Welcome to your
most empowered chapter yet.
The Menopause Care Collective is a Cincinnati-based team of certified experts in sex therapy, relationship therapy, psychiatry, nutrition, pelvic floor therapy and gynecology — providing everything you need to understand, embrace, and thrive in this stage of life.
RESEARCH-BACKED | EXPERT-DRIVEN | COMMUNITY-CENTERED
“We need a menopause revolution in this country.”
— Melinda GatesFor too long, menopause has been whispered about, minimized, or simply endured. It was under-researched and many women felt their experience was invisible. The treatment was siloed versus integrated. It’s time for that to change.
Women deserve honest, up-to-date, research-backed information — not just about hot flashes, but about the full story of menopause’s impact on their brains, bones, organs, sexual lives, mental health, cognitive care, pelvic floor, nutrition, sleep, identity and sense of purpose, relationships — all of it. Because a woman in menopause is a full woman and her full life is impacted.
The Menopause Care Collective was built on the idea that talking about menopause is a matter of public health. And that every woman deserves access to what can add quality to her life, if not actual years.
We know that women in menopause are at increased risk for developing cardiovascular disease — the leading cause of death for women in the U.S. — and that menopause may increase a woman’s risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Menopause is also associated with an increase in autoimmune disorders, osteoporosis, and sleep apnea (source: Yale School of Medicine).
Women deserve to know important facts like these, as well as what can make these years enjoyable and fulfilling — lube? Ending an unhealthy relationship? More boundaries? Hormone therapy? Pelvic floor work? A change in diet? Therapy? An anti-depressant? A passion project? Grieving something, then moving on? Better sleep? Embracing IDGAF? Reaching out for community, for support?
Whether you're in early perimenopause or years post-menopause, we would love to learn your story, your challenges, your wishes, and for you to join us at an upcoming event, because this is what people who come to our events say:
“I learned a lot and felt so much less alone.”
“Utterly delightful.”
“I think our group could have gone out and flipped some cars afterwards.”
Did you know?
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That’s right, ladies. And it starts earlier than it does for women (in their 30s) but the decline is much slower with clinically significant impacts typically not occurirng until their 70s.
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There are so many symptoms many of us never knew could be associated with menopause, and the list goes on. Many of these can cause serious health issues. Some are temporary. Women deserve to understand what’s going on.
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Research shows women reach their highest levels of life satisfaction in their fifties and sixties. This does not dismiss that in their 40s, the struggle is real, and depression and suicide rates are high. But it does give hope.
MENOPAUSE ISN’T JUST ABOUT OUR PERIODS ENDING.
Technically, menopause is the point when you’ve gone 12 consecutive months without a period, marking the end of ovarian function and a significant decline in estrogen production. The average age that this occurs is 52.
But that’s the textbook definition.
The lived experience is much broader.
The transition to menopause—called perimenopause—can begin years before your final period and may last four to eight years, sometimes longer. Hormonal changes can show up in ways that have very little to do with periods.
We now know that estrogen receptors exist throughout a woman’s body — not just in the “bikini zone.” So when estrogen starts to sputter out, the whole body is impacted, most importantly, the brain.
Maybe you can’t sleep. Maybe you suddenly can’t remember certain words. Maybe your mood has changed. But we know that’s not where it ends. Our skin is impacted. Our hair is falling out. Our libido drops. We’re exhausted, anxious, overheated, achy, and can develop things like “frozen shoulder” to the point where we ask ourselves: “What is going on with me?”
It can feel disorienting, unwanted, de-feminizing, annoying, or even life-threatening. Or, for some, it can feel liberating, a chance to shake things up and make bold new decisions.
Either way, it’s a time of significant transition.
And you’re not alone.
Women make up roughly half the population. Every woman who lives long enough will experience menopause. Six thousand women are reaching that milestone each day. During the menopause transition:
85% of women experience hot flashes.
60% of women report experiencing brain fog or mental fatigue.
50%+ report getting fewer than seven hours of sleep a night.
30% experience a decline in sexual desire, with symptoms often peaking during perimenopause and early postmenopause.
20% experience mood changes or depressive symptoms during perimenopause and the years immediately following menopause.
And the list goes on. Only 10–15% report few or no symptoms beyond menstrual changes.
