It can be tricky to know which health screenings you’re due for and how often to have them. Fortunately, there’s an easy way to stay on track.

Have a yearly in-person exam with your primary care provider. During that visit, your provider will give you personalized recommendations and answer any questions you have.

To help guide that conversation, here are screening recommendations for people with average risk during the perimenopause and menopause years. Depending on your personal and family medical history, or if you’re pregnant, your recommendations may be different.

If this feels like a lot, don’t worry — your provider will walk you through it!

Exams and screenings at-a-glance

To learn more about these exams and screenings, expand each section below.

Wrapping up

We know this is a lot of information, but it’s great you’re focused on prevention.

Reach out to your Progyny Care Advocate if you’d like help understanding anything. We can answer questions and help you prepare a list of questions for your primary care provider.

Disclaimer: The information provided by Progyny is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for medical guidance.

References: These screening guidelines are from the US Preventive Service Taskforce (USPSTF), an independent group of medical experts that provide evidence-based recommendations, and the American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists (ACOG), which provides guidelines for women’s health.

The post What health screenings do I need in my 40s and beyond? appeared first on Progyny.

Your first visit with a menopause provider is a chance to share your health history and symptoms, ask questions, and discuss next steps that feel right for you. These tips will help you prepare and make the most of the time you have together.

Be ready to talk about your symptoms.

Your menopause visit is a safe space. You can feel comfortable talking about anything.

To get ready, prepare notes about your symptoms — and try not to minimize how you’re feeling or assume it’s just part of getting older. Many treatments are available to help you feel better, and this visit allows you to start exploring your options.

Make a list of your medicines.

Write down everything you take, how much (the dose), and how often. Be sure to include:

• Prescription medicine
• Over-the-counter medicine
• Vitamins, herbs, supplements

Gather your medical history.

You’ll be asked about your lifestyle and personal medical history, including physical and mental health. Your provider will want to know about your family history as well. Do you have a family history of weak bones, heart disease, or cancer?

Also gather your recent test results, including:

• Screenings you’ve had (which may include a mammogram, cervical cancer screening, colorectal cancer screening, or bone density scan)
• Lab work or other tests

Write down your questions.

It can be easy to forget what you wanted to ask, so it’s a great idea to write down your questions.

If you have follow-up questions after your visit, give your Progyny Care Advocate a call. We’re here for you!

Disclaimer: The information provided by Progyny is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for medical guidance.

The post Getting ready for your first menopause visit appeared first on Progyny.

How does menopause affect employees and employers? 

• Absenteeism and presenteeism: 10.8% of menopausal women reported missing work in due to their symptoms. 

• Retention risk: One in five women has considered leaving the workforce entirely due to menopausal symptoms. This often overlaps with critical career years when women are pursuing or holding leadership roles. 

• Financial impact: Menopause costs U.S. businesses an estimated $26 billion annually in medical expenses and lost productivity. 

When unmanaged, menopause becomes more than a women’s health issue — it’s a broader healthcare and business challenge. 

What are menopause benefits at work? 

Menopause benefits are workplace policies and health resources that help employees navigate perimenopause and menopause. Progyny’s Menopause and Midlife Care benefit, as an example includes: 

• Access to specialized care and clinical coaching 

• Support for your HR team on forming flexible work policies and hybrid arrangements 

• Mental health support 

• Educational resources to reduce stigma and increase awareness 

Through Progyny’s menopause benefit, members also have access to a curated 50-state network of specialized menopause providers versed in all approaches to menopause treatment, including hormone replacement therapy, non-hormonal therapy, and lifestyle interventions, such as nutritional support and exercise, that can provide care for women and help them to manage menopausal symptoms.  

What outcomes do employers see from providing menopause benefits to their workforce?  

Employers that invest in menopause-inclusive benefits report: 

• Higher employee engagement and satisfaction 

• Increased innovation and inclusion 

• Reduced turnover and absenteeism 

• Stronger retention of experienced leaders 

A real-world example: Sun Life’s commitment to supporting employees through menopause 

Progyny client Sun Life, a global financial services company, has seen measurable impact since adopting Progyny’s Menopause and Midlife Care program. Employees appreciate that their company addresses all stages of women’s health, not just early life stages, such as fertility or pregnancy. “It’s also thinking about women’s entire health journey,” says Tammi Wortham, Senior Vice President of Human Resources. (Learn more about Sun Life’s experience in this interview with Wortham.) 

