The Perimenopause Certificate®

Mar 10 / Perry Academy
Perimenopause Certificate® for Healthcare Professionals: What It Covers, Who It's For, and Why It Matters
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Perimenopause represents one of the most clinically complex and chronically underserved transitions in women's health. Beginning as early as the late 30s and extending across a decade or more, the perimenopausal phase involves significant hormonal fluctuation that affects virtually every major body system—cardiovascular, endocrine, musculoskeletal, neurological, and reproductive.

Despite its prevalence and clinical impact, perimenopause remains inadequately covered in most professional training curricula.

The Perry Perimenopause Certificate®, offered through Perry Academy at www.perry.academy, is a structured, accredited continuing education program developed to address that gap directly.

It provides healthcare professionals across disciplines with the clinical knowledge, assessment frameworks, and evidence-based tools required to competently identify and manage perimenopause across its full range of presentations.

Who the Perimenopause Certificate® Is Designed For

The program is relevant to any clinician or allied health professional whose patient population includes women in midlife.

Profession-specific enrollment pathways are available for:


Because perimenopause intersects with cardiology, endocrinology, psychiatry, pelvic health, sleep medicine, nutrition science, and sexual health, no single specialty has complete coverage of its clinical scope.

The Perimenopause Certificate® was specifically designed to address this by providing an interdisciplinary framework applicable across professional roles and practice settings.
Because perimenopause intersects with cardiology, endocrinology, psychiatry, pelvic health, sleep medicine, nutrition science, and sexual health, no single specialty has complete coverage of its clinical scope.

The Perimenopause Certificate® was specifically designed to address this by providing an interdisciplinary framework applicable across professional roles and practice settings.

Curriculum Structure:
14 Modules Across All Dimensions of Perimenopausal Care

The certificate program comprises 14 modules, developed in collaboration with clinical faculty from gynecology, endocrinology, reproductive psychiatry, cardiology, sleep medicine, nutrition, physical therapy, and behavioral health. Each module includes high-quality video instruction, supplemental clinical materials, and case-based learning drawn from more than 500,000 anonymized patient insights collected through the Perry platform.

Module 1 – Foundations of Perimenopause covers hormonal physiology, the clinical differentiation of perimenopause from other conditions, symptom assessment frameworks, sexual health considerations, and a critical examination of common misconceptions that affect clinical decision-making.

Module 2 – Perimenopausal Treatment Options reviews hormone therapy initiation and management, non-hormonal pharmacological options, and integrative treatment approaches. Two CME bonus courses are included: one focused on prescribing and dosing Hormone Therapy, and one addressing treatment options for cancer survivors.

Module 3 – Mental Health in Perimenopause examines the elevated risk for mood disorders, anxiety, late-onset bipolar presentations, and PTSD during perimenopause. It addresses cognitive changes, ADHD, and provides a clinical roadmap for pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic treatment, including when to refer to specialist mental health care.

Module 4 – Heart Health in Perimenopause explores how estrogen decline contributes to rising blood pressure, dyslipidemia, visceral adiposity, and sleep disruption. The module addresses allostatic load and cardiovascular risk stratification in women, the brain-heart connection, and the historical underrepresentation of women in cardiovascular research.

Module 5 – Endocrine Health in Perimenopause covers the systemic endocrine impact of perimenopause, including effects on the thyroid, adrenal glands, bone metabolism, and insulin sensitivity. Evidence-based approaches to weight management—including when to consider FDA-approved pharmacotherapy—are reviewed alongside lifestyle-based interventions.

Module 6 – Physiological Changes, Exercise Strategies, and Habit Formation addresses how hormonal decline affects muscle mass, metabolism, and gut microbiome function. Clinically appropriate exercise protocols for perimenopausal women are presented, alongside a critical evaluation of popular dietary trends including intermittent fasting, ketogenic diets, and GLP-1 receptor agonists in this population.

