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 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.
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 gynecology. 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 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 40 and 60 years old. We treat various issues 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.
Can you provide treatment without drugs?
Yes. We approach menopause through a holistic and personal lens. Not everyone will need medication for their symptoms. To help you thrive in your menopause journey, purchase a plan that is right for you.
Do you have treatment options for decreased libido?
Menopause decreases the estrogen hormone, which decreases sex drive. We have several treatment options for decreased libido, such as hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Visit our services page to select a consultation and plan.
Does testosterone hormone replacement help boost sex drive?
The hormone testosterone may boost sex drive for some women after menopause. However, there are many ways to address sexual dysfunction or unwanted symptoms related to decreased libido in menopause. We recommend a full consultation to determine if this is the best treatment for your symptoms.
What is the most popular plan to start with?
Our plans vary according to your needs. Therefore, we encourage you to book a consultation to determine the plan that will provide you with the best results. That said, a consistent, regular 3-month combination of medical and fitness appointments is a great beginning step.
How long does it take to feel relief?
Similar to the plans, 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.
Can I visit your clinic for a free tour? How can I schedule a free tour?
We invite you to visit Meno-Start and experience the difference for yourself. Please submit your information here to book a free tour.
SCHEDULING
What are your standard office hours?
Our clinic and fitness studio in McLean is open Monday through Thursday 9am to 4pm.
Do you offer telehealth for menopause 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 do I access my account?
You can create a free account with Meno-Start by clicking here.
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.
Are you available for weekend appointments?
Yes. Meno-Start was founded on the philosophy of personalized care. We are happy to customize a plan that works with your schedule.
Can I set up recurring appointments?
Yes, we offer recurring appointments and believe regular, consistent appointments help manage postmenopausal symptoms and monitor health conditions.
PAYMENT
How much will my appointment cost?
Pricing and services vary according to client needs. Please check out our services page for a plan tailored to your menopause journey. Still unsure? Contact us or book a free tour.
Do you accept healthcare insurance?
We are out-of-network, which allows us to provide customized care solutions for every client. Because we are independent and locally owned, we operate without limitations imposed by insurance companies.
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?
Yes, you can cancel your membership at any time. Please note that your membership will continue through the end of the month of the current billing cycle. For example, if you cancel on November 10th, your membership will end on November 30th.
Can I use my Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) to pay for care received through Meno-Start?
Every plan has unique criteria, so we are unable to answer this question with a blanket yes or no. Instead, we are happy to provide you with a detailed invoice or receipt, sometimes known as a superbill, charge slip, or encounter form, that includes a record of costs and services to be submitted to your provider for review.
Do you have a member referral program?
No, but please keep checking, as our member program offerings are continually improving.
FITNESS
Why does your clinic have a gym?
Our onsite fitness studio is one of the many reasons we are different from your typical OB-GYN clinic. During your 40’s and 50’s, 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. Our in-house gym is large enough to accommodate small-group training. Please contact us to discuss the various options we can provide.
Does your fitness studio accept men?
No, we do not at this time.
Can I visit your gym for a free tour? How can I schedule a free tour?
Yes, please book your free tour here.
MISC
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.
What are your in-person hours?
Our traditional in-person office hours are Monday through Thursday 9 am to 4 pm. However, because we offer personalized care, we can make special accommodations. We encourage you to submit an inquiry through our Contact Us page, and a team member will reach out with scheduling options.
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?
Contact us to submit your question and receive a prompt answer.