Menopause and perimenopause are widely discussed topics, but they can often lead to misunderstandings and misinformation. That’s where the experts at Summit Health step in—offering guidance and support to help you navigate this significant life transition with confidence.

Introducing our Menopause & Wellness Center  

Menopause is a natural part of life for every woman, though the transition can be challenging. For many, it begins several years before the final menstrual period and is often marked by uncomfortable physical and emotional symptoms that can affect overall quality of life. Summit Health recognizes the difficulties women face during this time and is proud to announce the launch of its Menopause & Wellness Center, located at 890 Mountain Ave in New Providence, NJ, this month.

The Menopause & Wellness Center is designed to offer support to women at every stage of their menopause journey—from the first signs of perimenopause to postmenopausal care.

Expert Care for Every Stage of the Journey

“Perimenopause is a time when women experience significant physiological changes,” says Dr. Andrea Hubschmann, MD, FACOG, of Obstetrics and Gynecology. “During this period, a patient’s symptoms and healthcare concerns often shift. Our team of menopause providers and subspecialists are here to guide and support women through this phase and beyond.”

As Susan Angelicola, WHNP, Menopause Society Certified Practitioner (MSCP), of Obstetrics and Gynecology, points out, there is a gap in care, not only in helping women find knowledgeable providers but also in addressing the limitations of traditional in-person care models that accept insurance.

What to Expect at the Menopause & Wellness Center

The Menopause & Wellness Center offers a comprehensive approach to care. During a first visit, patients can expect an in-depth review of their hormonal symptoms, along with a discussion about their personal and family health history. The center emphasizes the identification and management of chronic illnesses and potential risks, which is crucial for optimizing health and wellness.

Initial visits are typically longer than standard wellness visits or annual exams. This allows for detailed discussions about all aspects of a patient’s health, offering treatment options and creating an individualized care plan.

A central focus of care will be evaluating perimenopausal and menopausal symptoms, including menstrual cycle irregularities, hot flashes, night sweats, sleep disruptions, mood changes, and vaginal dryness or sexual concerns. The team at Summit Health’s Menopause & Wellness Center provides holistic care, with personalized treatment plans that may include:

• Hormone therapy (when appropriate), such as estrogen, progesterone, and/or testosterone. Hormone therapy remains the gold standard for treating hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and preventing osteoporosis, and is offered when deemed a safe option.
• Non-hormonal treatment options, both over-the-counter and prescription.
• Lifestyle and nutritional guidance, with referrals to the nutrition department as needed.
• Appropriate bone health and cardiovascular screening to monitor risks associated with aging.
• Support for sexual health and low libido.
• Mental health wellness resources, with referrals to behavioral health services when necessary.
• A team of subspecialists who are specially trained to care for women in perimenopause and menopause.
• Treatment for patients experiencing early, medically, or surgically induced menopause, including those for whom hormonal treatment may not be suitable due to conditions like cancer or other medical comorbidities.

A Collaborative Approach to Wellness

Patients at Summit Health’s Menopause & Wellness Center can expect a collaborative, team-based approach to care that combines medical expertise with preventive measures and long-term health planning. The center works to ensure that care is interconnected across various healthcare disciplines within Summit Health, making referrals to primary care providers and specialists as needed.

One of the center’s distinguishing features is its multidisciplinary model, which includes specialists in gynecology, endocrinology, gastroenterology, nutrition, behavioral health, dermatology, cardiology, and primary care. This coordinated approach ensures that all aspects of a patient’s health are addressed in a seamless, thorough manner.

“Menopause impacts nearly every system in the body,” says Dr. Hubschmann. “It’s not just about managing symptoms — it’s about safeguarding long-term health. Our goal is to empower women to thrive, not just survive, through this transition and beyond.”

Ms. Angelicola emphasizes, “I wish every woman understood that menopause is about much more than just hot flashes. It affects the entire body, as we have hormonal receptors from head to toe!”

Addressing the Stigma and Encouraging Open Dialogue

Historically, menopause has been surrounded by stigma, leaving many women feeling isolated in their experiences. Summit Health is actively working to break this silence by encouraging open dialogue, providing educational resources, and supporting shared decision-making. The team aims to create an environment where patients feel comfortable discussing their concerns and symptoms, no matter how minor or significant they may seem.

As Ms. Angelicola shares, “Our goal is to ensure that patients never feel judged, encouraging openness about their symptoms and goals.”

Support for Every Woman

Summit Health is committed to providing expert care for women experiencing the changes associated with perimenopause and menopause. With an emphasis on empowering women to talk about their symptoms and access the right care, Summit Health ensures that patients feel heard, supported, and well-equipped to navigate this important stage of life.

For women experiencing changes related to perimenopause or menopause, it’s important not to wait to seek help. Summit Health’s Menopause & Wellness Center offers expert support and care to guide women through this transition and beyond.