Your Questions, Answered.

 Menopause care focuses on understanding the hormonal, metabolic, and lifestyle changes that occur during perimenopause and menopause. Care may include evaluation of symptoms such as fatigue, weight changes, sleep disruption, mood changes, and hot flashes, along with personalized strategies to support overall health during midlife.

 Women seek menopause care for a variety of symptoms, including:

•  Hot flashes and night sweats
  
  
•  Weight gain or metabolic changes
  
  
•  Sleep disruption and fatigue
  
  
•  Brain fog or difficulty concentrating
  
  
•  Mood changes or increased anxiety
  
  
•  Low energy or decreased exercise tolerance
  
  
•  Changes in muscle strength or body composition
  
  

Care is individualized based on each woman’s symptoms, health history, and goals.

 Yes. Hormone therapy is an important and evidence-based option for many women during perimenopause and menopause. When appropriate, I prescribe hormone therapy as part of a personalized treatment plan.

There is no one-size-fits-all approach. Many hormonal options are available, and together we will review your symptoms, health history, and goals to determine what approach may work best for you.

I take a shared decision-making approach, partnering with each patient to develop a plan that feels safe, effective, and aligned with her health priorities.

 For many women, hormone therapy is a safe and effective treatment for symptoms of perimenopause and menopause. It can help relieve hot flashes, improve sleep, support mood, and in some cases help protect bone health.

Much of the concern about hormone therapy stems from early interpretations of the Women’s Health Initiative study published more than two decades ago. Since then, additional research has helped physicians better understand which women benefit most from treatment and how to use hormone therapy safely.

For healthy women who begin treatment near the time of menopause and who do not have specific medical contraindications, hormone therapy is considered an appropriate and evidence-based option.

During your consultation, we will review your personal health history, symptoms, and goals to determine whether hormone therapy is right for you and discuss the different options available. The decision is always made together, using a shared decision-making approach that prioritizes your safety and comfort.

 My approach integrates medicine, movement, and lifestyle strategies to support the full picture of midlife health. In addition to medical evaluation, we focus on strength training, nutrition, sleep, and stress strategies that help support metabolic health and long-term wellness.

 All appointments are conducted through secure video visits. Telehealth allows us to discuss your symptoms, review your health history, and develop a personalized care plan from the comfort of your home.

If lab testing, imaging studies, prescriptions or referrals are needed, those can often be coordinated locally.

 Dr. Terri Malcolm Wellness for Life is a direct-pay practice, which allows for more personalized care, longer appointment times, and a comprehensive approach to menopause health. Payment is collected at the time of your visit.

Many patients choose to use their Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) to pay for services.

Upon request, a superbill can be provided for you to submit to your insurance company for possible out-of-network reimbursement. Coverage varies by plan, so patients are encouraged to check with their insurance provider regarding their individual benefits.

 Many women begin experiencing symptoms of perimenopause in their 40s, and sometimes even earlier. Perimenopause is the transitional phase leading up to menopause, when hormone levels begin to fluctuate and symptoms such as sleep disruption, hot flashes, mood changes, brain fog, and changes in metabolism may begin.

You do not have to wait until menopause is officially diagnosed to seek care. In fact, many women benefit from evaluation and guidance during the early stages of hormonal change so that symptoms can be addressed and long-term health can be supported.

 Not always. Hormone levels can fluctuate significantly during perimenopause, and a single blood test often does not fully reflect what is happening in the body.

In many cases, treatment decisions are guided primarily by symptoms, health history, and clinical evaluation, rather than hormone levels alone.

If lab testing is helpful based on your individual health history or symptoms, it may be recommended as part of your evaluation. The goal is to gather the right information to develop a personalized care plan that supports your health and well-being.

 Every woman’s experience is different, but many women begin to notice improvements in symptoms such as sleep, hot flashes, and overall well-being within several weeks of starting treatment.

Lifestyle strategies that support muscle strength, metabolic health, sleep, and stress regulation can also play an important role in how quickly symptoms improve.

During your consultation, we will develop a personalized plan designed to help you begin feeling better while also supporting long-term health and vitality during midlife.

 The Menopause Discovery Call is a complimentary 15-minute conversation to discuss what you have been experiencing and determine whether this practice may be a good fit for your needs.

If it feels like the right next step, you can schedule a comprehensive consultation where we review your health history in detail and develop your personalized care plan.

 During the consultation we will:

•  Review your health history and symptoms
  
  

•  Discuss your goals for midlife health
  
  

•  Evaluate possible hormonal and metabolic factors
  
  

•  Discuss treatment options, including lifestyle and medical strategies
  
  

•  Develop a personalized care plan
  
  

 No. Many women seek care during perimenopause, which can begin years before menopause. Care is appropriate for women who want support navigating hormonal changes, maintaining metabolic health, and optimizing well-being during midlife.