Module 7 – Nutrition in Perimenopause provides a clinical framework for nutritional assessment and intervention in midlife women. Topics include metabolic changes driven by estrogen decline, the role of macronutrients and micronutrients in preserving musculoskeletal and cognitive function, functional foods, nutrition myths, and implementation strategies that account for cultural context and behavioral barriers.

Module 8 – Sexual Desire in Perimenopause addresses the hormonal, psychological, and relational factors underlying changes in libido and sexual function. Evidence-based cognitive and behavioral strategies are presented alongside partner-based interventions to support sexual health in clinical practice.

Module 9 – Pelvic Health in Perimenopause covers the scope and clinical value of pelvic floor physical therapy in perimenopausal care. Topics include genitourinary syndrome of menopause, musculoskeletal assessment, treatment modalities, early intervention strategies, and referral pathways for interdisciplinary collaboration.

Module 10 – Sleep Science and Management examines the biological, psychological, and sociocultural drivers of sleep disruption in perimenopause. It differentiates common comorbid sleep disorders—including insomnia disorder, restless legs syndrome, and obstructive sleep apnea—and provides clinical guidance on cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) as a first-line intervention.

Module 11 – Hair, Skin, and Body Changes addresses the wide range of integumentary and systemic physical changes associated with perimenopause, including hair thinning, collagen loss, digestive disruption, and related dermatological concerns. Evidence-based treatment options and appropriate referral considerations are reviewed.

Module 12 – Special Populations examines perimenopause in clinical contexts requiring particular attention: women with PCOS, those in postpartum transitions, and those navigating concurrent fertility concerns. The module addresses hormonal overlap, metabolic risk assessment, and the need for individualized clinical management.

Module 13 – Health Equity in Perimenopause presents clinical evidence on how race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, insurance access, geographic barriers, and systemic bias shape the timing, severity, and treatment of perimenopausal symptoms. The module equips providers with practical tools for culturally competent, trauma-informed care, and examines critical gaps in perimenopause research diversity.

Module 14 – Communication and Care Coordination addresses how to function effectively as a perimenopause-informed provider within multidisciplinary care systems, including symptom tracking frameworks, referral coordination, and strategies for communicating clearly with patients navigating a fragmented healthcare system.

Accredited Continuing Education Credits by Profession

MDs, DOs, NPs, PAs
11.75 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ / 11.75 Nursing CE
registered dietitians
25.5 CPEUs
Licensed Psychologists
10.5 CEs
Physical THERAPISTS
11.75 CEs 
Health and wellness Coaches
11.5 CEs
Licensed Social workers
11.75 CEs
Fitness professionals
11.75 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ / 11.75 Nursing CE

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Faculty

The curriculum was developed in collaboration with a multidisciplinary faculty of clinicians, researchers, and educators who are recognized leaders in their respective fields. Each faculty member contributes from active clinical practice and ongoing research—ensuring the content reflects both current evidence and real-world applicability.

Mary Jane Minkin, MD — OBGYN & Chief Certificate Advisor
Professor at Yale School of Medicine for over 40 years and one of the most cited voices in menopause research. Dr. Minkin brings unparalleled depth on hormone therapy, clinical assessment, and the evolving evidence base for perimenopausal care.

Suzanne Gilberg, MD — OBGYN & Chief Certificate Advisor
Author of Menopause Bootcamp and a nationally recognized advocate for holistic, evidence-based perimenopause treatment. Dr. Gilberg leads modules on foundations, treatment options, and common clinical misconceptions.

Stacy Sims, PhD — Exercise Physiologist & Chief Certificate Advisor
A pioneering researcher in female-specific exercise science and nutrition, and author of Roar and Next Level. Dr. Sims leads the module on physiological changes, exercise strategy, and habit formation in perimenopausal women.

Harita Raja, MD — Reproductive Psychiatrist
Founder of Bethesda Women's Mental Health, instructor at Georgetown University, and founder of the DMV Menopause Providers Group. Dr. Raja leads the mental health module, covering mood disorders, anxiety, ADHD, cognition, and trauma-informed care.

