Red Flags in Your Physician to Watch for When Navigating Perimenopause and Menopause
Navigating perimenopause and menopause can be challenging. Your body is going through major hormonal shifts, and it’s normal to experience symptoms that affect your mood, energy, sleep, and overall well-being. Unfortunately, many people encounter healthcare providers who aren’t fully up-to-date on the latest research or who dismiss their concerns outright. Knowing the red flags to watch for can help you advocate for yourself and get the care you deserve.
Knowing the red flags to watch for can help you advocate for yourself and get the care you deserve.
1. They Dismiss Your Symptoms as “Normal” or “All in Your Head”
It’s common to hear phrases like:
“That’s just part of getting older.”
“All women feel that way during menopause.”
“You’re just stressed—there’s nothing wrong.”
While perimenopause and menopause are natural stages of life, your symptoms are not something you have to just endure. Fatigue, brain fog, anxiety, depression, sleep disruption, hot flashes, or drastic changes in mood are valid concerns that deserve thorough evaluation. A provider who dismisses your experiences is a red flag that your concerns might not be taken seriously.
2. They Rush Through Appointments
If your doctor gives you five minutes or less, barely listens to your questions, or seems more interested in finishing the appointment than understanding your symptoms, it’s a warning sign. Hormonal transitions are complex, and they often require a detailed conversation and careful review of your health history. Feeling unheard or rushed can leave you frustrated and unsupported.
3. They Rely on Outdated Information
Some healthcare providers still use the original Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) study from 2002 as the primary guide for hormone replacement therapy (HRT). The WHI caused widespread fear about HRT, but it is now understood that the risks vary depending on age, timing, type of hormone, and delivery method.
Red flags here include statements like:
“Hormones are dangerous for all women.”
“No one should take HRT anymore.”
“You’ll get cancer if you use hormones.”
Modern evidence shows that HRT can be safe and effective for many women, especially when started around the onset of perimenopause or early menopause, and tailored to the individual. A doctor who refuses to update their knowledge or discuss these nuances may not provide the best care for your stage of life.
4. They Avoid Individualized Care
Each person’s hormonal journey is unique. If your provider:
Offers one-size-fits-all solutions
Ignores your lifestyle, medical history, or personal preferences
Doesn’t consider alternative therapies or complementary strategies
…then they may not be equipped to help you find a treatment plan that works specifically for you. Feeling like a number instead of a patient is a major red flag.
5. They Don’t Explore Underlying Causes
Perimenopause symptoms can overlap with other medical conditions like thyroid issues, anemia, sleep disorders, or mental health concerns. A provider who immediately attributes every symptom to “hormones” without investigating other causes may be over-simplifying your care. Your concerns deserve a thorough assessment, lab work, and a comprehensive approach.
6. They Make You Feel Guilty or Shamed
Statements that make you feel like you’re overreacting, complaining too much, or being dramatic are never acceptable. Your health and well-being are valid. A provider who makes you feel guilty for seeking care or asking questions is not creating a safe or supportive environment.
How to Advocate for Yourself
Do your research: Bring evidence-based questions and recent studies to your appointment.
Track your symptoms: Journaling changes in mood, sleep, and energy helps your provider see the full picture.
Ask for clarity: Don’t be afraid to ask why a treatment or test is being recommended—or declined.
Seek a second opinion: If your doctor dismisses your concerns, another provider may offer a more informed and empathetic perspective.
Your transition through perimenopause and menopause deserves careful attention, personalized treatment, and validation. Don’t settle for a provider who minimizes your experience or relies on outdated information. With the right care, you can feel supported, heard, and empowered through this stage of life.
Defy Menopause - Own the Change
Many women tell me: "One day I feel amazing. The next, I can barely get out of bed. Is this normal?"
Yes, it is. And no, you don’t have to suffer through it alone.
Hormonal fluctuations during perimenopause can make you feel like you’ve lost control of your body. But knowledge is powerful. And there are clear, science-backed ways to support your hormones, ease symptoms, and reclaim your energy.
That’s exactly why I created Defy Menopause: Own the Change — a 30-day program designed to give you the tools, knowledge, and support you need to move through these changes with clarity and confidence.
Inside, you’ll find:
Weekly access to Dr. Tracy Verrico at live, group sessions
Clear action steps for managing symptoms naturally
Because you deserve more than just "putting up with it."
You deserve to thrive.
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