Employees are advocating for menopause-inclusive benefits, recognizing that traditional approaches to healthcare don’t provide the necessary support.  

​​Helena Pagano, Chief People and Culture Officer at Sun Life, notes that inclusive menopause policies resonate across the workforce. As she told HR Executive, “You think it’s a particular segment — women of a certain age and stage — but I found it appealed to a whole range of needs.” 

Why Progyny? 

Progyny’s Menopause and Midlife Care Program addresses the root causes of perimenopause and menopause symptoms through: 

• High-touch, personalized clinical coaching from in-house, menopause-trained nurses 

• A curated national network of providers versed in the array of evidence-based hormone therapy, non-hormonal options, and lifestyle interventions to manage members’ menopause-related needs 

• Navigation support to help employees access the right care at the right time 

This comprehensive approach reduces health disparities and ensures employees remain engaged, productive, and supported. 

Key takeaways for employers 

Menopause benefits are no longer optional. They’re a must-have investment that drives both employee well-being and business performance. Companies that act position themselves as leaders in women’s health, inclusion, and workplace equity. 

The post Menopause support in the workplace: A guide for employers appeared first on Progyny.

Today, we’re diving into Oprah’s recent Menopause Revolution special. She set out to spark a bigger conversation surrounding menopause, with the help of celebrities and experts and we’re here for it! We’ll be watching our favorite clips and stories, sharing our reactions, and breaking down the facts and our key takeaways.

Experts:
Dr. Janet Choi, Chief Medical Officer, Progyny
Lissa Kline, LCSW, Progyny

This show does not constitute medical advice.

The DocTalk series, where we discuss current events in the industry and what they might mean for you. From news articles, research studies, pop culture, and everything in between, we’re going to break it all down and sift through the noise with the help of our expert, Dr. Janet Choi, Progyny’s Chief Medical Officer.

The post Oprah’s Menopause Revolution appeared first on Progyny.

Whether you’re just noticing subtle changes in perimenopause or already navigating menopause, you’re watching the right video. Today, we’re honored to bring you the expertise of our special guest, Dr. Samantha Dunham, the Co-leader for NYU Langone’s Center for Midlife Health & Menopause. Dr. Dunham joins us alongside our trusted Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Janet Choi, who is also a certified menopause expert. Together, we’ll explore the symptoms of menopause, and how to manage them, so that you can be armed with the tools to navigate this pivotal period in life.

Experts:
Dr. Samantha Dunham, Co-leader for NYU Langone’s Center for Midlife Health & Menopause
Dr. Janet Choi, Chief Medical Officer, Progyny
Lissa Kline, LCSW

This show does not constitute medical advice.

The DocTalk series, where we discuss current events in the industry and what they might mean for you. From news articles, research studies, pop culture, and everything in between, we’re going to break it all down and sift through the noise with the help of our expert, Dr. Janet Choi, Progyny’s Chief Medical Officer.

The post Managing symptoms of menopause appeared first on Progyny.

Consider these statistics:

• An estimated 6,000 American women reach menopause every day, with some women starting to experience symptoms as early as their mid-thirties.

• The mean age for menopause is around 52 years, but symptoms can last up to a decade.

• 61 million women over age 50 are in the U.S. workforce, according to the Harvard Business Review.

• 59% of women experiencing menopause report having missed work due to menopausal symptoms.

• One in five women have considered leaving their jobs because of their symptoms.

• A recent Mayo Clinic study estimates that $1.8 billion in work time is lost each year due to menopausal symptoms, and symptoms cost $26.6 billion annually when medical expenses are considered.

As you can see, menopause care and support is an important consideration when supporting a multigenerational workforce. Yet women often struggle with where to turn as they begin experiencing the symptoms of menopause.

Some symptoms are expected, such as the irregular periods leading up to the 12 months of no menstruation that define menopause. Hot flashes and night sweats are the most well-known symptoms. But some of the other symptoms, such as memory lapses, difficulty concentrating, and mood changes, may be less expected—and especially concerning and difficult for a woman in the workplace to talk about.

Unfortunately, primary care physicians and even ob-gyns are not always trained in, or comfortable with, treating menopausal patients. In a 2019 Mayo Clinic study, nearly 94% of respondents said it was important or very important to be trained to treat menopause, but only one in five reported receiving any menopause lectures during their residency, and less than 7% said they felt “adequately prepared” to treat menopausal women.