As you can see, there is no “one” menopause experience.
Some women have severe symptoms. Some have very few. Most are somewhere in between. All deserve information in the most streamlined way possible because we’ve waited long enough, we’re tired, and — no matter how we start the menopause experience — I think it’s fair to say we’d like it to end with thriving. And the good news is, research suggests that, statistically, women are at their happiest in the post-menopausal years.
We invite you to join us for events along the way, or create one of your own.
Welcome to the White Pants Club. 🤍
There is a whole community supporting women who’ve graduated to the White Pants Club. This is your invitation to join us for an upcoming conversation where you can get answers to your menopause questions from an interdisciplinary team of experts. And, for as serious as the topic is, we also keep things light, refreshing and fun!
Upcoming Experiences
Step into something one-of-a-kind. For the first time ever, the Cincinnati Art Museum is opening its doors to a curated, docent-guided tour designed exclusively around the menopause experience — exploring works inspired by this transformative season of life, whether through subject matter or the artist's own story.
Join us on Saturday, September 19th at 11:00 AM at the Cincinnati Art Museum for a gallery experience unlike any other. This isn't your typical gallery walk — it's a chance to see art through a new lens, one that reflects the depth, complexity, and beauty of what so many of us are living.
After the tour, members of the Menopause Care Collective team will be on hand to answer your questions.
Cost: Free! As a proud sponsor of Period Kits OH, we encourage you to bring any unused period products you would like to donate that will go to those who could not otherwise afford them (open boxes are okay as long as products are still in their packaging).
Space is limited — RSVP to reserve your spot.
Join us at High Five Salon for an afternoon dedicated to celebrating beauty, confidence, and community through every stage of menopause.
On Saturday, October 25th, from 3–5 p.m., the Menopause Care Collective is partnering with High Five Salon and Spruce Salon for an engaging event exploring how hormonal changes can affect your hair, skin, and nails—and what you can do to look and feel your best.
What to Expect
A fun myth-busting game to kick things off
Expert insights into how menopause can affect your hair, skin, and nails
A live beauty demonstration featuring practical products and techniques
An anonymous Q&A with experts from the Menopause Care Collective, High Five Salon, and Spruce Salon
Complimentary mini consultations with participating experts
Light bites, drinks, and time to mingle and connect
Whether you’re experiencing these changes yourself or simply want to learn more, this free event offers an opportunity to gain practical knowledge, ask questions, and connect with others in a welcoming and supportive environment.
Location: High Five Salon 1818 Race St., Cincinnati, OH
Cost: Free!
As a proud sponsor of Period Kits OH, we encourage you to bring unused period products to donate to people who may not otherwise be able to afford them. Open boxes are welcome as long as the individual products remain in their original packaging.
Some of the most important investments you'll ever make are in yourself — and that starts with being informed.
Join us on Wednesday, October 22nd at Truepoint Wealth Counsel’s Blue Ash office for an intimate morning with the Menopause Care Collective as we take the stage at their Women's Wealth Counsel. Doors open at 8:00 AM for breakfast and networking, followed by a panel-style conversation from 8:30–9:30 AM where our four experts — spanning sex therapy, couples therapy, psychiatry, and women's health — will answer your most pressing questions about the menopause journey, from perimenopause through the other side.
Join us for a conversation that goes beyond the basics.
An evening of live cooking demonstrations, practical nutrition, expert guidance, and a shared meal.
Menopause brings change, but nourishing your body doesn’t have to be complicated.
Join the Menopause Care Collective and Around the Table Cincy for an evening that combines delicious food, expert insight, and meaningful conversation in a welcoming, judgment-free environment.
Begin the evening with seasonal appetizers, a complimentary mocktail, and time to connect with other guests. You’ll then hear approachable, evidence-based guidance from local menopause specialists on topics including nutrition, energy, sleep, mood, bone health, intimacy, and overall wellness.
Next, you’ll rotate through interactive cooking stations featuring simple, menopause-friendly recipes inspired by the evening’s appetizers—including a demonstration of our signature “wow” recipe: a Cauliflower Chocolate Shake! Along the way, you’ll enjoy a seasonal salad, gather practical tips and recipes, and have opportunities to ask questions and talk with the presenters.
