How to Find a Hormone Specialist Near You

If you’ve been struggling with hot flashes, night sweats, fatigue, weight gain, brain fog, mood swings, poor sleep, or just not feeling like yourself, it could be a sign of hormonal imbalance. But knowing who to turn to for help is just as important as knowing what to ask. A shocking number of health care providers don’t understand menopause even though 9 out of 10 women experience symptoms. ¹ Not all “hormone specialists” are created equal—and choosing the wrong one can leave you frustrated, misdiagnosed, or still suffering.

Now that the North American Menopause Society and other organizations state that the benefits of Hormone Replacement Therapy outweigh the risks, it is time to seek help for the 35+ symptoms of menopause and perimenopause. ² Here’s how to find a trusted expert in women’s hormone health who will listen, understand, and guide you toward feeling like yourself again.

Start with the Right Credentials

Look for a women’s hormone specialist who has advanced and specific training in hormone health. One of the most respected certifications in this field is the FAARM and ABAARM designation—Fellow of the American Academy of Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine and American Board of Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine. 

Be careful: some hormone therapy providers listed on the A4M or other certification websites may have taken only one course. The FAARM seal ensures the practitioner has completed a full fellowship program with rigorous, comprehensive education in bioidentical hormone therapy, functional medicine, and longevity and the ABAARM assures you that they passed their board examination.

Other good credentials include board certifications in functional, anti-aging, or integrative medicine. A4M also offers courses in Advanced Endocrinology. The more specialized and ongoing the training a certified hormone specialist has, the better.

Your GYN may or may not be your best resource. A small survey of U.S. obstetrics and gynecology residents finds that fewer than one in five receives formal training in menopause medicine, and that seven in 10 would like to receive it.

Check Their Experience and Approach ³

It’s important to ask a women’s hormone specialist how long they’ve been treating women in perimenopause and menopause, what kind of testing they use, and whether they look beyond hormones to include gut health, nutrition, and lifestyle factors that affect hormones. Lorraine Maita, MD at Vibrance for Life, for instance, is a hormone specialist doctor with over 30 years of experience, is triple board certified in Functional and Anti-Aging Medicine, Integrative Medicine and Internal Medicine and uses a comprehensive approach that includes advanced testing, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT), and individualized protocols to restore hormone harmony.

Experience matters. Treating hormonal imbalance is part art, part science—and the right balance often requires thoughtful adjustment over time.

Ask for Verified Testimonials. Look for testimonials with names or initials, details, and real stories—not just vague praise. A true specialist will have a track record of results with patients who’ve overcome hormone imbalances and symptoms such as fatigue, stubborn weight, hot flashes, insomnia, anxiety, low libido, and more. Ideally, they also share before-and-after symptom improvement scores or case studies. 

Know What You’re Getting. Online programs and telehealth apps may offer convenience—but they don’t offer personalization. These platforms serve the masses, often with no lab testing, minimal intake, and cookie-cutter protocols. Many rely solely on text or portal access without a real connection to your symptoms, your labs, or your progress. This can leave you feeling unseen, and worse, misdiagnosed or mistreated.

Don’t assume convenience equals quality ⁴

Hormone therapy—especially BHRT—requires precision and monitoring. A functional medicine physician who treats you as a unique individual is essential.

Ask Your Local Compounding Pharmacy. A trusted and often-overlooked resource is your local compounding pharmacy. These pharmacies work directly with hormone specialists and can often point you to reputable providers in your area who prescribe bioidentical hormones. Ask which doctors consistently send in well-balanced, personalized prescriptions—they’ll know who’s respected.

Watch for Red Flags ⁵

Not all hormone “experts” practice safe, patient-centered care. Be wary of providers who:

• Offer hormone therapy without comprehensive testing (blood, saliva, and urine panels)
• Only communicate through text or online portals—no human interaction
• Prescribe the same hormones or doses to every patient
• Lack credentials or can’t explain their training in hormone therapy
• Sell “one-size-fits-all” solutions without reviewing your labs or history
• Promote short-term fixes or gimmicks over holistic health

The right provider will take the time to understand your symptoms, test thoroughly, and create a plan that evolves with you.

Know Your Options. If you’re looking for medical BHRT care, Vibrance for Life, Dr. Lorraine Maita’s medical practice, offers comprehensive testing, evaluation, and individualized treatment. For those seeking education, coaching and guidance on balancing hormones naturally, The Feel Good Again Institute provides self-paced courses, coaching, and support to help you take charge of your hormonal health.

You don’t have to suffer through midlife symptoms or accept that this is “just part of aging.” With the right care, you can feel like yourself again—clear-minded, energized, confident, and in control. If you’re ready to start, apply for a free, no-obligation clarity call to see if we’re a good fit.

References

1. Biotech LJJ is a BO columnist covering, Care H, Previously  the pharmaceutical industry, Chemical  she was executive editor of, News E. A Shocking Number of Doctors Don’t Understand Menopause. Bloomberg.com. https://www.bloomberg.com/opinion/articles/2024-05-10/menopause-symptoms-and-treatments-remain-a-mystery-to-many-doctors. May 10, 2024. Accessed May 23, 2025.
2. “The 2022 Hormone Therapy Position  Statement of The North American Menopause Society” Advisory  Panel. The 2022 hormone therapy position statement of The North American Menopause Society. Menopause N Y N. 2022;29(7):767-794. doi:10.1097/GME.0000000000002028
3. Published JL/. Study: OB/GYNs need menopause medicine training. The Hub. June 1, 2013. Accessed May 23, 2025. https://hub.jhu.edu/gazette/2013/june/news-menopause-medicine-training-needed/
4. Carr T. Amid Regulatory Gaps, Telehealth Prescribers Flourish. Undark Magazine. November 1, 2023. Accessed May 23, 2025. https://undark.org/2023/11/01/telehealth-drugs/
5. PCCA | CompoundingPharmacies.org Compounding Pharmacy Directory. Accessed May 23, 2025. https://www.compoundingpharmacies.org/useful-resources/pcca/