For many women, menopause marks a turning point—but not an endpoint. It’s a phase that can bring physical changes, emotional shifts, and new questions about long-term health. Yet too often, women feel unprepared for what’s ahead or unsure where to turn for guidance.
At the South County Health Center for Women’s Health—now welcoming patients in its new Newport location—care teams are redefining what support during menopause and beyond can look like: personalized, evidence-based, and grounded in long-term relationships.
“Menopause isn’t a one-size-fits-all experience,” says Martha Moe, MD, Medical Director, South County Health’s Center for Women’s Health. “Some women have minimal symptoms, while others experience hot flashes, sleep disruption, mood changes, or concerns about bone and heart health. The key is having a provider who listens and tailors care to your individual needs.”
A proactive approach to midlife health
Menopause typically occurs between ages 45 and 55, but hormonal changes can begin years earlier. These transitions can affect everything from metabolism and energy levels to vaginal health and cognitive focus. At South County Health, providers emphasize proactive care—addressing symptoms while also focusing on prevention.
That means regular screenings, conversations about cardiovascular health, bone density, and breast health, and guidance on lifestyle factors such as nutrition, exercise, and stress management.
“We’re not just treating symptoms in the moment,” says Erin Smith, PA, who works closely with patients navigating perimenopause and postmenopause. “We’re helping women understand how this phase connects to their long-term health and quality of life.”
Symptom management with options—not assumptions
For women experiencing disruptive menopausal symptoms, treatment options may include hormone therapy, non-hormonal medications, or lifestyle-based strategies. What’s most important, providers say, is shared decision-making.
“There’s a lot of misinformation out there,” Dr. Moe explains. “Our role is to review the latest evidence, discuss risks and benefits, and help patients feel confident in their choices.”
Care plans are individualized, taking into account a patient’s medical history, family history, and personal goals. For some, that may mean medical therapy; for others, it may focus on symptom tracking, sleep support, or addressing vaginal and urinary changes that are often under-discussed.
Beyond menopause: ongoing women’s health care
Support doesn’t stop once menopause symptoms subside. The years that follow are a critical time to stay engaged in preventive care. South County Health’s women’s health providers continue to care for patients through routine gynecologic exams, cancer screenings, sexual health concerns, and management of chronic conditions that may become more common with age.
“There’s a misconception that once you’re past childbearing years, gynecologic care becomes less important,” says Smith. “In reality, this is when consistent care matters even more.”
Care that’s local, connected, and accessible
The new Newport location of the South County Health Center for Women’s Health expands access for women across Aquidneck Island and surrounding communities. Patients benefit from the convenience of local care paired with the resources of a broader health system, including diagnostic imaging, specialty referrals, and coordinated follow-up.
Just as importantly, patients are cared for by providers who value continuity and connection.
“Women often tell us they want a provider who knows them and who they can talk to openly,” Dr. Moe says. “That relationship is the foundation of good care—especially during times of change.”
Empowering women through every stage
Menopause can be a time of uncertainty, but it can also be an opportunity—to reassess health priorities, ask new questions, and partner with a provider who understands the full picture.
At South County Health Center for Women’s Health in Newport, that partnership is central to the care model: supporting women not just through menopause, but through every stage that follows.
Dr. Martha Moe and Sarah West Allen, CNM, are currently accepting new OB-GYN patients at our Newport location, providing compassionate, expert care for women at every stage of life.👉 Request an Appointment