Dr. Suzanne Gilberg, 59: Putting the Care in Women’s Healthcare

As a woman who’s already navigating hormonal imbalance, who’s finding herself at dead-ends in the maze that is our mainstream medical system, being introduced to someone like Dr. Suzanne Gilberg, MD, made my entire body take a deep breath. My heart leaped with joy and my mind screamed, “YES!” Her commitment to promoting healing that involves individuals, families, communities, and the planet alike is not just utopian—it is possible and deeply necessary. But change doesn’t happen overnight. While public health continues to play catch-up when it comes to women’s bodies and health, Dr. Gilberg is hard at work actively making an effort to change the very system she works in to provide perspective and encourage a systemic shift that will hopefully take root to care for generations of women to come. 

A Diplomat of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dr. Gilberg received her medical degree in 1996 from the University of Southern California School of Medicine and completed her residency in obstetrics and gynecology at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, where she also co-founded the Green Committee. She became board-certified in integrative and holistic medicine in 2008 and completed her clinical Ayurvedic specialist degree at California College of Ayurveda in 2010. Dr. Gilberg is the author of Menopause Bootcamp: Optimize Your Health, Empower Yourself, and Flourish as You Age and frequently shares her deep and diversified well of knowledge in print, online, and on TV to educate, enlighten, and empower.

As the chief clinical officer at Monarch, a company that partners with OB/GYNs to transform patient care, Dr. Gilberg’s focus is on longevity, prevention, and building deep relationships with patients. Connection is key. So is finding a physician who’s committed to helping their patients find what works for them—even if that means pushing up against out-dated public health recommendations. Because care should be about the individual. As a breast cancer survivor and a woman over 50, Dr. Gilberg’s collective experiences have deepened her empathy, sharpened her clinical judgment, and reinforced her belief that patients deserve nuanced, personalized care and access to informed, compassionate medical professionals who can help them weigh the risks and benefits of treatment for them. Because that type of understanding and support is the meaning of true care—care that gives you tools and leaves you feeling confident to make choices that work for you.

How old are you?
Fifty-nine.

Are you married? Kids?
I’m divorced and in a committed relationship with the man of my dreams. I have adult children, a 27-year-old son and a 24-year-old daughter.

Where are you from and where are you currently based?
I’m a lifelong Angeleno—born and raised in Los Angeles. I spent time on the East Coast for college and lived in San Francisco for four years, but I’ve been back in my beloved hometown since I returned for medical school in 1992.

You’ve been open about being a breast cancer survivor. How has your experience informed or shifted the way you counsel patients, particularly women in menopause, who may be navigating breast cancer?
It’s had a profound impact. Even before my own diagnosis, I was already seeing young breast cancer survivors in my practice—many of whom were referred to me by my mentor, Dr. Philomena McAndrew, a renowned breast oncologist. These women were often in chemically or surgically induced menopause in their 30s, and no one knew how to help them. That’s actually how I started learning about menopause.

One of the first things I discovered—and later confirmed with Dr. McAndrew—was that vaginal estrogen could be safely used, even in patients with estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer, because the systemic absorption is minimal. That became a turning point in how I approached care for survivors.

Then, in my mid-40s, I was diagnosed with breast cancer myself. Navigating perimenopause during treatment, I was already using herbal remedies like chaste tree. I wasn’t sure if I could continue, so I turned to my oncologist. She didn’t give me a directive, but she empowered me to weigh the risks and benefits for myself—a philosophy I’ve always embraced in my own practice. Later, as my symptoms worsened in menopause, I read Estrogen Matters by Avrum Bluming and, after years of being hormone-free, chose to begin hormone therapy.

I was a decade out from my diagnosis, and I knew the risks—but the quality-of-life impact was too great to ignore. I couldn’t sleep or function. I also had early-onset osteoporosis from previous treatment, which raised concerns about long-term health. That experience deepened my empathy, sharpened my clinical judgment, and reinforced my belief that patients deserve nuanced, personalized care—even when the path isn’t perfectly mapped out in guidelines.

What are your thoughts on hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for menopausal women? Do you feel there’s also a role for testosterone replacement?
I feel strongly that hormone therapy should be on the table. It’s not about beliefs. It’s about science. For most women, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is safe and can offer real protection against serious long-term health risks like heart disease, osteoporosis, cognitive decline, and reduced quality of life. Women’s lifespans are longer than men’s, but our health spans are often shorter—and that’s something we can change with better education and access.

In my own case, I used hormone-blocking therapy after my breast cancer diagnosis and reduced my risk of recurrence from four percent to two percent. But years later, I realized that my risk of dying from heart disease or complications from osteoporosis was much higher than my breast cancer risk. That shift in perspective (and in the data) helped me make the decision to begin HRT. It was a personal decision, made with full knowledge of the risks and benefits, and it dramatically improved my quality of life.

