In a groundbreaking conversation with Cleveland Clinic Chief of Staff Beri Ridgeway, MD, the complexities of women’s health were brought into sharp focus. The discussion highlighted a critical gap in medical care: women’s health has traditionally been siloed and narrowly defined, often reduced to annual mammograms and pap smears. The newly launched Women’s Comprehensive Health Center aims to transform this approach by treating women as whole individuals, addressing a wide range of concerns from perimenopause to neurological changes, and providing holistic, interconnected care that goes far beyond single-issue treatments.
Perimenopause and menopause emerged as key focal points, with Dr. Ridgeway revealing the breadth of symptoms that women experience – from cognitive changes and brain fog to sleep disruptions and bone health concerns. Notably, 70-80% of women report cognitive problems during this transition, yet these issues are often dismissed or misunderstood. The center’s approach emphasizes personalized care, with specialists trained to listen, navigate complex symptoms, and provide comprehensive evaluations that consider a woman’s entire health journey.
The initiative represents more than just medical innovation; it’s a movement towards recognizing and prioritizing women’s health. Since its launch in April, the center has already made 6,000 appointments, demonstrating a massive, unmet need for comprehensive women’s healthcare. Dr. Ridgeway encourages women to advocate for themselves, to seek out integrated care that addresses their whole health, and to reject the outdated notion that certain health challenges are simply “part of aging.” By pushing for more comprehensive, empathetic healthcare, women can take control of their health and age with strength, independence, and vitality.