You’ll leave with ideas of meals you can actually make that support your body in this stage of life. You’ll also leave with trusted information from local experts, and greater confidence in nourishing yourself throughout every stage of menopause.
Come hungry. Leave nourished—in every sense of the word.
What to Expect
Seasonal appetizers and a complimentary mocktail
A cash bar with additional beverages available for purchase
Approachable presentations on menopause-related health, nutrition, intimacy, and overall wellness
Opportunities to ask questions and speak with local experts
Interactive cooking stations featuring simple, menopause-friendly recipes
A demonstration of our signature Cauliflower Chocolate Milkshake and recipe to take home
A seasonal salad and shared culinary experience
Recipes, practical tips, and helpful resources to take home
Plenty of time to connect and mingle with other guests
Event Details
Location: Around the Table Cincy, 3105 Price Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45205
Time: 6:00–8:00 PM
Early-bird pricing through September 18: $45 general admission or $60 VIP
After September 18: $55 general admission or $70 VIP
VIP tickets include: A hormone-balancing meal plan—a $30 value
Optional Donation
As a proud sponsor of Period Kits Ohio, we encourage guests to bring unused period products to donate to people who might not otherwise be able to afford them. Open boxes are welcome as long as the individual products remain sealed in their original packaging.
Private Event
The Menopause Care Collective is excited to speak with the Clifton Moms Group, an ongoing community that brings women together each month for connection, learning, and conversation. During this special event, we'll explore the perimenopause experience, offering practical education and answering questions to help women better understand the changes that accompany this stage of life.
We're grateful for the opportunity to partner with community organizations that prioritize women's health and education.
Want us to speak at your group gathering? Reach out to us at the contact form below to get started!
Meet your expert guides
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Julie Labanz, Co-Founder, MA, LPCC-S, CST, CST-S
Juile is an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist and Licenesed Professional Clinical Counselor. She is the owner of Be Known a sex and relationship therapy practice, as well as the co-owner of the Institute for Sex Positive Therapy.
Julie recognizes that menopause can drastically change how women feel about sex, their sexuality, and their bodies, and wants to help them explore new ways of being sexual that align with what feels pleasure-filled in this stage of life.
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Maria Bertrand, Co-Founder, MA, IMFT
Maria is a licensed, Independent Marriage and Family Therapist and owner of her own private practice, Maria Bertrand Therapy LLC. Maria has worked for years with women going through midlife changes that impact their sense of self and relationships. She helps women work through depression, anxiety, and relationship issues and is a member of the Menopause Society.
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Deb Amann, MD, ABPN, MSCP
Dr. Deb Amann is a Cincinnati native and a board-certified psychiatrist specializing in women’s mental health and menopause care. Having navigated her own challenges with perimenopausal treatment options, she brings a deeply informed and compassionate approach to patient care. Dr. Amann provides individualized, evidence-based treatment while offering preventive guidance to support long-term well-being. As a menopause society certified provider, she is committed to helping women feel understood, supported, and empowered through every stage of midlife.
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Ronda Lehn, MSN, FNP-C, MSCP
Ronda Lehn is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner and Menopause Society Certified Practitioner (MSCP) with decades of experience in family medicine and a deep commitment to supporting women through midlife and beyond. Practicing through Concierge Medicine of Cincinnati, she brings a relationship-driven, unhurried approach to care.
Whether you're navigating perimenopause, managing post-menopausal health, or looking for a primary care partner who truly listens, Ronda offers personalized, thoughtful care that meets you where you are.
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Dr. Michelle Koval, PT, DPT, PRPC
Dr. Michelle Koval is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and founder of Pillar Pelvic Health and Physical Therapy. She specializes in comprehensive pelvic health care, combining hands-on manual therapy, movement and strength-based rehabilitation, dry needling, nervous system support, and individualized treatment approaches to help women feel stronger, more connected, and more confident in their bodies through all stages of life — especially during the often-overlooked transitions of perimenopause and menopause.
After navigating her own postpartum recovery challenges, Michelle became passionate about helping women realize they do not have to simply “push through” symptoms or accept feeling off as normal. As a busy mom and business owner herself, she understands how easy it is to put your own health last. Michelle is known for her honest, approachable style and for creating a space where women feel comfortable having real conversations about their bodies and health.
