Menopause is a natural part of biological aging in women. Approximately 1.3 million women in the United States enter menopause each year. But despite being a natural result of aging, menopause has always been hush-hush.
As women enter the transformative stages of perimenopause and menopause, many of them are quietly suffering through physical and emotional changes, such as hot flashes, mood swings, lack of sleep, depression, and more. Though these symptoms are common, support isn’t always easy to find. That’s why independent pharmacies like yours are stepping up as accessible, personalized healthcare hubs that offer more than just prescriptions. You offer understanding, education, and empowerment.
Your pharmacy is unique because you can support women who are going through this life stage. With your clinical knowledge and community presence, you can provide such things as:
Personalized consultations: Discuss symptoms, recommend over-the-counter remedies, and help women understand hormone therapy options.
Medication management: For women on hormone replacement therapy (HRT), you can ensure proper dosing, monitor side effects, and coordinate with doctors.
Lifestyle guidance: Offer advice on supplements, nutrition, and stress management techniques that can ease symptoms.
Non-pharmacologic solutions: Suggest alternatives for women looking for natural relief, such as herbal remedies and cooling products.
Unlike the large chains, you know your customers by name, and you harbor long-term relationships with them. This creates a safe space for women to ask questions and receive tailored care.
Believe it or not, women are 35 percent more likely than men to delay or skip medical care due to cost or accessibility. But thanks to pharmacies like yours, you can help bridge the gap by offering walk-in services, affordable care, and loyalty programs. And thanks to walk-in services, patients don’t need an appointment for consultations or product recommendations.
Community outreach is also vital. Think about hosting educational events or support groups to foster awareness and connection. This is especially important for women in rural or underserved areas where specialists are scarce.
Menopause Clinics Within Pharmacies
It’s not surprising that some independent pharmacies have already launched dedicated menopause clinics. These offer comprehensive services including:
- Hormone level testing
- Symptom tracking
- Collaborative care with gynecologists
- Custom-compounded medications
This reflects a growing recognition of menopause as a significant health milestone deserving specialized attention.
You can empower women in your pharmacy with education. You can help them decode medical jargon and make informed decisions. You can offer such things as printed guides and brochures, one-on-one counseling sessions, and online resources and webinars. By doing this, you are helping women feel less alone and more in control.
If you’d like some expanded ways to help, you can offer these additional strategies and services:
Screening and Tracking of Symptoms
Offer menopause symptom checklists or digital tracking tools that can help women monitor changes over time. You can use these tools to help with conversations and tailor recommendations for OTC products, supplements, or referrals.
Custom Compounding Services
You can offer bioidentical hormone therapy or topical treatments through compounding, especially for women who need personalized dosages or delivery methods. Remember to teach your patients about the differences between compounded and commercial HRT options.
Private Consultations
Put together a space that’s dedicated to confidential discussions about sensitive symptoms like libido changes or mood swings. Be sure to offer scheduled appointments or walk-in availability to increase comfort and access.
Support Groups and Workshops
Host monthly menopause education sessions or partner with local clinicians for Q&A events. Help peer support groups to reduce the feelings of shame and instead foster a community among women going through similar experiences.
Nutrition and Supplement Counseling
Support bone, heart, and mood health by recommending evidence-based supplements like calcium, vitamin D, magnesium, and omega-3s. Help your patients avoid ineffective or unsafe products by reading ingredient labels and interactions.
Helpful Supplements for Your Patients
- Black cohosh: May reduce hot flashes
- Calcium & Vitamin D: Supports bone health
- Omega-3 fatty acids: May improve mood and heart health
- Magnesium: Helps with sleep and muscle cramps
Mental Health Support
When you recognize patients who are struggling with emotions and hormonal changes, offer to refer them to therapists or mental health resources. It’s also a great idea to stock mood support supplements and provide guidance on their use.
Collaborate with Local Providers
Make a list of referral networks with OB/GYNs, endocrinologists, and pelvic floor therapists. Share your patient’s data and medication histories to support coordinated care.
Navigate Insurance and Cost Transparency
Answer your patients’ questions and help them understand coverage for HRT, supplements, and wellness products. Offer discount programs or generic alternatives to reduce costs.
Menopause-Focused Aisles
Save a section of the pharmacy for menopause-friendly products, such as sleep aids, cooling sprays, moisturizers, herbal teas, fans, and more.
Telepharmacy and Digital Access
Provide virtual consultations for women who prefer privacy or live in remote areas. Share educational content via email or social media, such as tips, product spotlights, and expert interviews.
When you proactively engage in menopause care in your pharmacy, you’ll increase patient satisfaction, a greater ability to manage difficult treatment plans, and expanded service opportunities. This role allows you to provide personalized counseling on medication and lifestyle, conduct necessary screenings, and support patients through a significant life transition, while also improving health outcomes by educating women on risks and treatments.
Top Services Women Request at Independent Pharmacies During Menopause:
Service Type ……………………………………………….% of Women Seeking It
OTC Symptom Relief ………………………………………… 65%
Hormone Therapy Guidance …………………………… 50%
Supplement Advice …………………………………………. 45%
Lifestyle Counseling ………………………………………… 35%
Emotional Support ………………………………………….. 25%
Common Symptoms of Perimenopause & Menopause
Perimenopause
(typically begins in late 30s to early 40s)
- Irregular periods
- Mood swings
- Breast tenderness
- Sleep disturbances
- Hot flashes
Menopause
(diagnosed after 12 months without a period)
- Dryness
- Night sweats
- Decreased libido
- Memory lapses
- Joint pain
More articles from the December 2025 issue:
- Where Your Cash Goes
- Your Pharmacy Goals for 2026
- PBA Health + Speed Script = Partnership
- From Scripts to Support
- From Retail to Clinical
- A Safe Space
- Beyond the Counter
- The Rise of Menopause Clinics
A Member-Owned Company Serving Independent Pharmacies
PBA Health is dedicated to helping independent pharmacies reach their full potential on the buy-side of their business. Founded and run by pharmacists, PBA Health serves independent pharmacies with group purchasing services, wholesaler contract negotiations, proprietary purchasing tools, and more.
An HDA member, PBA Health operates its own NABP-accredited warehouse with more than 6,000 SKUs, including brands, generics, narcotics CII-CV, cold-storage products, and over-the-counter (OTC) products — offering the lowest prices in the secondary market.