How a menopause benefit bridges the gap

Progyny is passionate about closing gaps in women’s healthcare, and the gaps left by inadequate support across midlife care is clearly one of those gaps. As with any Progyny benefit, our menopause solution is designed with member experience, and physical and emotional support at its heart. Progyny’s menopause benefit gives members access to:

• A curated 50-state network of specialized menopause providers versed in all approaches to menopause treatment, including hormone replacement therapy, non-hormonal therapy, and lifestyle interventions, such as dietary changes, exercise, and acupuncture, that can provide care for women and help them to manage menopausal symptoms. 

• Concierge member support, with you every step of the way to answer questions. A dedicated care team member can help individuals develop a personalized support network, which might include a support group of women in the same stage of life or a connection with a mental health provider specializing in cognitive-behavioral therapy. 

• A digital experience that provides on-demand educational resources, tailored to each member’s experience. The information you need is at your fingertips when you need it. 

For a woman experiencing menopause, the knowledge that someone is walking alongside them on this journey offers tremendous peace of mind, allowing them to stay focused on their personal and professional goals, which is critical because menopausal and postmenopausal women are a growing part of the workforce. According to the World Health Organization, as of 2021, women aged 50 and older made up 26% of all females globally—an increase from 22% a decade earlier. A 60-year-old woman in 2019 could expect to live, on average, an additional 21 years.

Offering a menopause care benefit signals to your female employees entering midlife that their life experiences are seen, recognized, and worthy of care. Menopause is no joke.

The post Why menopause needs a specialized solution in the workplace appeared first on Progyny.

The DocTalk series, where we discuss current events in the industry and what they might mean for you. From news articles, research studies, pop culture, and everything in between, we’re going to break it all down and sift through the noise with the help of our expert, Dr. Janet Choi, Progyny’s Chief Medical Officer.

In today’s episode, we’re looking back at 2024 to explore the pivotal trends in women’s health. To name a few, this year was all about menopause care – addressing it, advocating for it, the importance of access to care for women, the continued conversation around women’s health in pop-culture, and so much more. This year also proved to hold consistent challenges for women seeking health care. Women will continue to advocate for what they need, and Progyny is here to support you in that.

Experts:
Dr. Janet Choi, Chief Medical Officer, Progyny
Lissa Kline, LCSW

This show does not constitute medical advice.

The post 2024: a year in women’s health appeared first on Progyny.

This Menopause Awareness Month we hosted a conversation with three experts in the menopause space to address common questions, break down what to expect including how to navigate the different symptoms that occur from perimenopause throughout post menopause, the importance of getting the right care, and clarifying common misconceptions.

This webinar featured:

• Dr. Janet Choi, Chief Medical Officer at Progyny

• Dr. Kathleen Jordan, Chief Medical Officer at Midi

• Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su, Chief Medical Officer at Gennev

If you are a Progyny member with access to our menopause and midlife care benefit through your employer, call Progyny at 888.597.5065 to activate your benefit and schedule a virtual appointment with a menopause specialist.

What is menopause and why are we talking about it?

• Menopause is defined as a point in time where you haven’t had menses for 12 months that usually happens during the early 50s. However, there are two other phases that are bookends of that 12-month period without menses. Perimenopause is the phase prior to menopause where your ovaries begin working differently than they have in the past. Many describe this period as a roller-coaster with symptoms changing constantly. This typically occurs in your 40s but can happen earlier or later and last anywhere from 2-10 years. Post menopause is the phase of (the rest of) your life after that 12-month period of menopause. All symptoms that occur after the menses stop occur during the post-menopause stage. A little confusingly, there is some overlap in terminology as “perimenopause” also encompasses the first year post-menopause.

• Menopause often feels like a taboo topic as it has to do with aging which is often seen as a negative thing in our society, especially for women. It’s important that we all take steps to reduce the stigma, and that goes for both patients and clinicians. It is important to talk about your experiences with your friends and your doctors. Only about 30% of OB/GYNs receive any menopause training during their four years of residency, and the percentage of primary care physicians with the training is even less. The more we speak about our experiences, the less stigmatized menopause will be, which can lead to expanded resources and access to care. 

What are common signs and symptoms?

There are a lot of common symptoms that people experience, like hot flashes and night sweats, but there are additional common signs and symptoms to look out for that many might not associate with menopause such as: 

• Mood changes 

• Weight/body shape changes 
• Bladder, vaginal, vulvar and sexual health changes

• Disruptions with sleep 

These symptoms can be distressing because many people aren’t expecting them and the symptoms also change throughout each stage of menopause. 

