About Dr. Tara Scott

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Dr. Tara Scott

Ambassador and Clinical Advisor, Women’s Health Program

Dr. Tara Scott is a board-certified OB/GYN, certified menopause practitioner, and integrative medicine expert who has spent more than 25 years advocating for women's health. Known as the "Hormone Guru," she is nationally recognized for her research-backed approach to hormonal balance, with features in Women's Health, Shape, Newsweek, and beyond.

Dr. Scott has held leadership roles in academic medicine, serving as Associate Clinical Professor at Northeast Ohio Medical University and as Course Director for Women's Health in the Integrative & Functional Medicine Fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. She earned her medical degree from Northeast Ohio Medical University and completed her residency with Summa Health System at Akron City Hospital in Ohio.

Dr. Scott is passionate about closing gaps in women’s healthcare and believes every woman deserves "the clarity, support, and clinical expertise they need to better navigate the aging process, make informed choices, and prevent chronic disease." Her integrative approach blends evidence-based medicine with personalized care, empowering women to understand their hormones, own their health, and thrive at every stage of life.

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Frequently Asked Questions

With over 25 years in this field, was there a moment or experience that first inspired you to focus on women's hormonal health?

When I was working as a traditional OB/GYN, I struggled to get pregnant and ended up needing fertility drugs and even IVF to get pregnant with my kids. During my infertility journey, I was diagnosed with endometriosis and Hashimoto's thyroiditis. In traditional medicine, there was nothing for patients with hormone issues. It was either fertility drugs or birth control. Nothing in between. So I started learning about hormones on my own and searching for other options.

“In traditional medicine, there was nothing for patients with hormone issues. So I started learning about hormones on my own and searching for other options.”

How does your integrative approach change the way you treat patients compared to a more traditional OB/GYN?

With an integrative approach, we typically are searching for the cause of the symptoms, rather than just the treatment. We look at diet, lifestyle, stress, and sleep patterns. We look at hormone levels and metabolic markers and genetics when we need to. WIth this approach, we may even be able to eliminate some symptoms and prevent disease sequellae. And even make perimenopause a little smoother.

Hormone replacement therapy has had a complicated reputation over the years. What does the current research actually say about its safety and who it's right for?

The current recommendation from The Menopause Society is that for most people between the ages of 50-60 or within 10 years from their last period, there are more benefits than risks to taking HRT.

Are there hormonal conditions that commonly get missed or dismissed in women, and what should patients advocate for?

Many times younger patients with irregular periods, migraines and endometriosis are actually having a hormone imbalance and can get some improvement of their symptoms. Also, women don't have to wait until they are fully in menopause to start HRT.

How does a woman know when what she's experiencing goes beyond "normal" menopause and it's time to see a specialist?

Anything out of the ordinary – chest pain, severe fatigue, pain that doesn't go away- should all be evaluated.

Outside of medication, what are the most impactful lifestyle and nutrition changes a woman can make to support her hormonal health?

Getting at least 7-8 hours of sleep, moving your body every day, and eating whole foods can make a big difference.

So many women in midlife experience anxiety, brain fog, and mood shifts. How much of that is actually hormonal, and how do you help patients navigate the emotional side of this transition?

Much of that is hormonal, but it can also be exacerbated by stress. Cortisol, your stress hormone, has its own set of symptoms but can also make other things worse- like sugar metabolism and thyroid function. That is why I am an advocate for getting levels checked to see what the cause of your symptoms are.

For a woman who's in the thick of perimenopause and feeling overwhelmed, what's the most practical thing she can start doing today?

Eliminating excess sugar, reducing alcohol, and eating less processed food can really help. Stop eating after dinner and trying to get 8 hours of sleep can also make a big difference.

If you could get one message about menopause in front of every woman, what would it be?

Hormone therapy may not be for everyone, but every woman deserves to hear about the risks, benefits and alternatives to HRT. I would even go further to say that I wish everyone could have their hormone levels checked to help make the decision with a knowledgeable provider if HRT is right for them.

“ I wish everyone could have their hormone levels checked to help make the decision with a knowledgeable provider if HRT is right for them.”

What do you think is the most underserved or overlooked area in women's hormonal health right now, and where do you hope the field is headed?

Right now menopause is getting a lot of attention. Perimenopause is getting a little more but patients are still being dismissed. Those younger patients – age 25-45 – with hormone complaints are mostly getting overlooked. I hope we can change that paradigm.

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