The Best Menopause-Centered University Medical Programs in the US

For many women, the experience of going through menopause can feel lonely and overwhelming. That doesn’t have to be the case, though. Being able to lean on the right medical team for support can make a world of difference, and that’s where menopause medical programs can come in. As the topic of menopause becomes destigmatized and better understood, many medical institutions around the country have created programs specifically dedicated to helping women thrive through this stage of life. 

Whether you feel your doctor isn’t offering you enough support or you’re simply looking for something more tailored to your needs, a menopause medical program can be a great option. While this kind of specialized care is well-suited for telemedicine as with Midi, when you need to see someone IRL, these programs provide trusted options.

We’ve compiled a list of some of the best programs around the country that offer comprehensive care and resources, personalized treatments, and more. 

Understanding Menopause-Informed Medical Programs

Menopause medical programs often consist of teams of doctors and nurses who work to help support women through each stage of menopause, from perimenopause to the transition into menopause and beyond. Each program offers a slightly different experience, but many include personalized treatment options such as hormone therapy and appointments with medical professionals who specialize in women’s health and menopause-related issues. 

Criteria for Evaluating Menopause-Informed Programs

When looking for the best menopause-focused programs throughout the country, our reporters, researchers, and medical reviewers did extensive homework, putting an emphasis on identifying clinics and centers led by specialists with the training and knowledge we value at Midi. Here are the considerations we kept in mind: 

• Teams made up of appropriate providers: We prioritized menopause programs that offer services from providers who specialize in menopause care and treatment, like certified menopause practitioners. We also looked for teams that included gynecology experts. However, since menopause can come with so many symptoms and long-term side effects and complications, we looked for teams that included experts who specialize in related issues, like bone health. 
• Evidence-based, personalized treatment options: Menopause is a different experience for everyone, which means that a treatment plan that works for one woman won’t work for all. With that in mind, we looked for programs that specifically said they create customized treatment plans based on individual symptoms and needs. We also paid attention to the kinds of treatment being offered, looking for evidence-based protocols. 
• Collaborative, integrative care: Menopause doesn’t just bring one specific set of symptoms, and for that reason, it was important to us that the programs offered more than just treatments for the most common ones. We looked for programs that also offer treatment from other specialists or at least referrals to other specialists, and programs that offer not just physical medical care, but emotional care as well. 

Top Menopause-Informed University Medical Programs in the US

Center for Midlife Health & Menopause at NYU Langone Health

Location: New York, New York

Why we chose it: A division of NYU Langone’s Obstetrics & Gynecology Associates, the Center for Midlife Health & Menopause is led by a trio of respected clinicians (Samantha M. Dunham, MD, Tracey J. Fein, MD, and Emily Friedman, NP) who are Certified Menopause Practitioners by The Menopause Society. Customized treatment plans are offered for anyone going through perimenopause, menopause, or surgically induced menopause. An initial “getting to know you” consultation is where patients will hear detailed treatment plans based on their symptoms. Follow-up appointments are held as necessary, and your clinician can also offer referrals to other NYU Langone specialists for specific menopause-related health conditions. For example, the Center for Vulvar Health led by Dr. Rebecca G. Podolsky provides advanced treatment for skin conditions that affect the vulva, or the outer genitalia, if vaginal dryness is one of your symptoms.

Tune into Midi's Webinar with NYU about Menopause & Sex

Menopause can do a number on your sex life. Watch our webinar—Navigating Sexual Health During Menopause—co-hosted by the team at NYU and Midi. It's a frank and sensitive conversation all about sexual health during menopause, with advice for how to handle common issues that can arise in the bedroom.

UCLA Comprehensive Menopause Program 

Location: Los Angeles, Santa Monica, San Fernando Valley in California

Why we chose it: The team at UCLA’s Comprehensive Menopause Program consists of Certified Menopause Practitioners who have earned that title through The Menopause Society, as well as a variety of specialists who can help with menopause- and hormone-related changes to your body (such as providers who specialize in bone health or mental health). The program relies on evidence-based treatments and therapies that are tailored to your specific needs, and can offer solutions that include hormone replacement therapy, group therapy, pelvic floor physical therapy, and relaxation and mindfulness coaching. We like that the program offers help with direct symptoms of menopause, but can also offer assistance with the many health issues that can go along with it. Their special menopause care algorithm developed by Rajita Patil, MD and tailored to various organ systems, helps identify each individual risk factor and areas requiring attention. 

Weill Cornell Medicine Menopause & The Women’s Midlife Center

Location: New York, New York 

Why we chose it: The Women’s Midlife Center stands out because they offer both traditional medical care and a more holistic approach. Patients are able to meet with a gynecologist who can discuss symptoms and potential treatments that suit their needs, which may include hormone therapies, self-care strategies, nutritional changes, and non-hormonal prescription medication. Weill Cornell also promotes integrated care, referring patients to other experts who can help with menopause-related symptoms. For example, patients may also work with experts at the Weill Cornell Medicine Integrative Health and Well-Being Program who can offer assistance with herbal supplements, acupuncture, and mind-body therapies.

Johns Hopkins Women’s Wellness & Healthy Aging Program

Location: Baltimore, Maryland 

Why we chose it: Patient-centered care is a defining principle of the Johns Hopkins Women’s Wellness & Healthy Aging Program, which strives to support women before, during, and after menopause—including women who are cancer survivors dealing with menopause. The program’s director, Wen Shen, MD, is particularly outspoken on issues of women of color and menopause, and the team includes experts in the women’s health and menopause fields. The program also encourages collaborative care by connecting patients with specialists from other departments to provide treatment, health screenings, and more for everything from integrative medicine to cancer screenings.  