In perimenopause, you may experience large swings in estrogen and progesterone which will cause a fluctuation of symptoms. One week you may have a lot of different symptoms and then the next week you may experience none. This change may cause you to second guess yourself, but these inconsistencies should be a sign that you may be entering perimenopause. One symptom or change that is prevalent in perimenopause is an inconsistent period. Your periods may get closer together some months and then farther apart the next, or you may get extremely heavy periods during one cycle but the next it’s just spotting. If you are experiencing these changes, you can probably assume you are in perimenopause and should talk to a provider. 

In post menopause, some of your symptoms will shift. Mood changes tend to get better in post menopause because you are no longer going through the roller-coaster of hormones that occurs during perimenopause. However, symptoms that can remain consistent are poor sleep and mental health concerns. Vaginal symptoms are prevalent symptoms during this stage when you’re in a period with no estrogen. The vagina will change, and this can lead to dryness, itching, or pain. These symptoms can be hard to talk about, but know you’re not alone and that support and treatments are available. 

Menopause can also impact your mental health. Lack of sleep can exacerbate changes in your mood and mental health. Anxiety and depression can increase during menopause. 

It may be difficult to prevent these common menopause symptoms, but it is important to talk with your provider so you can find relief. The more your provider knows about your symptoms and how you feel overall, the better they can help you along your journey. 

Why should I meet with a menopause specialist?

Many PCP and OB/GYN providers aren’t adequately trained in menopause and therefore not able to provide solutions or answers to a patient’s symptoms. These symptoms are not just “a part of life” and you deserve to walk away from a meeting with your doctor with less questions than you walked in with. There are menopause trained and certified experts/physicians around the United States that can help you get the right information and create a path forward. There is a lot of data that menopause care experts can go through with you to understand the benefits of each treatment plan and how your long-term health will be impacted. Your care and your path forward is your decision and a menopause certified provider can present you with the information needed.   

Resources

The internet can provider valuable resources but ensure you are looking for evidence-based information. A couple of websites to explore menopause specific resources are:

• https://progyny.com/education/menopause/ 

• https://menopause.org/ 

Additionally, there are recommended books to learn more: 

• The New Menopause by Dr. Mary Claire Haver 

• You Are Not Broken by Dr. KJ Casperson 

• The Menopause Brain by Dr. Lisa Mosconi   

• The Menopause Manifesto by Dr. Jen Gunter 

If you are a Progyny member with access to menopause and midlife care through your organization, contact Progyny to learn more about the support and care available to you. 

What are some treatment options I would discuss with my provider? 

There are many treatment options available when it comes to treating symptoms. It’s important that you and your provider align on your treatment and that you feel comfortable with your plan. Treatment options can include:  

• Hormone therapy: this therapy centers around prescription versions of estrogen and progesterone, which are both safe options that can support many different symptoms if you and your doctor agree this is the right path for your needs.
• Non-hormonal medications: depending on the symptoms and severity, there may be effective non-hormonal solutions your provider can prescribe for you after reviewing your medical history and concerns.

• Lifestyle interventions: exercise and diet are great interventions that can help manage some symptoms, especially weight gain, which is one of the top symptoms experienced. Exercise is also a great option to help with changes to mental health as it helps release serotonin. 

• Topical creams, inserts, lubricants: for those of you suffering from vaginal dryness or pain with intercourse or symptoms associated with urination (urgency, frequency, discomfort), both hormonal and non-hormonal vaginal treatments may be available via your Menopause provider. 

Before deciding which treatment path you think is right for you, speak with a menopause certified expert who can provide all information necessary to help you move closer to a better quality of life. 

True or False?

• Does diet impact menopause symptoms? 
  The answer to this is a little more complicated than yes or no. During menopause your metabolism will slow down. As it changes, you can control some menopausal symptoms by managing different aspects of your diet. As you’re looking to change your diet there may be foods that stick out claiming to have “phytoestrogen.” This is not actual estrogen, so if you start eating more of those foods for that reason, you won’t see symptom relief.
• Help me better understand MHT and breast cancer risk.
  Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT) is generally not recommended for women with a personal history of breast cancer. However, for most healthy women seeking relief from menopausal symptoms, even those with a family history of breast cancer, MHT poses little if any increased risk of developing breast cancer.
  
