Female doctor speaking with a midlife patient in a warm, welcoming clinic setting — More Time, Better Answers: A Concierge Approach to Menopause

Menopause care shouldn’t feel rushed. In this post, Dr. Sonia Durairaj of Elevated Health in Austin shares how longer visits and direct access to your physician can transform your experience—offering clarity, connection, and real results.

Last updated October 2025

The Difference Time Makes

Menopause is one of the most significant transitions in a woman’s life, affecting everything from energy and mood to metabolism and sleep. Yet most women face it within a healthcare system designed for speed, not depth.

A 10-minute appointment can’t begin to cover what’s happening in your body, your lifestyle, and your goals for long-term well-being. At Elevated Health, I believe the best medicine occurs when we slow down and take a moment to reflect. Longer visits, smaller patient panels, and direct access between appointments allow for truly personalized care that meets you where you are.

What an Unrushed Approach Looks Like

In my concierge practice, appointments typically last 30 to 60 minutes. This extra time allows us to move past checklists and into meaningful conversation, connecting the dots between your symptoms, your history, and your future health.

Here’s what that looks like in practice:

We start with your story. Every menopause journey is different. We’ll discuss your symptoms, what’s been working, and what hasn’t. This context shapes every decision we make together.
We look deeper. Comprehensive labs, lifestyle review, and health history help identify the underlying factors driving your symptoms, whether hormonal, metabolic, or stress-related.
We design a plan that fits. Together, we create a plan that focuses on sleep, nutrition, movement, and stress management, layered with targeted treatments or hormone therapy when appropriate.

Taking time allows for care that’s thoughtful, grounded, and genuinely effective.

The First Month: Building the Foundation

Menopause care isn’t a single visit; it’s a process built on understanding and follow-through. Here’s a glimpse at what your first month of concierge care might look like:

Week 1: Comprehensive Initial Visit

We begin with an extended appointment to review your health history, current symptoms, and goals. Lab testing helps us build a clear picture of your hormone, metabolic, and cardiovascular health.

Week 2: Results and Refinement

Once the results are returned, we will meet again or connect through our secure portal to review your findings together. Your plan is refined with lifestyle recommendations and targeted treatments personalized to your needs.

Week 3: Connection and Support

Questions are typical as you begin your plan. You can message me directly between visits to clarify next steps or share updates, no waiting months for an answer.

Week 4: Progress Check and Next Steps

We revisit what’s working and where we can make improvements. These early conversations set the stage for steady, sustainable progress.

This structure gives you ongoing access and accountability, the foundation of lasting results.

Menopause Care Backed by Science and Personalization

Menopause is more than a hormonal shift; it’s a complex stage that influences heart, bone, and brain health. Working with a Menopause Society-certified clinician ensures that your care is grounded in evidence and tailored to your individual risks, preferences, and comfort level.

When hormone therapy is appropriate, transdermal estradiol combined with progesterone can reduce symptoms, support sleep, and promote long-term health.
When hormone therapy isn’t the right fit, non-hormonal options — such as low-dose antidepressants, lifestyle adjustments, or localized therapies — can provide relief without systemic hormones.

Our goal is balance: finding what works best for your body and aligns with your long-term wellness goals.

The Elevated Health Difference

Many patients tell me that what stands out most about concierge medicine isn’t just the longer appointments, it’s the connection. You don’t need to navigate menopause alone or feel rushed through essential conversations. With direct access and ongoing communication, care becomes a partnership, not a transaction.

This continuous dialogue prevents the frustration that comes from disjointed, stop-and-start care. Together, we can adjust your plan as your needs evolve, helping you feel supported every step of the way.

A More Connected Approach to Midlife

Menopause deserves more than a quick conversation at the end of an annual visit. At Elevated Health, my goal is to help women move through this transition with clarity, confidence, and control. By taking the time to understand your body, goals, and lifestyle, we can create a plan that supports both immediate relief and long-term vitality.

If you’re ready for a more personalized approach to menopause care in Austin, book a Meet & Greet by calling 512-759-6033 or visiting www.sdmdelevatedhealth.com