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Hoag Launches Comprehensive Menopause Program

On October 6, 2025, Hoag, a leading healthcare provider in Orange County, California, unveiled its innovative Hoag Menopause Program. This program represents a significant step forward in women’s health, integrating an interdisciplinary approach aimed at aiding women during the perimenopausal and menopausal phases of life. Hoag's initiative is designed to empower women with personalized care and expert guidance through the myriad of physical, hormonal, and emotional changes that occur during this critical phase.

An Interdisciplinary Approach

The Hoag Menopause Program is built on a framework that combines expertise from various specialties, including endocrinology, gynecology, and mental health. Comprising certified menopause specialists accredited by The Menopause Society, this team works collaboratively to ensure that each woman receives a tailored care plan that addresses her unique health risks, needs, and concerns.

For over 18 months, more than 30 physicians from various specialties at Hoag have convened monthly to exchange knowledge, review real case studies, and bolster the network of specialists dedicated to women's health. This growing council covers diverse fields such as OBGYN, urogynecology, breast oncology, dermatology, and neurology, ensuring a well-rounded approach to menopause care.

Continuous Education for Providers

In light of the rapidly evolving landscape of menopause management, the Hoag Menopause Program emphasizes ongoing medical education for its physicians. The program hosts lectures, expert panels, and publishes a monthly newsletter centered around case-based learning to keep clinicians informed about the latest best practices and research on managing menopause.

Dr. Allyson Brooks, F.A.C.O.G., who serves as the Executive Medical Director of the Hoag Women's Health Institute, expresses the urgency of this program: “For too long, menopause care has been overlooked… At Hoag, we are leading a paradigm shift that ensures women have a comprehensive approach to hormonal health from puberty to menopause.”

Proactive Health Management

A notable aspect of the Hoag Menopause Program is its preventative focus. By identifying potential health risks before they emerge, such as referring women with a family history of heart disease for early cardiology care, the program aims to address health issues proactively. Furthermore, cancer survivors who may experience early menopause due to treatment can benefit from an integrated care plan that combines education with treatment.

“Our goal is to ensure women feel informed, empowered, and confident as they navigate this important stage of life,” Dr. Brooks stated. “From traditional symptoms like hot flashes and sleep disturbances to long-term health concerns, Hoag is at the forefront of addressing hormonal health.”

A Collaborative Model of Care

The program adopts an integrated model that begins with a woman’s primary care physician or OB/GYN. These primary care providers guide patients to trusted, evidence-based resources and facilitate referrals to specialists when necessary, including dieticians, exercise physiologists, mental health experts, and more.

Additionally, the team aids in dispelling misconceptions surrounding hormone replacement therapy, addressing issues such as hair loss, sexual health, and pelvic floor concerns. Dr. Heather Macdonald, a menopause-certified specialist and medical director of Hoag’s Early Risk Assessment Program for Breast Cancer, emphasizes the need for accurate, trustworthy information regarding hormone therapies. “Women deserve clear, trustworthy information, and at Hoag, we aim to support them in making informed choices based on solid evidence.”

An Earlier Start to the Conversation

Dr. Brooks further underscores the importance of initiating conversations about menopause much earlier than conventional practices allow. “Menopause doesn’t simply happen at 51; it is the culmination of a journey that begins 10-12 years earlier,” she remarked. “We owe it to women to discuss these changes sooner and provide a personalized, evidence-based approach for maintaining their wellness.”

By taking steps to address menopause as part of overall reproductive health, Hoag is pioneering a movement towards earlier conversations and informed management of hormonal health for women.

Women across Southern California continue to trust Hoag for their reproductive and general health needs, fostering a relationship that extends well beyond childbirth into lifelong wellness. The establishment of the Hoag Menopause Program marks a significant commitment to comprehensive, whole-person care during a pivotal phase in women's lives.

For more information or to schedule an appointment with the Hoag Menopause Program, interested individuals can call 949-764-7239 or visit the Hoag Menopause Program webpage.

About Hoag

Hoag is a not-for-profit, regional healthcare organization committed to delivering world-class, comprehensive, personalized care. Comprised of numerous healthcare service facilities, the organization has earned accolades for its excellence in healthcare delivery. Hoag continues to prioritize women's health and remains a leading institution in advancing the standards of care for women globally.