Menopause Specialist in Bend, OR

Dr. Drew Collins, ND is a menopause specialist in Bend, Oregon. He helps women through perimenopause and menopause with hormone testing, bioidentical hormones when they’re a safe fit, herbs, diet and exercise.

Updated September 15, 2026. Care provided by Dr. Drew Collins, ND, Oregon naturopathic license 1332.

What is Menopause?

Menopause is when periods stop for good. Mayo Clinic explains that it’s diagnosed after 12 months without a menstrual period, bleeding or spotting, and that it can happen in your 40s or 50s. The average age in the United States is 51.

The years before that, called perimenopause, are often the hardest part. Periods get irregular, sleep goes sideways, and hot flashes or mood changes can start while you’re still cycling. In the video above Dr. Collins calls himself your “physician through transition,” and he means it literally: from early perimenopause to the other side can be a relationship of ten years or so.

There are hormonal and non-hormonal ways to manage it. Which one fits depends on your symptoms, your labs and your health history. For more detail, read the four stages of menopause and perimenopause symptoms that deserve investigation.

Common Signs

Hot Flushes and Night Sweats

Experience sudden waves of heat in the face, neck, or chest, often with skin flushing, sweating, heart palpitations, and a sense of discomfort that can last for several minutes.

Changes in Menstrual Cycle

Menstrual cycles may become irregular and unpredictable before periods eventually stop altogether.

Vaginal Dryness and Discomfort

You may notice increased dryness, pain during intercourse, or even symptoms like urinary incontinence.

Mood and Sleep Disturbances

Menopause can bring challenges such as trouble sleeping (including insomnia), as well as mood swings, increased anxiety, or feelings of depression.

Specialized Support for Women

If you’re facing symptoms such as hot flashes, memory changes, fatigue, or emotional fluctuations after menopause, Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) could offer relief. Dr. Collins takes a holistic approach, combining BHRT with personalized counseling and encouraging the involvement of supportive family members and mentors to help you navigate this transition. He also stresses the importance of both partners understanding the natural changes that occur during menopause, fostering empathy and connection throughout this stage of life.

Treatment options, hormonal and non-hormonal

Dr. Collins takes a holistic approach to menopause care, blending counseling and
individualized recommendations to support your well-being. His comprehensive method includes

Movement and exercise that fit your daily life

Recommending tailored dietary adjustments

Utilizing herbal remedies, homeopathic solutions, and bio-identical hormone therapy as needed.

Not everyone wants hormones, and not everyone should take them. If you’d rather avoid them, read managing menopause without conventional HRT. If you’re considering them, bioidentical hormone replacement and female hormone replacement therapy explain the options.

Your first visit and testing

It starts with a free phone call of about 5 to 10 minutes to see whether you’re a fit.

At the first visit Dr. Collins goes through your health history, including your sexual, gynecologic and obstetric history. He recommends a baseline mammogram and a pelvic exam, and orders blood tests such as luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) to gauge ovarian function. Those tests help separate normal age-related cycle changes from missed periods caused by something else. Estrogen, progesterone and testosterone are measured too. If your thyroid could be part of the picture, see hypothyroidism care.

Risks of hormone therapy and who should avoid it

Mayo Clinic says estrogen therapy works best for easing hot flashes, and vaginal estrogen can help with dryness and pain with sex. It still isn’t risk-free, and bioidentical doesn’t mean harmless.

Cleveland Clinic lists increased risk of blood clots, stroke and gallbladder disease, and notes that the risk of heart disease and breast cancer may rise if you’re older or use hormones for a long time. It says bioidentical hormones may not be safe if you have a history of, or high risk for, blood clotting disorders, heart disease, breast cancer or stroke. Common side effects include breast tenderness, bloating, headaches, spotting and mood swings.

Cleveland Clinic also points out that FDA-approved bioidentical hormones have been tested for safety, while compounded versions have not. Ask which kind you’d be getting.

One more thing: bleeding after menopause needs a prompt check. Mayo Clinic advises seeing a healthcare professional as soon as you can if it happens, and that visit shouldn’t wait for a hormone appointment.

Looking for a doctor for this stage? What to look for in a perimenopause doctor in Bend.

Why Choose Dr. Collins

With more than 40 years of experience in Naturopathic Medicine, Dr. Collins expertly integrates time-honored healing traditions with the latest scientific advancements. His academic background in biology and life sciences from the University of Oregon provides him with a comprehensive understanding of holistic patient care, addressing not only physical health but also emotional and spiritual well-being.

Dr. Collins works collaboratively with a network of healthcare professionals in Bend, and draws on a wide range of therapeutic approaches, including classical homeopathy, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and European Biologic Medicine. He is also highly skilled in advanced treatments such as Procaine Neural Therapy and Ozone Therapy, as a member of the American Academy of Ozone Therapy. Dr. Collins’ dedication to ongoing education ensures his patients benefit from the most innovative therapies, all grounded in a holistic philosophy.

