Gynecologist for Menopause & After

I'm seeking current recommendations for a doctor who has good expertise in treating menopause symptoms and knowledgeable about hormone replacement therapy/HRT.   I have a history of breast cancer and want a doctor who is up on current studies and can help me weigh the risks versus the benefits. I'm suffering from depression, weight gain, joint pain, thinning hair, and basically feeling like I've aged 20 years overnight. Many of the recommendation on here are a bit old, so looking for current suggestions. Berkeley/Oakland/Albany area or Lafayette/Orinda all work.  Thanks in advance! 

This is the third time I've "lost" a gynecologist to retirement or a change in the practice.  Most recently, I was seeing Dr. Pahlavan at Sutter. I am in my late 60s and I have some issues. I'm also sensitive about the demeanor of a doctor. With this in mind, please please share you recommendations. Who should I see now? (And please, no one who is likely to retire in 5 years!)

And thank you!

I need to leave my medical group.  Who & how for perimenopausal care? Medical, Alameda Alliance (the latter can change to Blue Cross or Shield? if necessary).  I'd love Bioidentical HRT & can pay out of pocket. 

Thanks! 

Hello, I am looking to find a new gynecologist for ongoing/routine care (PPO, not Kaiser).  I live in Oakland but do not care for the Milvia St OBGYN practice as I have found the wait times to be tremendous to speak to an advice nurse or schedule an appointment.  I'm considering going through the tunnel to a practice like RSVP in Walnut Creek.  Curious to hear about other options?  

I am new to the east bay and I am looking to find a gynecologist recommendation. Looking for any known gynecologists that are accepting new patients. Any help would be appreciated.

Hi!

I am looking to change my Ob/Gyn and I am hoping to find someone open to exploring the use of bio-identical hormones for hormone replacement post menopause. My current Ob is very dismissive of my requests and I would like to explore the options with someone more open to discussion around use of bio-identical hormones. Has anyone found a Kaiser Gyn who fits this? Preference is Oakland or Berkeley location but willing to go to Richmond for the right person.

Thanks!

I've been reading/listening to Dr. Louise Newson and am seeking a local doctor who is well versed in and pro HRT (hormone replacement therapy) to treat some perimenopausal issues. Any recommendations are greatly appreciated!

I am having issues with menopause.  i'm wondering whether anyone has a recommendation for an Ob/Gyn at either Oakland or Richmond Kaiser who's really good with menopause?  I'm really thinking that mine isn't working for me.

Hi,

I am a 51 year old woman going through perimenopause. I am noticing some cognitive decline, and want to talk to a dr about doing HRT. I have Blue Shield PPO. Would prefer East Bay or SF location. Thanks!

Caroline

I am 42 years old and am heading into early menopause. I am looking for a recommendation for a medical doctor (Cigna) to work with me to improve my symptoms. Maybe a reproductive endocrinologist or an Obgyn. I’m also open to alternative treatment recommendations but I want a medical doctor to work with as well. My symptoms are exhaustion, irritability, and food cravings. The space between my periods has ranged from 6 months to 2 weeks within the past year. Basically I feel like I have PMS all the time. I got this diagnosis from my primary care doctor and she recommended a sleep study for my exhaustion prior to making any plans to relieve the menopause symptoms. I have already seen a sleep specialist and she thinks a sleep problem is very unlikely to be the cause of these issues and so do I. I recently moved from Brooklyn so the primary care doctor is new to me, and I won’t be able to see her again until mid-January.  If anyone has gone through something similar I would appreciate any recommendations. Thank you!

Hello, I recently turned 40 and my ob/gyn has diagnosed me with early menopause based on symptoms and blood testing.  My hormones are clearly unbalanced, possibly as a result of doing many unsuccessful cycles of IVF in my late 30s.  I am having rare but excruciatingly painful periods, chronic insomnia, hair loss, hot flashes, and intense mood swings.  My ob/gyn is pushing hormone replacement therapy.  While I think very highly of him, I'm hesitant to start taking more drugs, as my body is still recovering from all of the fertility medications I took in the last five years.  Can anyone recommend a doctor for a second opinion?  I am already doing acupuncture and seeing a therapist, so I'm open to non-medical ways to manage this transition, but I'm searching for an endocrinologist, integrative doctor, or other specialist experienced with menopause who can advise me on whether a prescription for hormones is appropriate.  Thank you so much for any advice you can share. 

Hi, I wish to go on HRT and would like to see a practitioner ( preferably in the East Bay) who is well informed about this therapy. I have a Blue Shield PPO coverage. If you like your practitioner , please share their contact info. Also, if possible, tell me about how the therapy has helped you with your menopausal symptoms. I am aware of the controversy surrounding the possible side effects of the therapy ( increased risk of stroke, heart attack, ...), and am also well read regarding the newer research that has found for recently menopausal women the therapy can be helpful and without bad side effects. Therefore, I hope to get answers about who to see and your own personal experience (before and after the therapy). Thank you.

I am new to the East Bay. I am looking for a gynecologist and I am in my 40s so need to have a mammogram. Can you recommend someone you had a great experience with? I have PPO health insurance so I can't go to a Kaiser or Brown and Toland doctor but most others should work. Thank you!