Preparing for a Menopause / Perimenopause Doctor Appointment

Menopause marks the end of menstrual cycles, typically around age 51, but the transition — perimenopause — can begin years earlier and involves significant hormonal fluctuation affecting nearly every body system. Hot flushes, night sweats, brain fog, mood changes, joint pain, and vaginal dryness are all recognised symptoms, yet many GPs still attribute them to anxiety or stress rather than hormonal change. Symptoms can last 7–10 years and significantly impact work performance, relationships, and quality of life. The most common dismissal is being offered antidepressants instead of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) — even when HRT is clinically appropriate and symptoms are clearly menopausal. What your GP most needs is a clear picture of your symptom timeline, severity, and daily impact — not just "I'm having hot flushes." Coming prepared with that information helps you get the care you deserve, not just reassurance that it will pass.