Frequently Asked Questions

No. We care for patients in perimenopause and menopause. You don’t need a formal diagnosis -- if something feels off, we can figure it out together.

Yes. Many women begin noticing hormone-related changes in their late 30s or early 40s. You do not need to be in menopause or have a formal diagnosis to start care. If symptoms are affecting your quality of life, it’s appropriate to be evaluated.

Perimenopause often begins in a woman’s late 30s or 40s and can cause a wide range of symptoms. The most common include irregular or heavier periods, sleep disruption, anxiety or mood changes, hot flashes, night sweats, brain fog, vaginal dryness, and changes in body composition or weight. Not every woman experiences hot flashes right away. For many, the earliest signs are subtle -- worsening PMS, new anxiety, or disrupted sleep. Because symptoms vary so widely, diagnosis is usually based on patterns and clinical history rather than a single lab value.

In most cases, perimenopause is diagnosed based on symptoms and cycle patterns -- not a single hormone test. Hormone levels fluctuate significantly during this stage of life, which means one lab value rarely gives a complete picture. Lab testing can sometimes be helpful to rule out other causes of symptoms or to guide treatment decisions, but the diagnosis itself is usually clinical. Thoughtful evaluation matters more than chasing isolated numbers.

Perimenopause typically lasts several years and continues until 12 months after a woman's final period -- the point at which menopause is officially reached. Symptoms can come and go, and their intensity often fluctuates. Some women experience mild disruption; others find the transition significantly affects sleep, mood, and daily functioning. Individualized care can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life during this stage.

Follow-up visits are scheduled based on clinical need. Most women are seen a few times per year, particularly early on as we fine-tune treatment.

You’ll be working directly with me, Kate Broyles, NP. I have over twelve years of clinical experience. I’m also a mother of two, and I understand firsthand how much hormonal changes can affect daily life, energy, and identity. My approach is grounded in evidence-based medicine, careful listening, and partnership, so you feel informed, supported, and never rushed.

Perimenopause and menopause care is rarely one-size-fits-all. Symptoms and needs change over time. A membership model allows for ongoing support and adjustment rather than rushed, one-time visits.

No. We are a cash-pay practice and do not accept insurance. We offer transparent, membership-based pricing so visits are longer, care is personalized, and treatment decisions are never limited by insurance rules. Patients may choose to use insurance separately for labs or medications when applicable.

Yes. Your membership is billed monthly and you can cancel at any time with seven days notice before your next billing date.

No. Membership covers evaluation, ongoing care, and clinical decision-making -- not the medications themselves. This is intentional. Most evidence-based menopause treatments are FDA-approved, widely available, and often affordable with insurance or discount programs. We prioritize safe, well-studied treatments over bundled compounded products, and you’re free to fill prescriptions at the pharmacy that works best for you. When medication is recommended, we’ll review options, risks, benefits, and cost considerations together.

Yes. Hormone therapy prescriptions are provided when clinically appropriate.

My care follows current, evidence-based clinical guidelines from leading menopause and sexual health organizations, including the North American Menopause Society (NAMS) and the International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health (ISSWSH).

Hormone therapy is not required. We’ll talk through evidence-based options and your personal goals, and decisions are always made collaboratively.

Yes. We can discuss evidence-based options for sexual health. We’ll review risks, benefits, and alternatives together to determine what makes sense for you.

Women with a history of cancer are welcome to schedule a visit. Care in these situations is individualized and may involve collaboration with your oncologist or other specialists. Not all treatments are appropriate for every history, and we’ll talk through options carefully and thoughtfully.

Yes. Telehealth appointments are available for patients anywhere in Colorado, in addition to in-person visits in Boulder. Many aspects of perimenopause and menopause care work very well through secure video visits. If lab work, imaging, or an in-person exam is needed, I’ll guide you on next steps and where to obtain those services locally.

If additional imaging, procedures, or specialty input is needed, I’ll help guide next steps and coordinate referrals when appropriate.

Physical exams are not routinely required for perimenopause or menopause care. When an exam would be helpful, we’ll discuss this together and coordinate appropriately. This clinic does not provide routine gynecologic exams or procedures.

While much of our language refers to women, we welcome and care for all people who experience perimenopause or menopause, including people who do not identify as women.

No. I focus specifically on perimenopause and menopause care. You should continue to see your primary care provider and gynecologist for routine care and screenings. I’m happy to collaborate as needed.

This practice is focused on perimenopause and menopause-related concerns. I do not provide primary care, obstetrics, emergency care, or routine gynecologic procedures.

We'd love to talk to you. Feel free to reach out at hello@boulderpmc.com(mailto:hello@boulderpmc.com)