Recommended Websites for Expert Information on Perimenopause and Menopause
The North American Menopause Society (NAMS) website is the most authoritative and comprehensive resource for expert information on perimenopause and menopause. 1
Primary Recommended Resources
The North American Menopause Society (NAMS) - Offers evidence-based guidelines, patient education materials, and provider directories for menopause specialists
- Features the most up-to-date hormone therapy position statements
- Provides comprehensive information on both hormonal and non-hormonal treatment options
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) - Provides clinical practice guidelines and patient resources
- Offers detailed information on treatment options and management strategies 2
National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) - Particularly valuable for cancer survivors experiencing menopausal symptoms
- Provides guidelines on managing treatment-induced menopause 3
What These Resources Offer
Comprehensive Information on Symptoms
- Hot flashes/night sweats (affecting 46-73% of women) 3
- Vaginal dryness (reported by 51% of younger survivors) 3
- Sleep disturbances (highly prevalent during perimenopause) 4
- Mood changes and cognitive symptoms ("brain fog") 5
- Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) 5, 1
- Joint pain and other systemic symptoms 5
Evidence-Based Treatment Options
Hormonal therapies:
- Systemic hormone therapy options and safety profiles
- Local vaginal estrogen treatments for GSM
- Newest treatment guidelines based on age and time since menopause 1
Non-hormonal alternatives:
- SSRIs/SNRIs for vasomotor symptoms
- Newer options like NK3 receptor antagonists (e.g., Fezolinetant) 5
- Lifestyle modifications and complementary approaches
Special Considerations
- Early or premature menopause management
- Cancer survivors with treatment-induced menopause 3
- Contraindications to hormone therapy 2
- Duration of menopausal symptoms (median 11.8 years when starting in early perimenopause) 5
Why Quality Information Matters
Recent studies show that 80-90% of women experience perimenopausal symptoms, yet there remains a significant knowledge gap, with many healthcare providers reporting limited training in menopause medicine 6. This makes accessing reliable information particularly important.
Red Flags for Unreliable Sources
Be cautious of websites that:
- Promote "custom-compounded bioidentical hormones" without evidence of safety or efficacy 3
- Make claims about treatments without citing clinical research
- Fail to discuss both benefits and risks of treatments
- Do not distinguish between different types of hormone therapy and their risk profiles
When to Seek Professional Help
While online resources provide valuable information, consider consulting a healthcare provider if you experience:
- Symptoms that significantly impact quality of life
- Unusual bleeding patterns
- Symptoms beginning before age 40
- Severe mood changes or depression
These reputable websites can help you prepare for medical consultations and make informed decisions about managing perimenopause and menopause symptoms.