Christy Blanco, DNP, APRN, WHNP-BC, FAANP
Integrative & Personalized Hormone Replacement Therapy, LLC
245 Country Club Rd Ste. 200, Santa Teresa, NM
575-332-4633
www.menochats.com
Can you tell us about your industry and what inspired you to pursue this career?
I was drawn to the field of nursing – specifically the advanced practice role of a nurse practitioner – because I wanted to make a real difference in people’s lives. While working as a bedside nurse in an acute care setting for women, I realized I had a strong passion for preventive care and patient education. What fulfills me most is building trusting relationships with patients and specializing in women’s health, which I find incredibly rewarding.
What sets your approach to your profession apart?
I believe that women deserve to be heard. That belief is what inspired me to build a practice where women feel comfortable sharing their health concerns. A recent study showed that women often see up to ten healthcare providers before receiving a menopause diagnosis. Too often, their symptoms are dismissed as stress or even imagination. This tendency to downplay women’s health concerns is a serious issue in medicine, and I strive to create a space where women are truly listened to and validated.
As a woman in your industry, what challenges have you faced, and how have you overcome them?
One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced has been balancing work and family life. Many business owners juggle professional and personal responsibilities, and as a single mother, I carry much of the responsibility for raising my daughter. At the same time, I’m also expected to lead and grow my business. It’s not always easy, but being committed to both roles has made me more resilient and more passionate about the work I do.
How do you ensure excellence in your work and make a positive impact on those you serve?
A survey in the UK of over 2,000 working women aged 40 to 60 found that 23% considered quitting their jobs due to the impact of menopause, and 14% were actively planning to resign because of their symptoms. This data underscores the importance of believing and supporting women through their health journeys. For me, success means taking women seriously, offering compassionate care, and advocating for awareness and education around menopause.
What trends are shaping your industry right now, and how are you staying ahead?
Menopause is finally becoming part of the mainstream conversation. Oprah Winfrey recently hosted a special called “The Menopause Revolution,” and the National Institute on Aging estimates that 1.3 million women in the U.S. enter menopause each year. This is a critical area of healthcare, and I encourage anyone considering a focus on hormone imbalances to pursue it wholeheartedly. Staying current with research and patient education is essential in this rapidly evolving field.
What do you love most about working in El Paso?
What I love most about being on the border is the unique opportunity to provide healthcare to women across three states and two countries. As a doctoral-prepared, board-certified nurse practitioner working in Santa Teresa, New Mexico, I’m able to practice to the fullest extent of my training. Serving this vibrant, cross-cultural community is both a privilege and a deeply meaningful part of my work.
Photography by Annabella Mireles