Preparing for a Menopause / Perimenopause Doctor Appointment
Menopause and perimenopause are often dismissed as "just hormones" or attributed to anxiety when symptoms are actually debilitating. Hot flushes, brain fog, mood changes, and sleep disruption can last 7–10 years, yet many GPs offer limited support or outdated treatment options. Coming prepared with a symptom timeline and specific questions helps you get the care you deserve.
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What to tell your doctor
- 1When your periods changed: stopped entirely, became irregular, or became heavier/lighter
- 2Specific symptoms and how they affect daily life: hot flushes (time of day, triggers), night sweats, sleep disruption, brain fog, mood changes, joint pain, vaginal dryness
- 3How long symptoms have been present and whether they are worsening, stable, or fluctuating
- 4Whether you have tried any treatments (HRT, herbs, lifestyle changes) and your response
- 5Impact on work, relationships, and quality of life
- 6Family history: early menopause, severe symptoms, or breast cancer in close relatives
- 7Any contraindications to HRT or concerns about cancer risk (your family history affects recommendations)
Questions to ask your doctor
- Q1.Do you offer hormone replacement therapy (HRT)? What formulations do you recommend?
- Q2.Is HRT safe for me given my family history and health profile?
- Q3.What are non-hormonal options for managing hot flushes and night sweats?
- Q4.Should I have any additional screening before starting HRT?
- Q5.How often should we review my treatment plan?
- Q6.Are there any lifestyle or supplement recommendations?
- Q7.Where can I find evidence-based information about menopause?
Don't forget to bring
- ✓Symptom diary: dates, time of day, triggers, severity of hot flushes and night sweats
- ✓Period history: when they changed and how
- ✓List of any treatments already tried
- ✓Family history: breast cancer, early menopause, or other health conditions in relatives
- ✓Any previous blood tests or hormone levels if available
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