Yale Medicine Sexuality, Intimacy & Menopause Program 

Location: New Haven, Connecticut

Why we chose it: The Yale Medicine Sexuality, Intimacy & Menopause Program offers menopause symptom management and care for other women’s health issues, specifically related to sexual health. Providers, including renowned women’s health expert Mary Jane Minkin, MD, specialize in menopause and other women’s health issues and offer both a physical and psychological approach to treatment. While this program does offer care and support for those going through menopause, it’s unique in that it focuses on helping women who experience sexual dysfunction after cancer or cancer treatment, as well as those experiencing early menopause due to cancer treatment or risk reduction surgery. 

Northwestern Medicine Program for Menopause 

Location: Chicago, Illinois 

Why we chose it: The menopause program at Northwestern Medicine offers care and support to patients by providers who are all certified menopause practitioners of The Menopause Society. Providers can help with a wide range of menopause-related issues and symptoms, and can offer treatments that include hormonal and non-hormonal treatment, pelvic floor therapy, talk therapy, and alternative treatments. 

Oregon Health and Science University Center for Women’s Health 

Location: Portland, Oregon 

Why we chose it: Menopause is just one of the health concerns addressed at the Center for Women’s Health at OHSU. The specialty clinic employs providers who specialize in areas such as menopause and vulvar health to offer patients as much support and care as possible. These providers can offer not only care for physical symptoms, but also for emotional and sexual challenges. Some treatments offered include hormone therapy, strategies to lower the risk of long-term symptoms of menopause (like bone loss and heart disease), sleep support, minimally invasive surgery, and wellness strategies. They can also offer both prescription and over-the-counter medications and alternative therapies. 

University of Utah Midlife Women’s Health & Menopause Program

Location: Salt Lake City, Utah

Why we chose it: Many of the healthcare providers at the Midlife Women’s Health and Menopause Program at the University of Utah include Menopause Society Certified Practitioners who are trained to help women get through every stage of menopause. The program offers help with any menopause symptoms in the form of physical care (hormone therapy, pelvic floor physical therapy, non-hormonal options) and mental health care (behavioral therapy and psychotherapy). They also offer sex therapy, wellness/lifestyle programs, and nutrition counseling, truly covering every aspect of menopausal care. 

Brigham and Women’s Hospital Menopause and Midlife Clinic 

Location: Boston, Massachusetts 

Why we chose it: The Menopause and Midlife Clinic at Brigham and Women’s Hospital is part of the Fish Center for Women’s Health. This speciality program is meant to help treat symptoms of menopause while educating patients. (They also have a special program for people with PCOS, which can be very common.) Individualized treatment plans are available for women going through any stage of menopause, including surgical, early, and cancer-induced menopause, and can also offer help to those dealing with bone health issues and breast cancer survivors. 

The Center for Women’s Integrated Health at UChicago Medicine

Location: Chicago, Illinois 

Why we chose it: Certified menopause practitioners offer personalized treatment plans to women in every stage of menopause at the UChicago Center for Women’s Integrated Health. The providers offer customized menopause consultations, evaluations, and treatments, using research-based options and cutting edge technology. The many treatments offered include cognitive behavioral therapy, clinical hypnosis, hormone therapy, prescription medications, and more. UChicago Medicine frequently conducts research on health issues affecting women both before and during menopause. As a participant in UChicago Medicine clinical trials, you may gain access to experimental treatments that are not widely available at other hospitals.

Baylor College of Medicine’s The Menopause Center

Location: Houston, Texas

Why we chose it: The Menopause Center is part of the Texas Medical Center in Houston and offers comprehensive care for women dealing with menopause and related health issues. Providers include menopause and gynecology specialists who offer evidence-based treatment and guidance for nearly every symptom of menopause, including urogynecologists for treatment of incontinence, overactive bladder, and pelvic organ prolapse; reproductive psychiatrists for the treatment of mood disorders, anxiety and depression; doctors at the Vulvovaginal Health Clinic at Baylor College of Medicine for treatment of diseases of the vulva and vagina; gynecologic oncologists for treatment of cancers of the female reproductive system, which can cause treatment-induced menopause; and minimally invasive gynecologic surgery specialists. They can also offer preventative screenings, immunizations, and checkups that support healthy aging, as well as advice on the best lifestyle habits for women going through menopause. 

How to Choose the Right Program

Menopause is a personal journey, so it’s important to find the menopause program that fits your needs and goals. When looking for menopause programs, location is, of course, an important factor, since these programs and centers unfortunately aren’t offered in every area of the country. You’ll often find them in larger metropolitan areas, which can leave out a lot of people who don’t live close to big cities. (Midi is here for you!) 

Do your research on what kind of care you want. Not every program offers sexual health care and support, for example. If you’re looking for hormone therapy and emotional therapy, search for a program that provides access to both. 

One thing to consider is timing. Many of these programs can have long (very long) wait lists to see their clinicians—and can be billed by your insurance as “speciality visits.” This is something to check with your insurance.

Whether you’re in the beginning stages of perimenopause or you’re well into the menopause transition and feel like you need support, a menopause-focused program can be a great place to start. Unlike your regular gynecologist, these programs can offer certified menopause practitioners and give you access to other specialists you may need to see. If you’re able to visit one, they can really make a difference in your physical and emotional health journey. 

The Takeaway

• Menopause medical programs offer comprehensive menopause-focused care, and some are affiliated with major research hospitals or medical schools. This is a list of the best university-affiliated programs located in the United States.  
• The best programs offer collaborative, integrative care that is personalized to your needs with a combination of evidence-based therapies.  
• Do your research to find the kind of care you want. For example, not all programs offer services for sexual health care or have resources for cancer patients.
• Consider virtual programs, like Midi, which offer much of the same care as these programs, with specialized support from menopause-trained clinicians ready to work with you to improve your health and are accessible from anywhere.