Now, I bring that same nuanced, evidence-based approach to my patients. Every case is different. That’s why I use consent forms, in-depth counseling, and tailor recommendations based on individual risk profiles. Thankfully, professional organizations like ASCO are starting to catch up. There’s growing recognition of the safety and importance of HRT (even for certain breast cancer survivors) and an acknowledgment that quality of life matters.

As for testosterone, yes, it also has a role. We know levels decline in women and that testosterone can help with libido, brain function, sleep, and even bone health. While the data isn’t yet robust enough for universal guidelines other than sexual health impacts, it should still be part of the conversation. The key is informed, individualized care—not a one-size-fits-all approach. If physicians aren’t up to date on the science, they can’t guide patients through these critical decisions.

The FDA recommends using HRT at the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible duration to manage menopause symptoms—a recommendation that is based on the understanding that longer use, especially over 10 years, might increase the risk of breast cancer in general. What are your thoughts?
That recommendation is incredibly outdated and not supported by current data. The idea of “lowest dose for the shortest time” is based on opinion, not high-quality evidence. More recent studies—including those involving women over 65—show that those who remain on hormone therapy often do better in terms of overall health and longevity.

It’s critical that we distinguish between expert opinion and actual data from randomized controlled trials. Unfortunately, many public health guidelines still rely on outdated or misinterpreted information, and that perpetuates fear and confusion for both patients and clinicians.

We need to move the conversation forward. Hormone therapy, when used appropriately, can be safe and beneficial well beyond the short-term symptom relief it’s typically prescribed for. The decision to continue or stop should be based on individual risk factors, benefits, and a thorough, evidence-informed discussion—not blanket timelines or fear-based messaging.

Current black box warnings on estrogen and the lack of FDA-approved testosterone for women creates severe limitations in treatment options. Off-label prescribing of testosterone isn’t unusual. In fact, I heard at a recent medical conference that around 80% of all prescriptions are written off-label, meaning a medication is being used in a way not officially approved by the FDA but often supported by clinical experience and emerging research.

If you’re not in the medical field, it’s easy to hear “off-label” and assume something is unsafe or experimental. But in reality, off-label prescribing is incredibly common—and often necessary—especially when treating complex or underserved areas of health like menopause. What matters is that the decision is informed, individualized, and grounded in the best available science.

Do you feel there could be a role for HRT as a breast cancer survivor?
The landscape of hormone therapy has dramatically changed over the past 20 years, and this is especially important for early-stage breast cancer survivors to understand. What we once thought we knew about hormone replacement therapy has evolved significantly based on new research and better understanding of the data. The reality is that HRT is safe for most people, which means it should be a treatment option that’s available and discussed with patients. Rather than being automatically ruled out, hormone therapy deserves to be part of the conversation about managing menopausal symptoms and long-term health—it should be on the menu of options that women can consider with their healthcare providers.

You’ve built a career at the intersection of conventional and integrative medicine. What first sparked your interest in pursuing a career in healthcare and focusing on women’s healthcare in particular?
I’ve always been drawn to people’s stories. Even as a teenager, I was the kind of person strangers would open up to—I genuinely enjoyed listening and offering support. My father is a psychoanalyst and physician, so growing up, the idea of becoming a doctor wasn’t pressured on me, but it was almost an unconscious blueprint for adulthood.

In high school, I volunteered on a teen mental health hotline at Cedars-Sinai. Later, while living in San Francisco, I worked with emotionally disturbed children and teens, both as a teacher and a childcare worker. During staff meetings, I found myself most fascinated by the physicians’ roles, which made me realize that I wanted to pursue a career in medicine.

I didn’t follow a traditional path. I didn’t take pre-med courses in college. I went back to school later and applied to medical school with deep commitment. Early on, I gravitated toward women’s health because it often focused on wellness rather than just illness. I loved the idea of being a consistent presence throughout a woman’s life, guiding her through the physical and emotional transitions at every stage.

To my surprise, I also fell in love with anatomy and surgery during my first year of medical school. That passion led me to gynecologic surgery and obstetrics, which felt like a spiritual calling. It’s a field that combines instinct with precision, science with soul. Honestly, I probably would’ve been a midwife in another lifetime.

My interest in integrative and holistic care also began early. I grew up traveling extensively with my parents in the 1970s, visiting places where Americans were warmly welcomed. Those experiences exposed me to different cultures, traditions, healing rituals, and belief systems.

When I began training at LA County Hospital in the 1990s, I was struck by how cultural beliefs influenced patient care. I remember being taught that a patient might refuse a pink pill because it was considered “hot” in their system of understanding illness. I deeply respected that worldview and became fascinated by indigenous medicine.

