If you are like many women, you probably have mixed feelings or apprehensions about your personal journey through menopause. It can be a challenging time, both physically and emotionally.
Plus, it’s hard to understand what’s going on with your body, especially if you find yourself frantically searching Google for answers to questions like, “Why am I suddenly having night sweats?” or “Is painful sex normal in my forties?”
This is why it’s important to find a doctor who is educated and trained in menopausal health.
Unfortunately, many doctors are not educated about menopause because it’s simply not part of their core curriculum, and therefore, don’t know how to properly support their female patients. As a solution to this big problem, we want to introduce the Hormonal Health Institute (HHI), an organization that trains physicians and nurse practitioners to better understand the phases and symptoms of menopause, and offers ways to better support patients through every twist and turn.
“There is a great need for education around hormonal health and its impact on women’s physical and emotional well-being,” Belmar Pharma Solutions Medical Director Dr. Angela DeRosa, founder of HHI, says. “The Hormonal Health Institute fills a crucial educational role by providing healthcare providers with the latest information on diagnosing and treating hormonal imbalances.”
What Is the Hormonal Health Institute?
Dr. DeRosa established HHI in the fall of 2018 to improve the quality of healthcare for women by providing education and training to medical doctors (MDs), doctors of osteopathic medicine (DOs), and nurse practitioners (NPs), on menopausal health.
“Our goal is to fill the gap in medical education so that more doctors are equipped to provide quality care for their patients during this important time in their lives,” she says.
What Does the Hormonal Health Institute Offer?
HHI offers a variety of educational resources and training options, including webinars, one-on-one training, consultations, and group lectures and workshops. The curriculum is designed to help healthcare providers better understand the changes that occur during menopause and how to offer their patients effective, personalized therapies.
“We want to empower doctors and nurses with the knowledge and tools they need to provide the best possible care for their patients,” Dr. DeRosa says.
HHI is making a big impact in the world of menopausal health. Thanks to their efforts, more healthcare providers are equipped to support their patients before, during, and after menopause. And that’s great news for all women.
What Other Educational Platforms Are Available to Providers?
Another powerhouse in the hormone education space is Worldlink Medical. They have been providing evidence-based bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) training for the prescribing community for more than 25 years. Worldlink Medical utilizes their four-part series, Mastering the Protocols for Optimization of Hormone Therapy, to empower over 2500 medical professionals every year to embrace the far-reaching benefits of hormonal health. According to clinical pharmacy educator Kristi Hales, PharmD, “Longevity is a buzz word right now. At Worldlink Medical, we feel that we want to add life to years not years to your life. What good is longevity without the quality of life?”
For patients looking for a fresh start with a knowledgeable professional, Worldlink Medical also offers a free provider finder. This directory helps individuals in need of hormonal support locate established providers who are well-versed in BHRT. Navigating tools like these can remove some of the uncertainty when seeing a new doctor, helping patients feel more confident in their care. Until hormonal health awareness among medical providers becomes the clear expectation, using available resources from educators like Worldlink Medical can accelerate the process of finding expert care, fast.
Why You Need a Doctor Trained to Support You on Your Menopausal Journey
If you’re approaching menopause or are in the midst of it, you need a doctor who understands what you’re going through and can provide quality care. “A good doctor can make all the difference in helping you manage your symptoms and feel your best during this time,” says Dr. DeRosa.
If you’re not sure if your doctor is trained in menopausal health, Dr. DeRosa (aka, Dr. Hot Flash) recommends asking them about their experience prescribing for women who are going through menopause. “You can also ask if they are familiar with the latest research and treatments for menopause,” she notes. “If they are, that’s a good sign.”
And don’t feel bad about not staying with a provider who isn’t able to provide the hormone care you need along your menopausal journey. Interviewing a few providers about their knowledge and experience with BHRT until you find one you like can make a world of difference in your overall experience.
Dr. DeRosa created a letter that you can share with your doctor to help make your first appointment easier.