  The type of MHT used and the duration of treatment is thought to influence breast cancer risk. For instance, studies indicate that estrogen-only MHT for less than five years is associated with a lower risk of breast cancer, but this option is only suitable for women without a uterus. Women who still have a uterus require a combination of estrogen and progesterone for both symptom relief. While some trials with combination MHT showed a small increased risk of breast cancer, this risk is comparable to other modifiable factors, such as moderate daily alcohol consumption (e.g., one glass of wine or one beer) and largely reference studies using synthetic progestins, that are not used today in most hormone replacement therapies. 
  
  Although further research is needed, emerging evidence suggests that lower-dose, bioidentical MHT options may be linked to lower risks for breast cancer.
  
  It is crucial to discuss your personal medical history with a qualified menopause provider to thoroughly review the potential risks and benefits of any MHT options before making a decision that best suits your needs. Note, too, that because of the high prevalence of breast cancer with up to 1 in 8 women developing breast cancer in their lifetime, some women taking MHT will develop breast cancer–just based on the risk of being female and not necessarily due to their hormone therapy. These women experience no greater risk of mortality from breast cancer than those who are diagnosed and not on MHT– they have similar stage at time of diagnosis, similar response rates and longevity. With a new diagnosis of breast cancer, providers do usually advise stopping the MHT to allow for optimal treatment that may or may not include hormone receptor active therapies. 
• Is weight gain a common symptom? 
  Yes. Hormone changes in menopause can cause more central weight gain as well as decreases in insulin sensitivity. During menopause and post menopause, women may gain about a pound and a half per year. At the same time, it can be more difficult to lose weight during menopause. When it comes to seeking help and support with weight management during menopause it is important to set health goals and approach this with “radical acceptance.” Instead of focusing on the number on the scale, think more about what type of diet and exercise works best for you and improving your ongoing health. 
• Can GLP-1 medicines help with menopause symptoms?
  When GLP-1’s are used in trials, they are also done with lifestyle interventions. This medicine can be very effective for the right woman, but it’s not a magic fix. When you lose weight, you also lose muscle mass so it is extremely important to counter it with weight training exercises to help build and maintain muscle. Muscle loss leads to bone loss, and as we age it is important to keep our bodies strong and healthy. Post-menopausal hip fracture is one of the leading causes for morbidity and mortality as women age. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death for women and obesity is a key contributing factor. While GLP-1 medicines may be a good solution for you, it is necessary to keep tabs on the new information that comes out every day. This is still a newer medicine providers are working with, so doctors are learning more about how to effectively use it each day. You should always consult with your provider to understand what is right for you. 

If you have any other questions related to this webinar, please don’t hesitate to reach out to education@progyny.com. If you are a Progyny member and have any questions about your benefit or coverage, please call 888.597.5065.   

For more information on menopause and midlife care, visit our Menopause Education Site.

The post Progyny Webinar: Menopause Decoded appeared first on Progyny.

The DocTalk series, where we discuss current events in the industry and what they might mean for you. From news articles, research studies, pop culture, and everything in between, we’re going to break it all down and sift through the noise with the help of our expert, Dr. Janet Choi, Progyny’s Chief Medical Officer.

Have you ever wondered what progesterone oil really does when it’s injected into your body? Or why it’s a go-to for fertility treatments like IVF? In this episode, we’re answering your most Googled questions about progesterone oil shots.

Do those injections hurt? Are lumps and bruises normal? What happens if your progesterone levels remain low? Whether you’re currently on your path to parenthood or just curious about the process, this episode is packed with everything you need to know. Let’s uncover the facts behind one of the most important medications in family building care.

Experts:
Dr. Janet Choi, Chief Medical Officer, Progyny
Lissa Kline, LCSW, Progyny

This show does not constitute medical advice.

Resource:

The post Progesterone in oil injections: most Googled questions appeared first on Progyny.

The DocTalk series, where we discuss current events in the industry and what they might mean for you. From news articles, research studies, pop culture, and everything in between, we’re going to break it all down and sift through the noise with the help of our expert, Dr. Janet Choi, Progyny’s Chief Medical Officer.

Today we’re spotlighting a study that’s been turning heads. This pilot study investigates how repurposing low doses of rapamycin, a drug originally used for patients undergoing an organ transplant, could potentially delay ovarian aging in women. While this pilot study shows promise, it’s clear more research is needed. Listen to Dr. Choi unpack the science behind rapamycin and ovarian reserve, what this study found, and what this could mean for the future of fertility and women’s health.

Experts:
Dr. Janet Choi, Chief Medical Officer, Progyny
Lissa Kline, LCSW, Progyny

This show does not constitute medical advice.

The post Could this drug delay menopause? appeared first on Progyny.