At one point, I even dreamed of creating a medicinal garden at the medical school that reflected our patients’ cultural remedies—definitely a pipe dream back then, but I think it would be embraced today. That early curiosity planted the seeds for the integrative work I do now.

You educate women about their reproductive health during all stages of life. What is one myth you’d want to dispel for women in the reproductive stage of their life? What about those in perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause?
The problem is that women don’t understand what’s going on in their body at all, at any phase of life. I would love women to understand what’s happening in their body physiologically. Perimenopause and menopause are normal physiological transitions. We should be educating kids in grade school about menopause the way we are educating them about puberty.

In your book, Menopause Bootcamp, you emphasize empowerment. What can empowerment look like for a woman going through perimenopause or menopause today?
Empowerment starts with education. Every woman deserves access to a complete range of treatments—hormone therapy, lifestyle modifications, supplements, integrative approaches—along with honest, personalized conversations about what makes sense for her unique situation. Cookie-cutter approaches simply don’t work when it comes to something this individual. We need to shift how we think about this entire phase of life.

Menopause isn’t just about surviving hot flashes or managing mood swings—it’s actually a pivotal moment that sets the stage for everything that comes next. Yes, we want you to feel comfortable now, but we’re also thinking bigger picture: your long-term health, your energy and vitality in the years ahead, and preventing issues that could impact your quality of life down the road. This transition is really a gateway to the next chapter of your life, and how you navigate it matters far beyond just getting through the immediate symptoms.

Monarch, where you’re the chief clinical officer, is working to transform OB/GYN care. What’s broken in the current system, and how are you trying to fix it?
The biggest barrier physicians face is time. We simply don’t have enough of it to truly understand what’s going on with our patients, let alone develop the kind of personalized, proactive care plans that actually make a difference. When you’re squeezed into 15 to 20-minute appointments and then can’t get back in for another six to 12 months, that’s not real care.

Our current healthcare system is built around insurance reimbursements and seeing as many patients as possible, not around actual health outcomes. It’s designed for putting out fires quickly rather than preventing them from starting. I’ll never forget when one of my patients asked her primary care doctor at a top academic institution about preventative cardiology screening. The doctor told her, “It sounds like you want health care, but we provide medical care.” That interaction perfectly captures what’s broken about our approach.

At Monarch, we’re intentionally working to change that model. Our focus is on longevity, prevention, and building deep relationships with our patients. We give our physicians the time and support they need to practice real medicine—the kind that’s rooted in genuine connection, understanding each person’s unique context, and having the clinical freedom to do what’s actually best for them.

If you could implement one policy or cultural shift in how we handle women’s health in the U.S., especially midlife health, what would it be?
Stop treating women like we’re some kind of exception to the rule. We’re human beings, and we’re half the population. It’s that simple. The real issue is systemic: Only about 10 to 11 percent of the NIH budget goes toward women’s health research. That means most medical studies and guidelines aren’t even based on data that fully applies to women. So when we say the system isn’t serving women, especially in midlife, we’re not being dramatic. We’re stating a fact. We need to fund women’s health research appropriately and start valuing women’s bodies and experiences the same way we do men’s. Yes, women have unique physiology, but that’s not a reason to segregate us from the broader conversation. It’s a reason to invest in understanding us better so women can get the kind of care we actually deserve.

You’ve appeared on The Drew Barrymore Show and are a frequent face on national media. How do you balance being a clinician with being a public educator?
“Balance” is a myth. I think we need to let go of the myth of balance; it’s really about trade-offs. When I say “yes” to media opportunities, it’s because I see education as one of my core responsibilities. Not everyone has access to a physician who can communicate clearly and compassionately, so I use these platforms to reach as many people as I can with accurate, empowering information.

That said, it’s not easy. These media commitments mean stepping away from clinical hours, which has financial implications, but my patients still come first. I’ve done telemedicine visits from hotel rooms to stay connected with them. It all comes down to creativity, prioritization, and saying “yes” to the things that align with my values and personal mission.

Do you ever feel like the media still gets menopause wrong? If so, how?
Absolutely. The narrative around menopause is finally starting to shift, but for too long it’s been framed as a story of loss: loss of youth, vitality, and desirability. We focus on what’s breaking down rather than what’s transforming.

Yes, there is real grief that comes with these changes, and we need to acknowledge that. But menopause is also this profound transition. It’s like a gateway to what can be the most creative, fulfilling, and joyful phase of life. I’m proof of this and so are many of the women I work with. When you have the right support, education, and resources, you can come through this feeling empowered, not diminished.

Instead of fearmongering about how you won’t sleep, your libido’s gone, you’re invisible, we need to offer something more honest and hopeful. We can say “This transition can be challenging” while also showing women how to navigate it with real tools and genuine confidence. Because here’s the truth: I’ve never been more visible in my life.

