Available in-person at our Chicago clinic and via telehealth across Illinois — personalized menopause and perimenopause treatment with board-certified Nurse Practitioner Elise Sterritt, FNP-BC.
What is Menopause & Perimenopause?
Menopause and perimenopause are two distinct but connected stages of hormonal change — and understanding the difference matters for getting the right care at the right time.
Perimenopause is the transitional phase that begins years before your final period. Estrogen and progesterone levels fluctuate unpredictably, cycles become irregular, and symptoms start to appear — often long before most women expect them. This stage can last anywhere from two to ten years.
Menopause is defined as twelve consecutive months without a menstrual period. At this point, estrogen levels have dropped significantly and stabilized at their new lower baseline. Symptoms that began during perimenopause often continue — and in some cases intensify — after menopause.
At Copper Wellness, our approach to hormone therapy in Chicago addresses both stages. Whether you’re in the early throes of perimenopause or well past your last period, Elise — our menopause specialist in Chicago — builds a care plan around where you actually are — not a generalized protocol designed for someone else.
Perimenopause vs Menopause — Key Differences
- Begins in your 40s (sometimes earlier)
- Estrogen and progesterone fluctuate — not just decline
- Periods become irregular but haven’t stopped
- Symptoms can be unpredictable and cycle-dependent
- Often misdiagnosed or dismissed as stress or anxiety
- Can last 2–10 years before final period
- Defined as 12 months without a period
- Average age of onset: 51
- Estrogen levels drop sharply and stabilize low
- Symptoms may continue or worsen after periods stop
- Increased risk of bone loss, cardiovascular changes, and genitourinary symptoms
- Can be triggered earlier by surgery (oophorectomy) or medical treatment
Symptoms of Perimenopause & Menopause
Symptoms vary widely between women — in type, severity, and duration. Some experience mild disruption for a short period; others deal with significant symptoms for a decade or more. If you recognize several of the following, it may be time to speak with a menopause specialist in Chicago.
Perimenopause Symptoms:
- Irregular, heavier, or lighter periods
- Hot flashes and night sweats
- Sleep disruption or insomnia
- Mood swings, irritability, or anxiety
- Brain fog or difficulty concentrating
- Low libido
- Fatigue
- Breast tenderness
- Headaches around your cycle
Menopause & Post-Menopause Symptoms:
- Persistent hot flashes and night sweats
- Vaginal dryness or discomfort
- Urinary frequency or urgency
- Sleep problems
- Mood changes, depression, or emotional flatness
- Continued brain fog
- Joint pain or stiffness
- Hair thinning or skin dryness
- Decreased bone density
None of these symptoms are something you simply have to live with. Effective, evidence-based menopause treatment in Chicago is available — and it starts with understanding exactly what’s driving your experience.
How Menopause Treatment Works at Copper Wellness in Chicago
Before recommending any treatment, Elise orders a full hormone panel to understand your current estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, thyroid, and other relevant levels. This is the foundation of every personalized menopause treatment plan. Labs & imaging can be arranged locally for your convenience.
Based on your labs, symptoms, health history, and preferences, Elise builds a plan that may include hormone replacement therapy, bioidentical hormone therapy, non-hormonal options, or a combination. There is no default protocol — only what makes sense for your body and your life.
Menopause care isn’t a one-time prescription. Elise monitors your hormone levels, tracks how you’re responding, and adjusts the approach as needed. If something isn’t working, it gets changed — not ignored.
Hormonal needs evolve as you move through and past menopause. Elise provides continued care at every stage — adjusting your plan, staying ahead of long-term health considerations like bone density and cardiovascular health, and making sure you feel supported throughout.
A Holistic Approach to Menopause Care — Not Just a Prescription
What sets Copper Wellness apart as a menopause specialist in Chicago is the integrative, whole-person approach to care. Hormone therapy — whether HRT or BHRT — is one tool. But lasting relief and long-term health require looking at the full picture.
Elise works with you on the factors that interact with hormone health: nutrition, sleep, stress, movement, and lifestyle. This isn’t a checklist — it’s a genuine conversation about what’s affecting your quality of life and what levers are worth pulling. If you’ve been searching for a holistic menopause specialist near you in Illinois, this is what that actually looks like in practice.
This approach also means Elise doesn’t default to hormones when they’re not the right fit. For women who prefer or require non-hormonal treatment options, there are effective alternatives — and Elise will walk you through them without bias.
Menopause Specialist Near You — Available Across Illinois via Telehealth
If you’re looking for menopause care near you in Illinois but can’t make it to our Chicago clinic in person, telehealth makes full menopause and perimenopause treatment accessible wherever you are. As a menopause specialist serving patients statewide, Elise conducts virtual consultations for evaluation, prescribing, and ongoing monitoring — with the same personalized attention as an in-office visit.
Order labs at a location near you, review results with Elise over a video call, and receive your prescription directly at your pharmacy. For women across Illinois who want a best menopause specialist near them without the commute — this is how we make that work.
- Available to patients statewide throughout Illinois
- Full menopause and perimenopause evaluation, prescribing, and follow-up via telehealth
- Local lab referrals provided as needed
- Book your virtual menopause consultation today
Your Menopause Specialist in Chicago & Illinois
Elise Sterritt, FNP-BC
Elise Sterritt is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner with over 15 years of experience in integrative medicine, women’s health, and hormone therapy. Licensed to treat patients across Illinois and Nevada, Elise has a particular passion for supporting women through perimenopause and menopause — a stage of life that is frequently undertreated and misunderstood.