About Dr. Drew Collins, ND

Education

Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine, Bastyr University, 1984. B.S. in biology and comparative religion, University of Oregon, 1979.

Licensure

Licensed naturopathic physician in Oregon (license 1332), and also licensed in California and Arizona. NPI 1649432709.

Teaching

Founding clinical director and professor. Adjunct faculty at Bastyr University and Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine.

Recognition

Arizona Naturopathic Physician of the Year, 1992.

Memberships

American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP), AzNMA and the American Academy of Ozone Therapy.

In practice since 1984

More than 40 years of seeing patients as a naturopathic physician.

You can check these yourself. Look up his Oregon license through the Oregon Board of Naturopathic Medicine licensee lookup, or search NPI 1649432709 in the federal NPI registry. One note on wording: naturopathic physicians are licensed after passing the NPLEX board exams. That is a license, not a specialty board certification, and we would rather be exact about it.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What symptoms are commonly associated with menopause?

Many women experience hot flashes, night sweats, changes in menstrual cycles, vaginal dryness, mood fluctuations, and sleep issues. The type and severity of symptoms can differ greatly from person to person.

2. How can a naturopathic doctor assist in managing menopause symptoms?

Naturopathic doctors take a holistic approach, focusing on nutrition, herbal remedies, lifestyle modifications, and, when appropriate, hormone therapy. Their goal is to address underlying causes and support your overall well-being throughout this transition.

3. Are there recommended dietary strategies for women in menopause?

Some women find that foods containing phytoestrogens, such as soy, help a little with hot flashes, though results vary from person to person. Healthy fats and plenty of fruit and vegetables support overall health, and cutting back on caffeine and alcohol helps some women have fewer hot flashes.

4. How important is exercise during menopause?

Staying active is essential for women in menopause. Regular exercise strengthens bones, helps manage weight, reduces stress, and improves sleep. Activities such as strength training, yoga, and cardio are especially beneficial.

5. Where can I find Dr. Collins’ clinic?

Proactive Choice is at 601 NW Harmon Blvd #10, Bend, OR 97703. To book a visit or a free phone consultation, call (858) 333-5196.

Book an Appointment

Complete the form below to request an appointment with Dr. Drew Collins. You can also call the clinic at (858) 333-5196.

      Excellent rating  
 Based on 24 reviews 
    
  
 
 
      Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. After struggling with molluscum contagiosum for over a year and a half with my toddler, we finally found relief thanks to Dr. Drew Collins. I can’t recommend him enough. My son had these viral bumps for about 18 months, and they just kept spreading. We brought it up multiple times with our pediatrician and were told they would resolve on their own within a few months. Unfortunately, that never happened. Instead, the bumps continued to spread and were slowly working their way up toward his neck. They were itchy, uncomfortable, and clearly bothering him. Like many parents, I spent a lot of time searching online for solutions. The problem is that there really aren’t clear protocols—just countless suggestions from people trying anything and everything. We tried many of those approaches, but nothing helped, and some even seemed to make things worse. When we finally met with Dr. Drew Collins, the experience was completely different. He took the time to listen, understand the situation, and develop a thoughtful treatment plan. The plan was surprisingly simple—just one supplement—but within about a month we started seeing real improvement. Now, about three months later, my son only has a few small scabs left where the bumps used to be, and they’re healing up nicely. After 18 months of watching this spread and worrying about it, seeing such clear progress has been a huge relief. We’re incredibly grateful for Drew’s help and expertise. If you’re dealing with persistent molluscum or similar issues and feel like you’ve run out of options, I would absolutely recommend scheduling a visit with him.
     
   Lindsay Jones 
 
 
 
 
 
    Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dr. Collins has a heart for getting you well. Having had cancer fourteen years ago, I have no thyroid gland. Many doctors have had the “well the numbers look good, you must be feeling well” approach. Dr. Collins understands many reasons why things may not be right even though tests show they should be. He is more interested in you feeling well than the numbers. His approach has revealed things about my present condition I think many doctors missed. While he had my thyroid hormone condition under control, another issue sprang up that traditional doctors approached with the usual pain medications. My gut was constantly hurting. MRIs and ultra sounds, showed nothing. No one offered any reason for my pain. Dr. Collins correctly identified pain in fatty tissues and an incorrect balance of gut microbes. More and more information is being found all the time about how important your gut health is to the rest of your body. Dr. Collins takes a great interest in this subject. He is very concerned for the health of the gut in the American diet that has been terribly broken down by pesticides typically sprayed on seed products and the toxic byproducts of seed oils (wheat, corn, rye, barley, rice and so forth).  He has discovered the findings from MIT and a heart surgeon Dr. William Davis who published Super Gut, that showed there is a missing gut biome called L. Reuteri. Without this biome, all the fatty pain tissues and issues inside the gut caused my pain. Dr. Collins graciously offered a free starter of L. Reuteri and the instructions to grow a yogurt from these bacteria. I was on my way to health. Dr. Collins makes clear that you must have the desire to “follow” the treatment. For this treatment I needed to get off all seed products and take the yogurt daily. This takes some time, several months and at first it was difficult to tell if I was getting better. By the third month there was no doubt. I lost eighteen pounds of fat over my gut and the pain went away. The pain from my sciatica went away due to a reduction in inflammation. This is a side benefit I did not expect. My back hurt less, again, a reduction in inflammation. My skin started looking better. Soon, my wife started taking it because she had trouble with inflammation in her hands. Indeed, her hands and knuckles started to improve, and also her skin. Dr. Collins wants everyone to know about this, and so do I. I highly recommend this treatment and other natural approaches that Dr. Collins employs.
     