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Ginny Trosper, CHC, CLC, CFNC and CGRM Specialist
Ginny Trosper is a Certified Health and Life Coach, Certified Functional Nutrition Counselor, and Grief Recovery Specialist dedicated to helping others navigate life's challenges with greater health, resilience, and purpose. A graduate of the University of Kentucky (Class of 1993), she spent more than 20 years as a Registered Dental Hygienist before founding Ginny Trosper Coaching, LLC in 2020, where she combines evidence-based health coaching, functional nutrition, and compassionate support to help clients create lasting change.
Ginny's work is deeply informed by personal experience. Having lost two husbands—at age 36 and again at age 54—she understands firsthand the impact of grief and rebuilding after loss, which led her to become a Grief Recovery Specialist. A mother of two adult children, she brings authenticity and a heart-centered approach to her coaching, grounded in the belief that it is never too late to reclaim your well-being and create a fulfilling future.
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Allie Fogel
Allie is a recent graduate of the University of Cincinnati with a degree in Biological Sciences and a minor in Psychology. She is passionate about the intersection of physical health, mental well-being, and human connection, with a particular interest in holistic health and wellness.
As a member of the team, Allie supports community outreach, event promotion, social media, and administrative operations. She is honored to help amplify the work of experts who are empowering women through education, support, and evidence-based care during midlife and beyond. She hopes to build a career centered on health, wellness, and supporting individuals through life's transitions.
Events designed for today’s midlife woman.
We know you’re busy, so we create events that are fun as well as educational so it’s easier to get friends together and make a night of it. We’ll also bring the Collective to you. Whether you're a small business, public event, book club, corporate wellness program, or a circle of friends ready for something more meaningful — reach out and let us know how we can show up for you.
Groups of 10 to 50 women. Customizable to your community's needs.
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Deep dives into hormones, sexual health, mental wellness, and the science behind what's happening in your body led by our Menopause Care Collective Team.
Opportunities for Q&A as well as deepened discussion with other participants.
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Movement, meals, art, and more — because joy is its own kind of medicine. We design experiences that spark connection and creativity, whatever form that takes for your group.
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There’s something so special about getting to explore deep topics in community with others who truly get it. We know that healing happens in brave spaces and community and we make space for that to occur.
Ready to bring us to your group?
Or have an interest in sponsoring an event?
We'd love to design an experience for your community. We’re also always looking for sponsors for our events so that we can keep them free of charge to those attending. Reach out to tell us about your group or business and what we might create together.
Groups of 10 to 50 women
Customizable format and focus areas
Led by certified experts
In-person or virtual
Educational, social, wellness, or a mix
You asked.
We’ll answer
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We're a group of four certified specialists — in sex therapy, mental health therapy, psychiatry, and women's health nursing — who have joined forces to offer women a more complete, honest, and empowering approach to the menopause transition.
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Our events generally run anywhere from one to two and a half hours and are designed to feel like time well spent — not a lecture. Most gatherings weave together a few key elements: accessible, expert-led education on a topic relevant to where you are in your journey; open Q&A so your real questions get real answers; and dedicated time for connection among the women in the room. We also love to incorporate a creative or fun element — whether that's a shared meal, a craft cocktail, an art activity, or something else entirely that fits your group's vibe. The goal is that you leave feeling informed, seen, and a little lighter than when you walked in.
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Not at all! These events are designed to educate and build community. We know many of us wished we had this information before going through menopause so we’d love to help bring this information to women of all ages and stages of life!
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Menopause is a natural life transition, not a disease. Our approach is about understanding what's happening, having your questions answered, and making informed choices — not pathologizing a normal part of a woman's life.
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It means we believe sexual health and desire are valid, important parts of your overall wellbeing at every age. We don't shy away from conversations about intimacy, libido, or pleasure. It's expert care without shame.
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Perimenopause is the transition period leading up to menopause, which can begin years before your last period. If you're anywhere in that journey — or anywhere post-menopause — you're exactly who we're here for.
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Send us a note at info@menopausecarecollective.com with a little about your group and what you're looking for. We'll be in touch to design something together.
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Each provider in the Collective maintains their own independent practice. You're welcome to reach out to them individually for one-on-one care in their respective areas of expertise.
Let’s Work Together
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