There’s been a recent surge in menopause-related products, celebrity brands, and social media “experts.” How can women tell what’s truly helpful versus what’s just hype?
It’s definitely challenging! My overall feeling is that the more we normalize these conversations, the more we destigmatize them. I appreciate the celebrities who are stepping up to talk about this openly. But here’s where we need to be thoughtful: You can’t get ALL of your information from celebrities who aren’t medical experts. The celebrities who are doing the most good are the ones who are reaching out to qualified experts for support and guidance. They’re not just trying to sell you a product. Instead, they’re committed to educating and empowering women with real, evidence-based information that can actually help.

One of your messages is that menopause is not a disease to be cured. How do you help patients shift their mindset from fear to curiosity or even celebration around this life stage?
It starts with acknowledging what women are going through instead of dismissing their experiences. We need to validate what they’re feeling, make their struggles visible, and then follow through with education and resources. It’s about meeting women where they are and giving them the tools they actually need.

You co-founded the Green Committee at Cedars-Sinai. From your vantage point, how does environmental sustainability intersect with women’s health?
The connection is undeniable. Healthcare is responsible for about 10 to 11 percent of total waste in the U.S., and that has consequences. On a macro level, we’re contributing to environmental harm that affects everyone. On a micro level, we’re now seeing direct health effects: microplastics showing up in our bodies, rising cancer rates in younger people, and hormone disruptions. All these issues disproportionately impact women, which makes this conversation even more urgent.

When we harm the environment, we harm ourselves. As physicians, we can’t separate environmental sustainability from public health. They’re deeply linked. In fact, this is a core principle in Ayurveda: All disease stems from disconnection—from our spirit, our bodies, and from nature. We are nature. Ignoring that truth puts our health, especially women’s health, at risk.

Was there a specific moment or experience that inspired you to combine Ayurveda with OB/GYN practice?
Absolutely. But first of all, I don’t classically practice it. I practice Western medicine, but I’m informed by a broader, holistic understanding of healing. Human beings have always used rituals, plants, and the environment to heal—Western medicine is just the latest expression of that.

My journey with Ayurveda began during residency, when I met Dorit Dyke, who became a close friend and mentor. At the time, I was a young mom with a demanding career, already doing yoga and searching for balance. Dorit introduced me to Ayurveda, meditation, Deepak Chopra, and connected me with a community of integrative physicians in Los Angeles.

Eventually, I studied at the California College of Ayurveda. My mentor, Dr. Marc Halpern, encouraged me to complete the full program—including a six-month internship treating patients using Ayurvedic assessment and herbal medicine. I saw patients in my OB/GYN clinic by day and in my converted garage by night. It was intense, but transformative. That experience fundamentally changed the way I see health, healing, and patient care.

As someone who’s board-certified in holistic medicine, how do you approach patients who are skeptical of complementary therapies like Ayurveda or lifestyle interventions?
I don’t. I’m not here to convince anyone. I’m much more interested in helping people to find what works best for them. My job is to educate and enlighten and empower. And that is the job of a healer. The job of a healer is not to bully somebody into appreciating my perspective. That’s not healing. That’s a power struggle.

How do you personally define flourishing as you age? What does that look like in your own life right now?
For me, flourishing is about embracing who I am fully and honestly. It’s a blend of staying curious and future-focused while also learning to be present, which hasn’t always been my strong suit. I’m a lifelong learner by nature. I love exploring, traveling, and trying new things. That mindset keeps me energized and open to whatever comes next.

At the same time, aging has taught me to slow down and appreciate what’s happening right now, including in my body, which is going through changes I don’t always love. But I’ve been working on shifting my mindset from critique to gratitude. Just last night, I reminded myself: This body is still doing amazing things for you, so say thank you. That shift in perspective has opened the door to new professional opportunities, including a major pivot in my career that turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

What are you the most excited about next?
MONARCH!!! I’m so passionate about helping change the narrative, not just around how we give and receive care, but also around how we see and treat physicians. It’s about transforming the entire healthcare experience for everyone involved.

Who inspires you the most and why?
The woman who, against all odds, advocates for herself. The woman who shows up at my office after seeing seven doctors who dismissed her and is still out here looking for answers because she did not and will not dismiss herself

What are your three life non-negotiables (i.e., the things you can’t live without)?
1. My connections with my loved ones (even if it’s just FaceTime with my daughter or a text with my son)
2. Exercise
3. Travel, adventure, and spontaneity

Editor’s Note: Some answers may have been condensed and/or edited for clarity.

Connect with Dr. Suzanne Gilberg, MD: Dr. Suzanne’s Website / Dr. Suzanne at Monarch / Instagram (@askdrsuzanne)

Cover image courtesy of Dr. Suzanne Gilberg