Menopause can be an awkward subject for some PCPs to discuss with their patients, but it doesn’t have to be if you are aware of and utilize the many educational resources and services available to both physicians and patients regarding the subject. One such service provided by the North American Menopause Society (NAMS) affords healthcare providers with a special interest in menopausal issues the ability to become a Nationally Certified Menopause Practitioner (NCMP). NAMS also offers providers and patients the ability to search for local NCMPs in their area via their website menopause.org.

Knowing this, along with having a couple of other good resources readily available for patient (as well as your own) education can go a long way in alleviating any awkwardness that could arise when broached with the subject of menopause.

Maria Sophocles, MD, FACOG
Medical Director: Women’s Healthcare of Princeton
Princeton, NJ