Dr. Deborah Joyce Herchelroath, DO

Dr. Deborah J. Herchelroath, DO / Midlife isn’t the end. It’s the reset—when the right care shows up. From my very first visit with Dr. Herchelroath, I knew this experience was different—in the best way. I felt comfortable, heard, and genuinely understood. I spoke openly without hesitation because she truly gets it. She understood the weight I’ve been carrying, my struggle, and the many years I’ve spent trying to make sense of what was happening in my body. After nearly a decade of doing my own research, that alone was refreshing. What stood out immediately was her passion. You can see it when she speaks. As we talked, it was clear this isn’t just a job for her—it’s her calling. She understands women because she has lived it, studied it, and genuinely cares about getting it right. That energy was contagious, and it was honestly awesome to experience. Dr. Herchelroath took the time to listen, explain, and guide me with clarity and respect—without judgment or fear-based messaging.… Through her care, UPMC initiated a comprehensive, individualized hormone therapy plan as part of their midlife women’s care program. Her approach was thoughtful and measured, with the goal of helping me feel balanced, stable, and well—not rushed, dismissed, or scared into silence. I’m grateful to be on treatment that’s already helping me feel stronger and clearer, because it allows me to lead the way alongside her—to speak up, share, and help other women realize they don’t have to suffer in silence. Providers like Dr. Herchelroath make that possible. Her honesty also matters. The narrative that women are “going to have a heart attack” if they address their hormones is misleading and disingenuous. She approached my care with education and facts—not scare tactics. I didn’t even know UPMC had a midlife-focused women’s program until meeting her, and that says a lot. Doctors like Dr. Herchelroath are exactly who women need—especially since perimenopause and hormonal changes can begin well before most women are warned, sometimes as early as their 30s and 40s. I’ve already referred several people to Dr. Herchelroath, and she is seeing them—but access is a real issue because she’s only available two days a week. My sister is one of those people, and she’s struggling. Care like this shouldn’t be hard to access when it’s clearly making a difference. UPMC—this is where you need to do better. Doctors like Dr. Herchelroath should be readily available, not limited. There’s also an opportunity here: spearhead educational programs, conferences, and community initiatives around women’s midlife health. Other major cities are doing this, and women are responding. It’s needed here—and it will be well received. This is the new us. Biological women, living as such, asking for the same level of care, access, and respect that men already receive. When women are supported and feel well, families and communities are stronger—everyone benefits. Dr. Herchelroath made me feel seen, respected, and supported—like I’d known her forever—simply because she has walked this path herself. I genuinely loved my experience with her, and I’m grateful to have her guiding me through this stage of life. UPMC, listen closely. This care matters.

She is an amazing doctor. Would highly recommend!