Q&A: Talking Menopause & Hormone Therapy with Jennifer Rhoads, WHNP

By Jennifer Rhoads, WHNP, Ozarks Healthcare Women's Health

Q: As a provider who recently earned your Menopause Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) Prescriber Certification, what does this mean for patients?
A: This certification allows me to offer specialized, evidence-based care for women navigating perimenopause and menopause. It means patients have access to informed, FDA-approved hormone therapy options right here at Ozarks Healthcare, with care tailored to their individual symptoms, health history, and goals.

Q: Why is specialized training in menopause care so important?
A: Menopause can look very different from woman to woman. Symptoms can be physical, emotional, or both, and they’re often misunderstood or dismissed. Specialized training helps providers better understand the latest research, weigh benefits and risks, and have meaningful conversations with patients about what treatment options may work best for them.

Q: Tell us about the Heather Hirsch Academy and your training there.
A: The Heather Hirsch Academy trains clinicians using the latest evidence-based approaches to menopause management. Being trained by Dr. Heather Hirsch, a national leader in FDA-approved hormone therapy, gave me deeper insight into hormone replacement therapy, lifestyle interventions, and how to individualize care for each patient.

Q: What types of concerns can hormone therapy help address?
A: Hormone therapy may help manage symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, sleep disturbances, mood changes, brain fog, and other persistent symptoms that can significantly affect quality of life when left untreated.

Q: What would you say to women who are unsure or hesitant about hormone therapy?
A: That hesitation is completely understandable. Part of my role is to help patients understand all their options - hormonal, non-hormonal, and lifestyle-based - and discuss the benefits and risks in a clear, supportive way so they can make informed decisions that feel right for them.

Q: How does this certification benefit the Ozarks Healthcare community?
A: It expands access to compassionate, evidence-based menopause care close to home. Women don’t have to travel far to find specialized support during this stage of life, and that’s incredibly important for overall wellness and quality of life.

Q: How can patients learn more or schedule an appointment?
A: Patients can contact Ozarks Healthcare Women’s Health at 417-256-1838 or visit www.ozarkshealthcare.com to learn more.