What Is an MSCP?
The Menopause Society Certified Practitioner credential is the most rigorous menopause qualification available to healthcare providers. Here's what it means — and why it matters when you're looking for care.
The Problem It Solves
There is no medical specialty called "menopause medicine." OB-GYNs see menopause as a side of a reproductive health practice. Internists see it as part of primary care. Endocrinologists may see the hormone piece. But there's no guarantee that any of them have received adequate training in modern menopause management — and the evidence is that most haven't.
The MSCP credential exists to create a searchable signal of genuine expertise. When a provider holds MSCP certification, you know they have passed a rigorous exam covering the full scope of menopause care. That's not a guarantee of perfect practice — but it's a meaningful filter.
~2,500
MSCP-certified providers in the US
A small, specialized group
31%
OB-GYNs who feel prepared for menopause
Per The Menopause Society survey
Any license
Eligible for MSCP certification
MD, DO, NP, PA, CNM all qualify
What MSCP-Certified Means for Your Appointment
In practice, an MSCP appointment typically feels different from a standard OB-GYN visit. You're less likely to be dismissed. You're more likely to have an evidence-based conversation about HRT options, including a clear explanation of the actual risks and benefits for your specific profile. You're more likely to leave with a plan.
This doesn't mean every MSCP is the right fit, or that excellent providers without MSCP don't exist — some brilliant, up-to-date menopause practitioners haven't sat for the exam. But as a filter when you don't know where to start, MSCP certification is the strongest signal available.
How to Find MSCP-Certified Providers Near You
Filter for MSCP Certified in this directory
Browse MenopauseDirectory.co and filter by "MSCP Certified" to find certified practitioners in your area or offering telehealth nationwide.
Find MSCP-Certified ProvidersDon't settle for a provider who dismisses you
MSCP-certified practitioners have done the work to understand menopause deeply. Find one near you.
Find MSCP-Certified ProvidersMSCP Certification: FAQ
What does MSCP stand for?+
MSCP stands for Menopause Society Certified Practitioner. It is awarded by The Menopause Society (formerly known as the North American Menopause Society, or NAMS) — the leading professional organization for menopause healthcare in North America. To earn the credential, providers must pass a comprehensive exam covering all aspects of menopause management.
What does the MSCP exam cover?+
The MSCP exam covers: hormone physiology and the biology of menopause; management of vasomotor symptoms (hot flashes, night sweats); genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM); cardiovascular and bone health; HRT — types, benefits, risks, and individualization; non-hormonal treatment options; cognitive changes and mental health; premature ovarian insufficiency; surgical menopause; and shared decision-making. It's a demanding exam that tests both breadth and depth.
What types of providers can become MSCP-certified?+
Any licensed healthcare provider can sit for the MSCP exam: MDs, DOs, Nurse Practitioners (NPs), Physician Assistants (PAs), and Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs). The credential doesn't discriminate by license type — what matters is demonstrated knowledge. This means a menopause-focused NP with MSCP certification may have more specialized expertise than a general OB-GYN without it.
How many MSCP-certified practitioners are there in the US?+
As of 2024, approximately 2,000–3,500 providers in the US hold MSCP certification. Given that there are roughly 1.3 million physicians in the US alone, this is a small and specialized group. Finding one near you may require some searching — which is exactly why this directory exists.
Does an MSCP certification guarantee HRT will be prescribed?+
Not automatically — the MSCP credential certifies knowledge, not prescribing behavior. But MSCP-certified providers have demonstrated understanding of HRT evidence, including its benefits for appropriate candidates. They are significantly less likely to dismiss HRT based on outdated fear and more likely to engage in a nuanced, evidence-based conversation about your options.
How is the MSCP different from other menopause certifications?+
The MSCP is the only certification from The Menopause Society — the authoritative body in North American menopause medicine. Other certifications (CLMs, various coaching programs) vary widely in rigor. If you're looking for a medical provider with the strongest credentials, MSCP is the standard to filter for.