Her approach combines evidence-based hormone therapy with genuine attention to the full picture of your health. Elise doesn’t rush consultations, doesn’t default to standard protocols, and doesn’t dismiss symptoms that are affecting your quality of life. Whether you’re in the early stages of perimenopause or navigating post-menopause health, she meets you where you are.
Menopause Treatment at Copper Wellness — Chicago Menopause Clinic
Copper Wellness is an integrative health clinic in the Wicker Park neighborhood of Chicago, at 1654 W. North Ave. Our menopause treatment clinic in Chicago, IL takes a root-cause approach to menopause care — which means treatment here doesn’t start with a prescription, it starts with a conversation, the right labs, and a plan built around you specifically.
Whether you’re coming in for your first perimenopause consultation in Chicago or looking for a menopause specialist who will stay with you through every stage of the transition, Elise offers the continuity and personalization that most OB/GYN practices simply don’t have time for. For patients across Illinois who prefer not to travel, full menopause treatment is available via telehealth — from initial lab work to ongoing prescription management.
Most services are covered by major insurance plans, including Blue Cross Blue Shield and Aetna. FSA and HSA payments are also accepted.
Reviews About Sports Acupuncture Chicago, IL
I carry a lot of tension in my neck and shoulders, especially after returning to work, and I feel it build up quickly. After each visit, the difference is noticeable. The tension improves significantly, and I leave feeling lighter and overall better.
What really stands out is how much she listens. From the first visit, she took the time to understand my lifestyle and stress, and I never felt rushed. That level of care makes a huge difference.
Going through a recent health complication put things into perspective for me. I realized I was moving through life too fast and putting myself last. Now I’m being more intentional about my health and managing my stress, especially with how demanding life can be. These appointments have been a key part of that.
I have also been using other services like pelvic floor therapy, acupuncture (soon to be appt), and massage, and everyone has been incredibly kind and welcoming.
I am really grateful I found Copper Wellness.
We wanted something in the city, close to home, and in an area where we could turn our appointments into something more, like grabbing coffee or enjoying a date night after. This location checked all of those boxes.
From the moment you walk in, the energy is different. The space is beautiful, full of plants, warm earth tones, wood elements, and subtle aromatherapy. It feels calming, elevated, and intentional. Even the small touches, like complimentary water, make a difference. It genuinely reflects the kind of environment we value in our own home.
The staff is diverse, welcoming, and you can tell they truly enjoy what they do. That energy carries throughout the entire experience.
Dr. Mimosa is incredible. She is knowledgeable, experienced, and most importantly, she really listens. Every visit feels personalized, and she takes the time to understand exactly what we need. That level of care is rare and deeply appreciated.
I also want to give a genuine shoutout to Dr. Mimosa, the practitioners at Copper Wellness, and the entire staff. Everyone plays a part in making this place feel as special as it does.
Booking is seamless, whether online, by phone, or through their waitlist system. Everything feels efficient and thoughtfully designed.
We’re both genuinely happy we found this place. It exceeded our expectations in every way. Thank you for choosing Chicago and creating such a special space. We’re looking forward to many more visits and hope you remain part of the neighborhood for years to come.
Oh yeah and one more thing! Happy 1st day of Spring!!!
Christopher & Genesis
🌺🐈✨️📿👋🏼❤️
Whether you’re new to acupuncture or have been going for years, Dr. Madden’s expertise and gentle technique make all the difference. She explains everything clearly and creates an environment that feels safe and restorative. I can’t recommend her highly enough. she’s truly the best in her field here in Chicago.
I am moving from Chicago soon and truly going to miss this amazing clinic.
Our Insurance Partners
We accept most major insurance plans depending on your type of service.
FAQs About Menopause & Perimenopause Treatment in Chicago, IL
What is the difference between perimenopause and menopause?
Perimenopause is the transitional phase leading up to menopause — it begins when hormone levels start fluctuating, often in your 40s, and ends with your final menstrual period. Menopause is defined as twelve consecutive months without a period. Both stages involve hormonal changes that can cause significant symptoms, and both are treatable with the right care.
When should I see a menopause specialist in Chicago?
If symptoms are affecting your sleep, mood, energy, sexual health, or daily quality of life — at any point during perimenopause or menopause — it’s worth a consultation. You don’t need to wait until symptoms become severe. Many women benefit most from early evaluation and a proactive plan rather than managing symptoms in isolation.
Is hormone replacement therapy the only treatment option for menopause?
No. While HRT and BHRT are among the most effective options for many women, non-hormonal treatments are also available — including lifestyle modifications, targeted supplements, and medications that address specific symptoms. Elise will discuss all options with you based on your health history and preferences.
Can I get menopause treatment via telehealth if I live outside Chicago?
Yes. As a menopause specialist licensed in Illinois, Elise sees patients across the state via telehealth for perimenopause and menopause evaluation, prescribing, and ongoing monitoring. You can complete lab work locally and meet with Elise virtually for everything else.
Does insurance cover menopause treatment in Chicago?
Many insurance plans cover menopause-related consultations and hormone therapy when medically indicated. Copper Wellness accepts Blue Cross Blue Shield and Aetna, and FSA/HSA payments are also accepted. For specific coverage questions, visit our Insurance page or contact the clinic directly.
How long do menopause symptoms last?
It varies significantly between women. Vasomotor symptoms like hot flashes often peak around the time of the final period and can persist for four to ten years or longer. Other symptoms — including vaginal dryness, sleep disruption, and mood changes — may continue indefinitely without treatment. The right care plan can significantly reduce the duration and severity of symptoms across the board.
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