Find Answers to Your Most Common Questions
HOLISTIC CARE
How do I know if I am in perimenopause or menopause?
The average age of menopause, defined as no period for a year, is 51. Perimenopause is generally described as 5–7 years before. There is no definitive test, and it is primarily a clinical diagnosis. We encourage you to contact us for a brief consultation if you are unsure about your symptoms.
What is unique about Meno-Start?
At Meno-Start, you receive women’s health care that focuses on longevity, which can include navigating perimenopause, menopause and beyond. Your care is provided by an expert, board-certified medical doctor, and education from a certified wellness expert. You gain the knowledge to navigate the decades to come with confidence and an understanding of longevity best practices personally curated for you.
Midlife is a season of nuances and complexity. We connect evidence-based medical care with effective wellness solutions. Instead of the transactional, problem-based medical care offered by most providers today, we can offer you proactive treatments, preventative pathways, and clear guidance for resolving any symptoms or concerns you experience. You get the time and attention you need to navigate midlife, well.
How is menopause care different from my OB-GYN?
Meno-Start is different in that its founder, Dr. Cothran, is an obstetrics and gynecology (OB-GYN) professional who has chosen to focus on mid-life medicine. She has 15 years of general medical experience to draw from. To learn more about Dr. Cothran’s certifications, check out our blog on her impressive resume. We also have a dedicated fitness and nutrition expert on-site.
What OB-GYN equipment do you have in your clinic?
Meno-Start is a fully equipped medical practice. We provide all aspects of general medical care and GYN medical practice for pelvic and other gynecology exams. We have a vitals station, a private examination room, and a consultation office.
What do you treat?
We treat perimenopause and menopausal women, generally between the ages of 35 and 65 years old. We treat various issues common to midlife because these hormone changes affect your entire body. This includes menstrual irregularities, contraception, hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, sexual dysfunction, vulvar issues, mood issues, metabolism issues, joint pain, hormone replacement, and weight gain. We also do preventative care and primary care screenings.
Can you provide treatment without drugs?
Yes. We approach longevity and menopause care through a holistic and personal lens. Not everyone will need medication for their symptoms. To help you thrive in your menopause journey, Dr. Cothran will work with you to develop a customized care plan to meet your unique needs and preferences.
Do you have treatment options for decreased libido during menopause?
Yes. A drop in estrogen and other hormonal changes during menopause can affect sex drive. We offer several treatment options, which may include hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and, for some women, testosterone therapy. Because every woman’s experience is unique, we recommend a full consultation to determine the best treatment for your symptoms.
How long does it take to feel relief?
The timeline for relief is unique to each woman’s journey. It depends on the specific issue and treatment plan. We offer a personalized care plan and continued support, and access to a specialized menopause doctor and personal trainer/nutrition expert.
SCHEDULING
What are your in-person hours?
Our traditional in-person office hours are Monday through Thursday 9am to 4pm. However, because we offer personalized care, we are happy to customize a plan that works with your schedule. We encourage you to submit an inquiry through our Contact Us page, and a team member will reach out with scheduling options.
Do you offer telehealth for medical care? Do you offer remote appointments?
Yes, we can do virtual consultations and phone calls. Menopause is a unique journey for every woman, and every woman should have the opportunity to choose the best method that works for their body and schedule.
How can I schedule an appointment?
Scheduling is available through www.Meno-Start.com. Once you select a plan that fits your needs, you will be routed to an online scheduler to book your appointment. If you would prefer, you can always contact us directly for personalized assistance.
PAYMENT FOR SERVICES
What do the services at Meno-Start cost?
Annual Women’s Health Care Package. $3600/year. This is a concierge program that provides comprehensive medical care for mid-life including preventative care, perimenopause and menopause care, options for weight management, heart and bone health screening. You will have text/email access to Dr. Cothran and full access to make appointments at the times that work best for you.
Personal Training Package (8 sessions). $800. A flexible package of eight 1-hour sessions with Coach Dulany — your choice of personal training, group classes, or both.
Initial Consult. $400/one time fee. A 90-minute one-on-one appointment with Dr. Cothran to discuss your history, concerns, and goals. If you choose to join our practice, your consult fee will be applied forward to the membership option you choose.
Do you accept healthcare insurance?
Meno-Start is a cash-pay, concierge-style medical program. Most insurance plans will allow you to use your benefits for prescriptions, lab orders, and bloodwork recommended for your medical care.
We do not take insurance for our program, so we have full freedom to provide you with the medical care you need in the way you prefer. Traditional insurance does not allow physicians to have 1-hour consultations with their patients, or to provide certain wellness and fitness options as part of a preventative care plan. It also does not cover text/phone access to your doctor. At Meno-Start, our program is about helping you optimize your health during menopause. That requires us to have time with you and for you to have access to us in ways that are not funded by insurance.
What is concierge medicine?
Meno-Start is a care model in which a patient or client pays directly to the practice without going through insurance companies. It started in the 1990s and has been growing as patients and doctors become limited by corporate care models. This new business model offers an opportunity to personalize care and spend more time with clients.
Do you provide payment financing for menopause care?
No, we do not offer financing at this time.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept most credit cards, including VISA, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, Diners Club, Union Pay, Elo and JCB.
How will I be billed?
Meno-Start offers secure, direct payment through our website prior to service.
Can I cancel my membership?
You may cancel your membership at any time. Cancellation stops future renewals, and any payments already processed are non-refundable. Your membership (including care and benefits) will remain active through the end of your current paid billing period, and you will not be charged again after that period ends.
Can I use my Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) to pay for care received through Meno-Start?
Yes. We offer super bills and are a qualified HSA (Health Savings Account)/FSA (Flexible Spending Account) expense. If you have these benefit programs available to you, we encourage you to use them for Meno-Start and will assist you in doing so.
FITNESS & WELLNESS
Why does your clinic have a gym?
Our onsite fitness studio is one of the many reasons we are different from your typical medical practice. During midlife, especially in perimenopausal and menopausal phases, your body is internally off balance due to hormone changes. More specifically, estrogen levels decrease, testosterone decreases, and fat redistributes to the waist, leading to weight gain. Meno-Start’s co-founder, Coach Dulany Washington, is a certified personal trainer who can help address body composition issues alongside Dr. Shannon Cothran, an OB-GYN and Menopause Society Certified Practitioner (MSCP).
What fitness equipment do you have at your studio?
Our McLean gym offers state-of-the-art fitness equipment and training. The studio has a programmable treadmill, an elliptical with a boxing workout, a MET workout designed for strength, a universal cable machine, kettlebells, dumbbells, stability balls, bands, an adjustable bench, a back extension machine, a plyometric box, and medicine balls.
Do you offer group training?
Yes, select packages include access to group fitness classes.
MISC
I want to learn more. Do you offer consultations?
Yes, and it’s free! Schedule your free 15-minute phone consultation here.
Where are you located?
Our clinic and gym are located in the heart of Northern Virginia at 2010 Corporate Ridge Road, Suite 510, McLean, VA 22102. We offer both in-person and virtual appointments.
Do you validate parking?
Our office building is proud to offer free parking.
Are you hiring?
No, we are not currently accepting job applications. For employment updates, please visit and follow Meno-Start’s official Linkedin page.
Have a question we didn’t answer?
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