The future of menopause care: How virtual treatment changes the game

Menopause refers to the stage of a person’s life when they no longer have periods and can no longer get pregnant. Common symptoms of menopause include hot flashes, difficulty sleeping, mood swings, and muscle discomfort, to name a few. 

Although menopause is a perfectly normal part of aging, it is often treated like a taboo–negatively impacting the availability of helpful information and formal care for those experiencing menopause. Did you know that in the US, fewer than one in five Obstetrics & Gynecology (OBGYN) residents receive formal training in menopause medicine?

Luckily, telehealth is transforming access to healthcare, making it easier for people to receive menopause treatment from trained professionals.

What Is virtual menopause care?

Virtual menopause care, or menopause telehealth, is when patients connect with healthcare providers via digital health platforms to treat menopause symptoms. Through virtual menopause care, patients receive expert guidance on symptom management, hormone therapy, and their lifestyle without having to make in-person visits. 

Benefits of online menopause treatment

For the millions of individuals dealing with perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause in the US, online menopause treatment offers many benefits for how they can receive specialized care. 

Convenience and accessibility

One of the most significant advantages of virtual menopause care is that patients can receive treatment without traveling or dealing with long wait times. Virtual care helps patients connect with trained menopause specialists, whether they’re in a rural area without medical facilities, have packed schedules that limit their availability, or simply can’t travel to in-person office visits. 

Personalized care

Even for individuals who can access in-office care, they might not find the specialized menopause care they need — or want — locally. Online menopause treatment removes geographic limitations so that those seeking care can connect with specialists even if they aren’t close by.

Privacy and comfort

It's not always easy opening up about menopause-related concerns! The conversation about symptoms and treatment can be deeply personal. Virtual consultations can help patients feel more comfortable receiving care. A private, comfortable setting can encourage patients to speak more openly about their symptoms and concerns. 

Comprehensive support

Menopause treatment is not one-size-fits-all, but local medical practices will often have limited knowledge and support for individual needs. In contrast, online menopause treatment gives patients a variety of care options that they might otherwise not have access to. Individuals are more likely to receive well-rounded, holistic virtual treatment options including hormone replacement therapy (HRT), lifestyle changes, and mental health support. 

How menopause telehealth works

Menopause telehealth is a safe, convenient way to access expert treatment from the comfort of your home. Patients book a consultation with a specialist and can expect the process to look much like it would for a doctor's office, only this is entirely virtual! 

Booking an online menopause consultation

Scheduling a telehealth appointment is similar to booking an in-person visit. In some cases, it might be easier to book an online menopause consultation. One of the biggest advantages of virtual menopause care is the convenience of the online appointment booking process. 

Here’s how booking your first appointment will look:

• Find a trusted provider. Look for a healthcare provider, like Carrot, that specializes in menopause care and offers virtual consultations. Many telehealth platforms let you browse available specialists so you can pick who you want to meet with.
• Schedule your appointment. Choose a time that fits your schedule, just as you would for an in-office visit (without having to call and end up on hold, of course).
• Prepare for your visit. After booking, you should receive a confirmation message with instructions for joining the upcoming session. This message may also prompt you to fill out necessary forms, just like you would in an in-person doctor visit. Make sure you have the right device for the online menopause consultation. Most smartphones, tablets, and computers should work for a typical telehealth appointment.

What to expect during a virtual visit

During your menopause telehealth appointment, you’ll meet with a provider via a secure video call to discuss your symptoms, raise any health concerns, and explore treatment options. 

To make the most of your visit, do these things beforehand:

• Track your symptoms. Keep a record of how often symptoms like hot flashes, fitful sleeping, or mood changes occur.
• Make a list of your current medications and dietary supplements. Note any prescriptions, including over-the-counter medications and herbal supplements, you are currently taking. Don't forget to include the dosages!
• Prepare questions. Write down any concerns you have about menopause symptoms or treatment options. Having a prepared list of questions can help you make sure you don't forget any important points. 

Care providers may require follow-up appointments to monitor progress and adjust treatment, which can often be conducted through telehealth, as well.

Common menopause online treatment options

Menopause care varies from person to person, and telehealth providers should be able to offer a range of options based on your specific symptoms and health history. 

These are some of the most common menopause online treatment options:

• Hormonal treatment. HRT works by replacing estrogen and progesterone to help manage symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, and bone loss. It may also be referred to as menopause hormone therapy (MHT).

• Non-hormonal treatments. Prescription medications can help individuals manage symptoms like hot flashes and mood changes for those who prefer not to, or cannot, take hormone therapy.

