If a menopause doctor has social media, check those pages and pay attention to the comments. You might also find reviews directly on a doctor’s website.
Schedule an appointment.
One important aspect of how to choose the best menopause doctor in Virginia is meeting them in person. For some patients, this is the only way to decide. You should prepare for the appointment.
New patient forms plus gathering information about your medical history and symptoms are necessary but so is writing down questions to ask your doctor about menopause. Some patients are intimidated by the idea of “interviewing” their doctor but don’t be. How else will you really get to know them?
Not sure what to ask? Use this list to get you started and add to it if you need to:
- Do you have certification with the North American Menopause Society?
- How much of your practice is dedicated to women in menopause?
- What are your thoughts on hormone replacement therapy?
- Do you recommend holistic treatment or lifestyle changes to manage menopause?
- What have been your results in dealing with patients who have or had menopause?
- How much time do you spend with your patients during a single regularly scheduled appointment? What about emergency or same-day visits?
Gather details about the practice.
This is something that can probably be done during a phone call with a customer service representative.
If after-hours care or virtual visits are important to you, make sure they’re an option. Find out if they accept your insurance and if so, do they file claims or do you? What forms of payment do they accept? Do they have a blog or educational resources that are easily accessible?
Pay attention to your instincts.
Having a menopause doctor means sharing some intimate details about yourself. You need to feel comfortable doing so. If anything feels off to you during a visit, that’s not the right doctor for you. Know it’s okay to keep looking.
Get Relief and Find the Best Menopause Specialist Here at Annandale Ob-Gyn!
Choose the board-certified team of gynecologists at Annandale Ob-Gyn, of course! We truly understand how difficult it can be to manage menopause symptoms alone. Stop suffering and get the compassionate, comprehensive help you need now. Contact us at 703-642-7522 to book your appointment today!