Jayne Morgan, MD — Cardiologist
A leading expert in women's cardiovascular health and prevention, Dr. Morgan addresses the frequently overlooked link between estrogen decline and cardiac risk—including blood pressure changes, dyslipidemia, allostatic load, and the heart-brain connection.

Disha Narang, MD — Endocrinologist & Obesity Medicine Specialist
Specialist in hormonal shifts, insulin resistance, and weight management in midlife women. Dr. Narang leads the endocrine health module, including evidence-based approaches to metabolic support and FDA-approved pharmacotherapy.

Shelby Harris, PsyD, DBSM — Licensed Psychologist & Sleep Specialist
A nationally recognized authority on behavioral sleep medicine, Dr. Harris covers the full clinical landscape of perimenopausal sleep disruption—from differential diagnosis of sleep disorders to CBT-I as a first-line intervention.
Ingrid Harm-Ernandes, PT, BST — Pelvic Health Specialist & Physical Therapist
With deep expertise in pelvic floor dysfunction and musculoskeletal health during perimenopause, she leads the pelvic health module—covering assessment, treatment, early intervention, and interdisciplinary referral.

Barbie Boules, RDN & Elizabeth Ward, RDN — Registered Dietitians
Two of the leading clinical dietitians in midlife women's nutrition, they co-lead the nutrition module—covering metabolic changes, macronutrient and micronutrient strategy, functional foods, clinical assessment tools, and implementation in practice.

Laurie Mintz, PhD — Licensed Psychologist & Sex Therapist
Author of Becoming Cliterate and A Tired Woman's Guide to Passionate Sex, Dr. Mintz leads the module on sexual desire—providing clinicians with cognitive, behavioral, and partner-based strategies to address changes in libido and intimacy.

Bayo Curry-Winchell, MD, MS — Family Physician & Women's Health Advocate
A specialist in inclusive care, cultural competency, and accessible patient education, Dr. Curry-Winchell leads the health equity module—examining how race, systemic inequities, bias, and access barriers shape perimenopausal care outcomes.

Barbara Dehn, NP — Nurse Practitioner & Women's Health Educator
Certified in perimenopause, PCOS, and fertility, Barbara Dehn leads modules on hair, skin, and body changes; special populations; and care coordination—bringing both clinical precision and practical, patient-centered communication skills.

What You Gain Beyond the Certificate

Completing the Perimenopause Certificate® earns you a digital credential badge—shareable on LinkedIn, your professional website, email signature, and CV—that signals verified, current competency in perimenopause care to patients, employers, and referral networks.

Certified professionals are also listed in the Perry Perimenopause Provider Directory, connecting you with patients actively searching for specialized care.

Certificate completion is just the entry point. Perry Academy members gain ongoing access to an expanding library of accredited masterclasses, live clinical sessions, case studies, and evidence updates—covering hormone therapy management, musculoskeletal health, breast health and nutrition, supplement integration, sleep management, and more. As the science evolves, so does the curriculum.

Why Perimenopause Specialization Matters Now

Patient demand for knowledgeable perimenopause care is growing rapidly. Women are arriving at appointments better informed and more willing to seek second opinions when their symptoms are dismissed or minimized.

The clinician who can offer structured, evidence-based perimenopause assessment and management is increasingly differentiated—in referral patterns, in patient retention, and in professional reputation.

The Perimenopause Certificate® provides the clinical depth, interdisciplinary breadth, and professional recognition to meet that demand with confidence.

Ready to enroll? Find your pathway below:


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Advanced

Best for: Physicians, nurse practitioners,
physician assistants
$949/year

Core

Best for: Dietitians, health coaches, licensed psychologists, fitness professionals, pelvic floor specialists
$649/year

Just Learn

Best for: Curious learners, advocates, and professionals exploring perimenopause education
$297/year