   Robert Mehl 
 
 
 
 
 
    Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dr. Drew is amazing! He’s kind, good at explaining everything and has wonderful bedside manner. He really knows how to make you feel comfortable. On top of all of that he is very skilled at what he does. I came to Dr. Drew for my knee which has been giving me issues for years. I had a terrible fall on the ice here in Bend, OR a few days before. Not only did he address my knee but he addressed my fractured tailbone and all the pain I was having for my fall. No joke, I had a noticeable relief by the time I was leaving his office. I experienced some pain and soreness that night from all of the injections but within two days I was sitting on my tailbone again and walking around without excruciating pain. I’m now committed to going through the process to address pain in my shoulders hip and knees. Can’t wait to keep the healing going! Thank you Dr. Drew!!
     
   Alice Fairbairn 
 
 
 
 
 
    Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dr Drew Collins is an Amazing naturopath. He saved me from having a knee replacement!  I had 6 PRP shots and was fine! That was 14 years ago! I've also done prolotherapy for my shoulders and hands with him. He is wonderful!
     
   Dona Davis 
 
 
 
 
 
    Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I have been working with Dr.Collins for close to ten years now. I first came to him because I am a Doctor of Chiropractic and needed help with staying in business. Over the years using my arms, hands , wrists, elbows and spine to treat patients with chiropractic I developed a lot of tendinitis and nerve pain that was so severe I  couldn't practice. With expert clinical care and diagnosis Dr.Collins was able to use regenerative medicine to heal these injuries. I am so happy to say that I now practice  pain free. Furthermore as I am in my 50's now I needed help with my diminishing hormone levels. Dr.Collins analyzed my blood work and  using bioidentical hormones brought my levels up to normal and completed the healing process for me. Now my energy, mood, motivation and love for being a chiropractor are back . I come from a medical family and have worked with other doctors for 30 years, Dr.Collins is the most talented doctor I have met. He is a level above  in clinical expertise and has the greatest amount of knowledge and available treatment that I have experienced.
     
   Patrick Rardin 
 
 
 
 
 
    Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dr. Collins is awesome and helped me when no other doctor could.  I went to see Dr. Collins due to multiple medical problems due to a car accident.  Dr. Collins treated my neck, shoulders, lower back and knees with tremendous success. I had seen many pain management specialists in the past who could only provide temporary pain relief with treatments and medications but Dr. Collins provided me with concrete permanent results. In addition his treatments were pain free! I had very bad knee pain due to degenerative arthritis and all pain is gone now.  I had excruciating pain in my lower back and that is gone now because of Dr. Collins treatments. I had frozen muscles and tendons in my shoulders and neck and he was the only doctor that successfully gave me permanent relief.  In closing, if you are really motivated to get relief from persistent pain go see Dr. Collins and you won't regret it.  He specializes in ozone therapy, hormone replacement, hypothyroidism, prolotherapy, stem cell therapy, anti-aging, nutrition and offers concierge medicine. I am more than grateful that he is conveniently located in Bend so I can see him for all my medical needs in the future.
     
   Desiree Kerkhoff Bryant 
 
 
 
 
 
    Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dr. Collins has been my physician since 2010. He has kept me healthy with his exceptional skill set & that includes Bio-identical hormone therapy & thyroid treatment.  I feel fortunate to be his patient.
     
   Dana Schultz 
 
 
 
 
 
    Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Thank you so much Dr. Collins for balancing my hormones and thyroid for many years. I feel great under your care. Anytime I have a question or concern you always get right back to me. I appreciate the care you take with my health.
     
   Sharon Reeve 
 
 
 
 
 
    Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I have been a patient of Dr. Collins for almost 20 years and he has helped me so much with my overall health and well-being. Not only is he a brilliant doctor, he is a kind and compassionate person who truly cares for his patients. Dr. Collins helped me overcome a terrible hip injury that wasn't responding to conventional treatments. In addition, he balanced my Thyroid Hormones and has helped me with numerous other ailments. I highly recommend Dr. Collins and can't say enough good things about him. I love you Dr. Collins and will be a patient for life!
     
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