Why women in menopause can't find doctors

Why do so many women feel dismissed by their primary care providers?

The core of the issue lies in a systemic education gap; current statistics from the Menopause Society indicate that fewer than one in five primary care physicians receive formal menopause training. This lack of specialized knowledge often leads providers to attribute significant symptoms, such as heart palpitations, severe anxiety, or cognitive shifts, to general stress or aging, rather than the hormonal fluctuations of perimenopause and menopause. For women, this means that self-advocacy and seeking out NAMS-certified practitioners are often necessary steps to receive a validated diagnosis.

Is the “wait and see” approach to symptoms clinically advisable?

No, because the menopausal transition is not just about comfort; it is a critical window for long-term health. Data suggests that one-third of women wait at least three years for an accurate diagnosis, during which time the rapid decline in estrogen can begin impacting bone density and cardiovascular health. Addressing symptoms early through Menopause Hormone Therapy (MHT) or targeted lifestyle interventions can help mitigate the 30% loss of collagen seen in the first five years of menopause and reduce the long-term risk of osteoporosis and heart disease.

How does the lack of expert care impact a woman’s professional life?

The clinical symptoms of menopause—particularly brain fog, insomnia, and vasomotor symptoms (hot flashes)—have profound socioeconomic consequences. When women are unsupported by the medical community, the resulting “unmanaged” symptoms lead to decreased productivity and, in many cases, women leaving the workforce prematurely during their peak earning years. Recognizing menopause as a physiological state requiring clinical management, rather than a lifestyle phase, is essential for maintaining both the physical and financial health of women.