Menopause Coach: What They Do and Should You Hire One?

Menopause is a major biological shift that all women will go through at some point—and yet, most women are left to figure it out on their own. Between confusing advice on social media, rushed (and sometimes ill-informed) doctor’s visits, and symptoms that can touch every part of your life, it’s easy to feel lost. 

And the stats on the current state of traditional healthcare for women in midlife don’t exactly paint a rosy picture:

• Nearly 80% of clinicians are uncomfortable talking with patients about menopause symptoms.
• Of all women who seek care, 75% don’t receive any treatment.
• Only 31% of OB-GYN residency programs have a menopause curriculum.

That’s why menopause coaches have entered the chat. They promise to help you navigate hormonal changes, adjust your lifestyle, and feel more in control. But what exactly does a menopause coach do—and do you really need one?

Before you invest your time or money, it’s important to understand the difference between a menopause coach and a clinician or specialist who’s trained to treat perimenopause and menopause. While both can offer valuable support, they play very different roles in your care.

Let’s break it down.

What Does a Menopause Coach Do?

A menopause coach—sometimes called a menopause health coach or perimenopause health coach—is typically a professional who helps women manage the lifestyle and emotional aspects of menopause. They’re focused on behavior change and lifestyle strategies—not clinical treatment. As a result, they don’t diagnose medical conditions or prescribe medication. 

Instead, they focus on education, motivation, and accountability. This can translate to:

• Symptom support: A menopause coach helps you identify and track symptoms like hot flashes, fatigue, sleep changes, mood shifts, or weight gain. They might help you pinpoint triggers, build routines, or develop coping strategies for daily life.
• Lifestyle and nutrition guidance: Many coaches provide general wellness advice on what to eat for steady energy, how to exercise safely, and how to build habits that support hormonal balance. Not surprisingly, some menopause coaches are also nutritionists or trainers.
• Emotional support: Menopause isn’t just physical—it can stir up anxiety, irritability, or loss of confidence. A coach can be a sounding board and motivator, helping you manage stress, set goals, and stay positive as your body changes.
• Empowerment: Menopause coaching often includes teaching. Coaches may explain the basics of hormonal shifts, how estrogen affects everything from sleep to skin, and why symptoms differ from person to person. Their goal is to help you feel informed enough to make better choices.

Signs You Could Benefit from Menopause Coaching

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsupported by your GP or OB-GYN, menopause coaching might sound appealing. Here are a few signs that it could help—or that you might benefit from a hybrid approach with a medical professional:

• Your symptoms are disrupting daily life: Hot flashes, insomnia, or brain fog are common, but when they start affecting work or relationships, you may need structured support.
• You feel isolated or misunderstood: Many women say their doctors brushed off symptoms or told them to “wait it out.” A coach can fill that emotional gap with empathy and tools.
• You’re craving more personalized guidance: If you’ve read countless blogs or tried supplements with mixed results, a coach may help you translate theory into action.
• You want accountability: Change takes consistency—especially around sleep, nutrition, and movement. A coach can help you set achievable goals and stick to them.

Menopause Coach vs. Menopause Clinician: What’s the Difference?

If you’re experiencing severe hot flashes; mood changes; or concerns about bone, heart, or metabolic health, you should work with a clinician trained to treat menopause, who can evaluate your symptoms, make diagnoses, and guide you through options like hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or prescription medications. 

“Clinician” is a broad term, but it could refer to anyone with the following graduate-level or higher degrees and training: 

• NP (Nurse Practitioner): This is a licensed clinician who provides advanced care. NPs can diagnose, treat, and prescribe medications. They usually specialize—for example, in women’s health, family medicine, or pediatrics.
• MSN (Master of Science in Nursing): This graduate degree prepares RNs for advanced practice roles like NP, CNM, or CNS. It usually focuses on leadership, research, and specialized clinical skills.
• CNM (Certified Nurse-Midwife): This is technically an APRN who specializes in women’s reproductive health and childbirth. CNMs provide prenatal, labor, postpartum, and gynecologic care, often serving as both primary and maternity care providers. They can also help with the next stage of life: perimenopause and menopause. 
• WHNP-BC (Women's Health Care Nurse Practitioner-Board Certified): This is an NP who has completed specialized training and certification in women’s health, focusing on reproductive, gynecologic, and preventive care across the lifespan.
• DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice): This is the highest practice-level degree in nursing that emphasizes clinical leadership, evidence-based practice, and health systems improvement. 
• APRN (Advanced Practice Registered Nurse): This is an umbrella term that includes all nurses with advanced clinical training beyond the RN level, such as NPs, Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs), Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNS), and Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs).
• MD (Doctor of Medicine): This is a physician who completes medical school and residency and is trained to provide comprehensive healthcare in a medical and/or surgical specialty. 

At Midi, our clinicians fall into all of these categories and are specifically trained in women’s midlife health. Plus, they take 50-plus courses to stay up to date on the latest research and science. 

