We spend 40% of our lives in menopause transition, and on average it last 7.4 years.
The symptoms can impact relationships, careers, long-term health, and overall quality of life. I provide education, encouragement and support during this time. Not one type of treatment works for everyone; treatments are individualized and why I provide the time to get to know my patients well.
I want you to get back to living!
I will review general recommendations for things such as pap smears, mammograms, colonoscopies, and labs. Speaking of labs, most people do not need lab work performed to assist is diagnosing and treating menopause. They are often unreliable and inadequate. There are some exceptions, which I am happy to discuss.
Telehealth Visits
(For patients located in Massachusetts at the time of visit)
-
Initial Consult
Initial Consults are longer in length to allow an appropriate amount of time to focus on any questions and concerns
you may have.60 minutes: $300
FSA and HSA accepted -
Follow-Up
Follow-up appointments are not expected for everyone. You may just need one appointment! However it is important to note, if you are prescribed medication, a follow-up is required.
30 minutes: $150
FSA and HSA accepted
Thank you for trusting me in your care!
WHAT’S ON YOUR MIND?
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Our practice is currently not accepting insurance
-
You can read all of our practice policies here.
-
No, follow-ups are scheduled only as needed
-
In most cases, labs aren’t recommended to treat symptoms
-
We do not prescribe compounded medications. If medication options are the intervention we decide on, FDA-approved prescriptions, generally covered by insurance, are prescribed..
-
No, we do not sell supplements
From Patient S:
“I truly do not know where I would be without Karin. From day one, she went above and beyond..she has always made me feel heard, valued, and genuinely cared for.”
From Patient J:
“Karin brought me so much invaluable peace that I cannot begin to put it into words. I’m forever grateful for the way she made me feel prioritized, understood, and always fully supported.”
From Patient M:
“Karin is an exceptional nurse practitioner who combines deep medical knowledge with genuine empathy. She took the time to explain every option, listened to my concerns without judgment, and helped me find a treatment plan that actually works. My menopause symptoms are finally manageable, and I feel empowered and supported every step of the way. I recommend her to every woman navigating this season of life.”
For those who want more perimenopause & menopause info...
-
Vasomotor symptoms (VMS) include hot flashes and night sweats.
Changes in periods: Periods can be absent for months. Not all vaginal bleeding is a period and abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) needs evaluation. Speak to a healthcare provider.
Vaginal dryness can lead to painful intercourse (dyspareunia)
Sexual disorders can happen during menopause transition, such as hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) and female sexual arousal disorder (FSAD)
Stress incontinence (peeing when you do things like sneezing)
Urge incontinence (I gotta go, I gotta go and you don’t often make it)
High tone pelvic floor dysfunction (HTPFD) is when muscles in our pelvic floor become tense and can lead to pain in vagina, rectum and even our low back.
Bioidentical hormone therapy is a term frequently used and means different things to different people. The Federal Drug Administration (FDA), does not use this term, but what is prescribed by me are FDA-approved medications to treat symptoms associated with the loss of estrogen in our bodies. I have a license to prescribe these medications.
Compounded medications are those generally not prescribed because they are not FDA approved. There are times when someone has allergies to components of FDA-approved medications, or in rare other instances, these may be prescribed, but this is not standard. Why: FDA approved medications go through rigorous testing and compounded medications may create unnecessary risk for patients. As their safety and efficacy cannot be guaranteed.
-
Systemic, hormonal treatments are estrogen-only or estrogen and progesterone together medications. They can be in patch, pill, creams and even vaginal rings. Different therapies are determined on an individualized bases.
Vaginal only treatments are those placed in or around the vaginal area and are not absorbed through a person’s body. An example is vaginal estrogen cream.
Non-medicated treatments are things like reducing risk factors such as smoking, and hypnosis. Side note (smokers are 2x more likely to have VMS)
While exercising can improve sleep, mood and weight, there is not evidence it will decrease hot flashes or night sweats. Exercise does decrease weight and therefore reduce other risks to include heart disease, diabetes, and even breast cancer. Obesity (body mass index greater than or equal to 30, increases breast cancer risks as well)
-
While there are risks to taking all medications, my goal is to thoroughly discuss risk/benefit to the individual patient. The most effective treatment for hot flashes, night sweats and vaginal dryness, remains hormone therapy. Here is the position statement of the Menopause Society
The most common side effects of hormone therapy can be breast tenderness, breakthrough, vaginal bleeding, skin irritation (if using a patch), bloating, and headaches. Most resolve or interventions can assist with decreasing/eliminating them.
