Are you allocating any of your flexible spending account (FSA) funds toward menopause symptom relief? This post is a reminder to set up appointments in order to use all of your benefits before the year turns over. It’ll be the New Year before we know it.  

What is FSA?

FSA is an arrangement through your employer that lets you pay for many out-of-pocket medical expenses with tax-free dollars. Allowed expenses include insurance copayments and deductibles, qualified prescription drugs, insulin, and medical devices. You may have access to a flexible spending account (FSA) through your group health plan such as an HMO or PPO. In most cases, these pre-tax benefits are lost if not used before the start of a new calendar year.  

Gina was reviewing her pay stub from work when two things happened: 1. Another hot flash revved and rolled through her body (it had to be the 6th or 7th that day already) and 2. She saw 3 letters jump out at her on her stub... FSA. She blotted her upper chest and neck with a tissue and thought, "Why not use some of my flexible spending account dollars to get some relief from these [expletive] hot flashes?"  What a great idea! Put those saved, pre-tax dollars to work especially if you're experiencing an onslaught of perimenopause symptoms.

Timing is everything when using FSA

Book appointments now (or get referrals) to get in to see new practitioners before the New Year turns over. Use your FSA dollars on the health-related appointments and treatments you need. And if there are a few dollars still in your account that are un-attributed, consider trying a form of care you’ve been curious about.  

Non-invasive options for menopause care

For now, let’s take a look at some of the alternative, non-invasive types of health care that may be covered in your health care plan.  

Integrated Menopause Care

No more grinning and bearing the symptoms of menopause, book an appointment with Gennev's integrated menopause care team. Gennev patients find relief from symptoms ranging from vaginal dryness and pain, loss of libido, hot flashes and night sweats, brain fog and moodiness, sleep disruptions, urinary symptoms and more. With a letter of medical necessity from Gennev providers, coverage for appointments, supplements and lubricants are included on most plans.

Chiropractic

Spinal alignment with gentle, corrective, chiropractic care can relax the autonomic nerves, which can aid in improving sleep, decreasing stress, and increasing overall vitality. Some find that headaches are also reduced when chiropractic care is conducted.  

Massage

Relaxing and gentle, a massage can soothe frayed nerves, improve overall well-being, and aid in stress-reduction, while providing some quiet, restful time on the table.

Massage pairs well with other types of care listed here, as well as with more standard Western medicine.

Acupuncture

Even if you’re nervous about needles, you might be pleasantly surprised by acupuncture. This kind of care can treat and reduce multiple symptoms at the same time in one session. From anxiety and depression, to hot flashes and sleep trouble, there is evidence acupuncture provides real relief. So be sure to ask HR or your benefits provider about acupuncture and your FSA.  

Learn more about how Chinese medicine can balance a menopausal body.

Naturopathic Medicine

Are you looking for a more holistic approach to supplement your primary care? Consider consulting with a naturopathic physician (ND). Ask about herbal options and/or HRT (hormone replacement therapy) alternatives.

Learn more about naturopathic medicine.

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Separately, or in combination, these alternate health care programs can alleviate menopausal and perimenopausal symptoms. And you may already have the pre-tax dollars saved in your FSA account.

Connect with your insurance provider to be sure that these kinds of care, and their practitioners, will be covered in your plan. You will be glad you did, as this additional me time may balance your stress levels and bolster your self-care through the coming hectic holiday season.

Hint: if a loved one says, I never know what to get you for a gift, massage and acupuncture appointments can make excellent, unique gifts!

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Now that we've reminded you of the unused funds in your FSA account, how might you use the money for better menopause care? Share your thoughts with us in our community forums!

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