• Holistic approaches. There are a wide range of treatment options–from lifestyle and dietary changes, to cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness techniques, hypnotherapy, and herbal medicine–that may also be recommended to support overall wellbeing.

When individuals have access to menopause online treatment, their care options are less restrictive and they get more personalized care that fits their individual needs. 

Who can benefit from online menopause treatment?

It might surprise you to know that an estimated 6,000 people in the US reach menopause each day, totaling over two million annually. With numbers like these, online menopause treatment isn't just a convenience, it's an essential resource that benefits millions!

Individuals experiencing perimenopause or postmenopause symptoms

Menopause is just one stage among several milestones in a person’s aging process. Before menopause, starting in their 40s, an individual goes through a transitioning period called perimenopause. The stage after menopause is called postmenopause, and most people will reach this stage in their early- to mid-fifties. 

During both perimenopause and postmenopause, individuals may experience uncomfortable or debilitating symptoms that affect their everyday life. Online menopause care gives individuals more resources for navigating all phases of their menopause journey with specialized treatment.

Individuals with limited access to in-person menopause specialists

With 75 million menopausal individuals but only 3,000 certified menopause providers in the US, there’s a major need for more accessible menopause care. Unfortunately, a majority of healthcare providers are not properly trained to provide it. This creates a unique challenge for patients: How can they receive the care they need when options are limited?

Virtual menopause treatment removes geographic barriers and connects individuals with qualified specialists regardless of their location or transportation limitations. Finding treatment is as simple as joining a telehealth consultation. 

Busy professionals or caregivers seeking flexible healthcare options

Telehealth treatment options for menopause may be especially relevant for career growth-minded millennials. 61% of millennials are concerned about going through menopause while working, while 32% believe menopause will hinder their ability to advance in their careers. 

Additionally, over half of cisgender women surveyed report that they are primarily responsible for caregiving and household responsibilities. Being busy with work and busy with domestic tasks means very little time to take care of themselves. Online menopause treatment means more people can receive necessary care without disrupting their daily routines. 

Choosing the right online menopause treatment provider

While there are plenty of companies advertising online menopause treatment, not all of them are created equally. Anyone looking for a telehealth provider should take time to evaluate their options. The right provider should align with a patient's health needs, treatment preferences, and lifestyle, and have proven expertise in menopause care.

Key factors to consider when choosing a menopause telehealth provider

Before starting online menopause treatment, look for these key factors:

• The provider has board-certified, licensed healthcare professionals with expertise in menopause care.
• They offer comprehensive treatment options. 
• The provider accepts health insurance, or offers affordable treatment options.
• There are reliable reviews and testimonials from patients who have had positive experiences with the provider.
• The provider offers ongoing care, not just one-time appointments, to monitor symptoms and treatments.

5 questions to ask before starting online menopause treatment

While evaluating potential online menopause treatment providers, patients should also use these questions to guide their next steps:

1. What approaches to menopause care do I want to explore? Which treatments am I most interested in trying for my symptoms?
2. How often will I need to consult with my provider? 
3. Am I prepared to commit to follow-up appointments and treatment plans?
4. Can a telehealth provider tailor treatment to my unique symptoms and health history?
5. Am I comfortable joining virtual consultations and receiving care remotely, rather than through in-office visits?

Make sure telehealth providers align with needs

The right menopause telehealth provider should not only offer effective treatment options but also align with your personal health goals and values. To make the best choice, do the following:

• Clarify your treatment goals so you can communicate your priorities.
• Compare menopause telehealth providers to find the best one to meet your needs for treatment options, expertise, and affordability. 
• Confirm that your chosen provider offers flexible scheduling and accessible communication options.
• Review the provider's policies about medication and treatment plans so you understand how your care plan will be handled over time.

Telemedicine for Menopause breaks down barriers to midlife care

Carrot’s Telemedicine for Menopause is a first-of-its-kind offering that functions as a virtual menopause and midline health clinic for more time-saving, cost-saving, accessible care. 

Members with a Carrot Plan can schedule telehealth appointments with vetted menopause specialists who can prescribe hormone therapy and other menopause-related medications. In addition, Carrot’s team of specialists also provide non-hormonal treatment options, mental and emotional support, expert-led group sessions, and access to other holistic care options. 

Carrot’s menopause program serves millions of members worldwide who require flexible, specialized menopause care.

Get the best, most accessible virtual menopause treatment

For too long, menopause care has been overlooked, leaving many to navigate symptoms without the right support. Telehealth is changing that by making expert care more accessible, flexible, and personalized. No more long waits for appointments or struggling to find a specialist in menopause care.

Ready to take control of your menopause journey? Explore the best menopause online treatment options today!