This month, we’re shining the spotlight on two of our Nurse Practitioners: Munira and Rachel. These two Winterberry team members share a professional interest in supporting women through perimenopause and menopause. We hope this month’s Team Showcase helps you understand our approach to women’s health and the team members behind that care.
Tell us a little about yourselves and your roles at Winterberry.
Munira & Rachel:
We are Nurse Practitioners at Winterberry Family Medicine, providing care across a range of patient needs. As part of our roles, we both have a special interest in supporting women through perimenopause and menopause.
Our goal is to provide thoughtful, evidence-based care that helps patients better understand their symptoms, explore appropriate treatment options, and feel supported throughout this stage of life.
How would you describe your approach to patient care?
Munira and Rachel:
We focus on listening, understanding each patient’s unique story, and creating a partnership in her health journey. I believe effective, holistic care goes beyond treating symptoms and includes looking at the physical, emotional, and lifestyle factors that may be affecting overall well-being. Our goal is to for our patients to experience meaningful improvements in their health and well-being.
What sparked your interest in menopause care specifically?
Munira:
My interest in menopause care grew from both my professional and personal experiences. I saw many women struggling with fatigue, anxiety, brain fog, sleep changes, and other symptoms that were often dismissed as stress or “just getting older.” Experiencing some of these changes myself deepened my understanding and inspired me to pursue advanced training so I could help women feel heard, supported, and more like themselves again.
Rachel:
I have always had a strong interest in women’s health across the lifespan. Supporting women through important life transitions is one of the parts of healthcare I find most meaningful, and perimenopause and menopause are stages where knowledgeable, compassionate care can make a real difference.
What do you wish more women understood about perimenopause and menopause?
Munira & Rachel:
Ideally, more women would understood that perimenopause and menopause involve much more than hot flashes or the end of menstrual cycles. Hormonal changes can affect sleep, mood, energy, concentration, weight, joint health, libido, vaginal health, and overall well-being—often beginning years before menopause itself.
Women also do not have to suffer in silence. There are a variety of safe, evidence-based treatment options available, including lifestyle changes, non-hormonal therapies, and menopausal hormone therapy when appropriate. Care should always be individualized to each woman’s symptoms, health history, preferences, and goals.
What are some common menopause-related concerns patients bring to you?
Munira & Rachel:
Patients come to us with a wide range of concerns, including fatigue, brain fog, poor sleep, anxiety, mood changes, hot flashes, weight changes, reduced libido, vaginal dryness, painful intercourse, and urinary symptoms.
Many women tell us they simply do not feel like themselves but cannot pinpoint why. Our role is to listen, validate what they are experiencing, and explore whether hormonal changes—or another underlying health concern—may be contributing to their symptoms.
Why is it helpful for patients to have access to menopause care within their own clinic or health team?
Munira & Rachel:
Having menopause care available within a patient’s existing clinic creates continuity and allows us to consider her complete health history when discussing treatment options.
Because perimenopause and menopause can affect mental health, cardiovascular health, bone health, metabolism, sexual health, and overall quality of life, access to coordinated care supports a safer and more comprehensive approach. It also means patients do not have to navigate this stage of life alone or repeatedly explain their medical history to different providers.
What can a patient expect during a menopause-focused appointment?
Munira & Rachel:
Patients can expect a thorough and personalized conversation about their symptoms, menstrual and medical history, lifestyle, sleep, stress, nutrition, exercise, and health goals.
We will also consider whether there may be another underlying condition contributing to symptoms that could otherwise be mistaken for perimenopause or menopause. When appropriate, relevant testing may be reviewed or recommended.
Together, we will explore evidence-based treatment options and develop an individualized plan. This may include lifestyle strategies, nutrition and exercise recommendations, non-hormonal therapies, or menopausal hormone therapy when appropriate.
Our goal is for every patient to leave feeling heard, informed, and empowered, with a clearer understanding of what may be happening in her body and a plan for moving forward.
How can Winterberry patients access menopause care with your team?
Munira & Rachel:
Winterberry patients can speak with any provider on the clinic team and request an appointment specifically to discuss concerns related to perimenopause or menopause.
The appointment will include a detailed review of symptoms, health history, concerns, and goals, along with testing when appropriate.
Outside of work, what helps you feel balanced, energized, or like yourself?
Munira:
Spending time with my family, staying active, and making room for the things that bring me joy help me feel balanced. I enjoy playing pickleball, hiking, going to the gym, being outdoors, reading, and spending time with friends and my community.
Rachel:
I love to read and enjoy crafting with my friends. I typically read for at least 20 to 30 minutes every evening, and I also have a weekly crafting night with my friend group. Both help me slow down, recharge, and feel like myself.
