About This Program
FEMM, or Fertility Education and Medical Management, is a more holistic model of care focused on women’s reproductive and hormonal health. Through FEMM, women gain a deeper understanding of their bodies and receive treatment that gets to the root cause of symptoms.
FEMM is based on scientific research from the Reproductive Health Research Institute (RHRI).
Stop guessing. Start understanding.
FEMM empowers women with the knowledge to understand their physiology and the care to address symptoms at their source. With FEMM-certified providers at Franciscan Health, women receive research-based education, diagnosis and treatment for lifelong hormonal health.
How does FEMM work?
The FEMM program seeks to achieve hormonal balance in all women, beginning with ovulation. When a woman does not ovulate, her body is experiencing a hormonal shift. FEMM certified providers assist women in charting biomarkers, identifying times of fertility, and recognizing signs of health and cycle abnormalities to recover healthy hormonal function.
FEMM uses comprehensive physical and lab workups to identify and treat root causes of many health conditions including:
- Menopause
- Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS, formerly referred to as PCOS)
- Endometriosis and irregular cycles
- Metabolic disease and insulin resistance
- Auto immune disease
- Signs and symptoms of hormonal imbalance: acne, weight gain, depression
- Depending on the condition, FEMM may require lifestyle changes, mental health support, or natural supplements for best results.
How does Franciscan Health use the FEMM approach?
Our personalized treatment plans focus on restoring healthy hormone function. Depending on each woman’s diagnosis and needs, treatment may include targeted medications to immunological interventions, and recommendations for nutrition, exercise and lifestyle to support long-term health.
What is unique about FEMM Care?
Every women’s physiology is unique and so are her symptoms. Women’s health concerns are often overlooked or dismissed, making it difficult to get clear answers and effective treatment. At Franciscan Health, our FEMM Practitioners believe your symptoms are important signals about your health. Instead of simply masking symptoms, we help identify their root causes and provide the support you need. FEMM Providers are equipped with Reproductive Health Research Institute's (RHRI) research-based protocols to diagnose and treat hormonal health conditions such as:
- Menopause
- Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS/PCOS)
- Endometriosis
- Irregular cycle
Who may benefit from FEMM?
All women, from puberty through menopause, can benefit from FEMM. FEMM is designed for any woman who wants to improve metabolic health or understand what their hormones are communicating.
FEMM also works with males to understand and restore hormonal balance through a comprehensive male hormonal panel.
How to get started
Schedule an appointment with one of our FEMM providers. You do not need a referral; just call and make sure to mention that you would like a FEMM appointment. Our providers are available for in person and virtual appointments. Use our online directory to find a FEMM Provider.
