We sat down with Dr. Trista Schrickel to discuss her newest certification and the inspiration to pursue it. Here are her thoughts:
More of my patients are experiencing menopausal symptoms and related health concerns and I want to ensure I can always meet them where they are. Residency provides basic training, but treating menopause has many nuances, involving cardiovascular health, bone health, and breast health. Pursuing this certification was motivated by the desire to provide better, well-rounded care for menopausal patients.
Some patients turn to non-FDA-approved hormone replacement therapies from non-medical sources, which shows a real gap in menopause care. Patients often don’t realize they can get this care from their gynecologist.
Women’s health, particularly menopausal care, has been historically under-prioritized.
- The average age for menopause is 51, yet research often focuses on older women, limiting insights on early post-menopausal care.
- Newer findings suggest that estrogen may offer protective benefits for heart health and bones within the first 10 years post-menopause.
- Current practices often ignore a significant portion of a woman’s life, with menopause beginning at 51 and women living to an average of 82.
There is a strong need to address quality of life and health benefits during menopause, rather than leaving symptoms untreated. With my Menopause Society certification, I’m prepared to step up and provide that care for my patients!
For more menopause education and resources, visit https://menopause.org/patient-education.
