Candice Fraser, MD, MBA
Menopause is a natural life stage, and while it can bring challenges, there’s encouraging progress in how it’s understood and treated. Awareness is growing, care is improving, and more resources are becoming available to support women through midlife.
“Partnering with a trusted health care provider can help you find the right approach for your needs,” says Candice Fraser, MD, MBA, Menopause Society Certified Practitioner and a board certified obstetrician/gynecologist at the Carolyn Rowan Center for Women’s Health and Wellness at Mount Sinai.
“Overall, the outlook for menopause care is brighter than ever.”
In this Q&A, Dr. Fraser explains how care has improved in recent years, such as in hormone therapy and non-hormonal medications, and how experts can help, especially when there is so much information available online, not all of it accurate. Dr. Fraser is also Assistant Professor in the Raquel and Jaime Gilinski Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Science at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.
What are the biggest gaps in menopause care today?
One ongoing issue is clinician education. Many doctors were once trained to avoid hormone therapy due to safety concerns from older studies, and not all training has caught up with newer evidence. Research is another gap. We still need better data on how treatments address the full range of symptoms. And with so much information online, patient education remains critical to help women sort fact from fiction.
Has menopause care improved in recent years?
Yes, there’s been real momentum. More clinicians are pursuing specialized training, and medical programs are beginning to include menopause-focused education. Health systems are also expanding services. For example, Mount Sinai Health System recently opened the Carolyn Rowan Center for Women’s Health and Wellness, reflecting a broader shift toward comprehensive, whole-person care during midlife. New treatment options are also emerging, including non-hormonal medications for symptoms like hot flashes.
What do many women not realize about perimenopause?
Perimenopause can affect the entire body, not just cause hot flashes. Symptoms may include brain fog, mood changes, joint pain, and urinary issues. Another common misconception is that hormone therapy is a cure-all; in reality, many symptoms have multiple causes. The good news is that lifestyle habits—like regular exercise, a balanced diet, good sleep, and stress management—can have a powerful impact.
Can you highlight a lesser-known symptom and how to manage it?
Pain during sex is common but often under-discussed, and it’s very treatable. A health care provider can help identify the cause. Simple options like lubricants or vaginal moisturizers may be enough. If not, low-dose vaginal estrogen is a safe and effective choice for many women. Other treatments, such as pelvic floor therapy, can also provide relief when appropriate.
Why is there a gap between perceived and actual symptoms?
Awareness is still catching up. Many women, and some clinicians, don’t yet recognize how wide-ranging menopause symptoms can be. At the same time, the flood of online information can create confusion. Encouragingly, as education improves, more women are getting clearer, more reliable guidance.
What’s the key takeaway for women?
Every menopause journey is unique, but no one has to navigate it alone. With better-informed clinicians, growing research, and more dedicated care centers, women have more support and options than ever before. Partnering with a trusted health care provider can help you find the right approach for your needs. Overall, the outlook for menopause care is brighter than ever. With continued progress in education, research, and specialized services, women can approach this transition feeling informed, supported, and empowered.