Unlike menopause coaches, a licensed clinician can prescribe a range of prescription medication, if necessary, including (but not limited to):

• HRT
• birth control
• testosterone
• metformin
• personalized weight loss medications

Some clinicians may have additional certification from The Menopause Society, which developed a competency examination in 2002 to set the standards for menopause practice. Those who pass the test earn the credential “The Menopause Society Certified Practitioner,” or MSCP. 

Keep in mind, though, that this credential isn’t necessary to be able to treat women in menopause. You’ll want to focus on finding a clinician who is well-versed in the latest treatments for perimenopause and menopause and who takes the time to truly listen and understand your symptoms, personal preferences, and health history. 

Key Benefits of Working with a Menopause Clinician

The right menopause clinician can be your advocate during a confusing time. Here’s how they can help:

Custom strategies for symptom relief

Menopause affects women differently. Some women have raging hot flashes, while others may be battling stubborn belly fat or severe anxiety (and yes, some have all of the above and more). You don’t need a doctor who will give you a cookie-cutter approach. Instead, look for a clinician who can create a personalized care plan that’s designed to treat your symptoms. While this plan may include some of the same strategies a menopause coach may recommend, it often also includes prescription medications.  

Better understanding of your body

Through education, you’ll gain insight into what’s happening hormonally and why you’re feeling certain shifts in energy, weight, mood, or libido. It’s not “all in your head” or something you just have to “suffer through.” Menopause clinicians have seen and treated it all, so they’re well equipped to address anything you throw their way and explain in clear terms why it’s happening and what you can do about it.  

Emotional resilience

Let’s face it: Just feeling heard can be transformative. Women are often dismissed by doctors when they bring up symptoms. Changes in mood or memory can be brushed off as stress. A licensed clinician, trained to treat menopause, understands how estrogen plays a role in just about everything, from anxiety and depression to brain fog and memory loss. The last thing you need is someone telling you to “stress less” when what you really need is real treatment. 

Holistic approach to wellness

You want a clinician who can support the “whole you”—not just the symptoms. So while medication may be part of your care plan, it’s rarely the only solution. Addressing sleep hygiene, hydration, movement, and relationships can all help you feel more like yourself again.

Motivation and consistency

Those once-a-year annual check-ups that go by in a blink weren’t designed to treat women in midlife. They’re often inadequate to address all the symptoms a woman may be experiencing and are too infrequent to properly track treatment, adjust dosing, and catch new symptoms as they crop up. Many women need more frequent check-ins as they navigate through perimenopause and menopause. As hormones fluctuate and decline, your symptoms rarely follow a set pattern. 

What to Look for When Hiring a Menopause Coach or Clinician

If you’re considering working with a coach or clinician, here’s how to vet them carefully:

Certifications and credentials

Clinicians will fall into one of the categories mentioned above, from NP to MD. Deciphering credentials for coaches is trickier. There’s far less regulation in the coaching industry, so while you can check a coach's “credentials,” it’s important to do your own due diligence on what formal training was required to obtain it.  

Evidence-based approach

Choose someone who regularly works with women in midlife. They’re more likely to be up to date on the latest research. Science is constantly shifting, and you want someone who is providing you guidance informed by the most accurate information available. Be wary of anyone promoting “hormone resets” or extreme diets.

Clear scope and boundaries

A good coach will tell you upfront that they cannot diagnose or prescribe medication—and they should encourage you to partner with your healthcare professional for medical needs. This is where testimonials can be helpful. Look for authentic recommendations. You should feel comfortable, respected, and heard.

Cost Considerations and Value of Menopause Support

Menopause coaching can range widely in price depending on the coach’s credentials, location, and package format. When working with a clinician, look for a professional who takes insurance. This will keep your costs for visits as low as possible. 

Key Takeaways

• Hiring a menopause coach can be empowering—especially if you’re craving structure, accountability, or understanding. But it’s important to remember that while coaches can offer guidance and motivation, they can’t replace medical expertise. For that, you’ll need a clinician who works in the medical field and can prescribe medication.
• Coaching can help with accountability, mindset, and symptom tracking, especially if you feel dismissed or overwhelmed. For clinical care—like hormone therapy, thyroid testing, or prescription guidance—you need a licensed menopause clinician.
• The best approach often combines both: emotional and lifestyle support with expert medical care. Midi Health offers exactly that—a team of licensed clinicians who understand menopause deeply and create personalized plans that treat the whole woman.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What do menopause coaches do?

They guide women through perimenopause and menopause with education, emotional support, and lifestyle recommendations. They help you build healthy habits but cannot diagnose or treat medical conditions.

How much does a menopause coach cost?

Prices vary widely but generally range from $100 to $250 per session or $1,000 to $3,000 for multi-month packages. When you work with a licensed clinician, look for someone who takes insurance. That can keep costs for visits only to your copay or deductible. 

What kind of doctor is best for menopause?

A clinician specializing in menopause care—like an OB-GYN, endocrinologist, or nurse practitioner trained in midlife women’s health—is ideal. These professionals can evaluate hormones, prescribe treatments, and personalize your care.