(Pre) Menopause Matters - Early Education for a Healthier Future (Part A - Fundamentals)
On-Demand Courses
Affiliate Course
10 Contact Hours
(Pre) Menopause Matters: Part A serves as the essential foundational component of our two-part series, designed so that parts may be completed in any order. In this comprehensive 10-hour course, participants bridge the gap between systemic endocrine shifts and everyday clinical presentations. You will dive deep into the essential anatomy, physiology, and biomarkers of female aging, giving you the tools to analyze how fluctuating hormones directly impact neuromusculoskeletal, cardiovascular, and pelvic health.
Through an evidence-based lens, Part A unpacks the clinical management of autonomic symptoms, the nuances of hormone therapy, and the efficacy of complementary and alternative medicines (CAMs). Clinicians will learn to implement targeted screening and intervention strategies for bone health, premature menopause, and complex pelvic floor changes. Additionally, this course features a robust framework for metabolic exercise and fitness prescription, empowering you to design efficient, proactive programming. Armed with validated screening tools, you will confidently identify midlife health transitions in your patients—regardless of their primary admitting diagnosis—and serve as a vital guide on their interdisciplinary care team.
- Describe the etiology and health implications of menopause and latest evidence-based treatment.
- Identify clinical evaluation tools for differential diagnosis and risk factors for common pathology associated with menopause.
- Discuss the risks and benefits for medical management, alternative therapy, and physical therapy of menopause-related physiologic changes associated with disease risks.
- Recognize specific challenges and risk factors related to women experiencing premature menopause.
- Develop an appropriate exercise prescription based on symptoms and risks to optimize function and promote a healthy heart, muscles, and bones in women throughout the lifespan.
- What do women know about menopause?
- How is menopause defined?
- Overview of signs and symptoms
- Historical perspective
- Implications in clinical practice
- The Climacteric
- What are hormones?
- Homeostasis and aging
- What makes female aging unique?
- Oxidative stress, metabolism & aging
- Physical signs of menopause
- Hot flashes
- Body odor
- Fatigue
- Sleep disturbances
- Brain fog
- Headaches
- Clinical Considerations
- CAM Categories
- Prevalence and Evidence of CAMs
- Mind-Body CAM Options for Menopause Symptoms
- Botanical Dietary Supplements
- Vitamin and Mineral Supplementation in Menopause
- General Precautions with All Supplements
- Questions to Ask Before Taking Supplements
- Cardiovascular Disease in Women
- Cardiac Research
- Health Disparities
- CVD Risk Factors
- Signs and Symptoms of Cardiac Arrest
- Hormone Therapy and Cardiovascular Health
- Screening
- Prevention and Treatment Guidelines
- Anatomy and Physiology of Bone
- Postmenopausal Osteoporosis
- Tests
- Screening for Osteoporosis
- Statistics on PF Dysfunctions in Older Women
- Estrogen Effect on the Pelvic Floor
- Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause
- Pelvic Organ Prolapse
- Fecal and Anal Incontinence
- Mini-Anatomy Review for Non-Pelvic Health Providers
- How to Find, Contract & Relax Your Pelvic Floor
- What is Hormone Therapy (HT)?
- Prevalence/Modes of Transmission
- Key Hormone Pathways: Estrogens, Androgens, Progestogens
- Types of HT
- Who May Benefit from Hormone Therapy?
- Evidence-Based Recommendations for Use
- Precautions for MHT
- Non-Hormone Prescription Therapies
- Bioidentical Hormone Compounds
- Case Scenarios
- Clinical Considerations
- Special considerations with induced menopause
- Long-term risk factors associated with early menopause
- Hormone replacement considerations
- Non-hormone therapeutic interventions
- Midlife Fitness Promotion
- Estrogen and Musculoskeletal Performance
- Evidence-Based Exercise Prescription
- Strengthening Principles
- Muscle, Bone & Cardiovascular reservation
- Popular Types of Fitness Training
- Special Considerations
- Clinician's Role in Treating Midlife Women
Full Course: Parts A & B Bundled
The bundled course combines all of the modules from Part A (modules 1-11) and Part B (modules 12-21) at a discounted price.
Dr. Karen Litos, PT, DPT, is a powerhouse in women’s health with over 26 years of
experience as a clinician, educator, and advocate. A Board Certified Pelvic & Women’s
Health Specialist (PWCS) Emeritus, Karen co-owns Snowden & Litos, a premier
company providing evidence-based professional education in midlife and menopause
care. Her legacy includes founding the "No Mom Left Behind PT" clinic in Lansing,
Michigan and her longtime global advocacy efforts for women’s healthcare.
Dr. Karen Snowden, PT, DPT, is a Board-Certified Specialist in Pelvic and Women’s
Health with 40 years of clinical experience. A national and international speaker, she
serves as faculty for the APTA Academy of Pelvic Health and is co-owner of Snowden & Litos LLC, where she educates healthcare professionals on menopause and midlife
care. A recipient of the 2024 Elizabeth Noble Award, Dr. Snowden is dedicated to
evidence-based, patient-centered wellness for all genders.
Please note that Academy of Pelvic Health Physical Therapy member discounts or other discounts do not apply to this course as it is hosted via our affiliate course partner Snowden & Litos LLC. 
Disclaimer: This course listing contains affiliate links. The Academy of Pelvic Health Physical Therapy may earn a commission from purchases made via affiliate links. This course may not be eligible for APTA Pelvic Health-run discount promotions. By clicking below, you will be rerouted to the affiliate vendor's website to complete your purchase.
Part A Fundamentals Price: USD $570
