Menopause is having a moment. People are finally, finally talking about this thing that happens to all women (i.e. about half the population).
But with all the information (and misinformation) about menopause suddenly popping up everywhere, it can be hard to know what to believe. That’s why it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor about the changes you notice in your body.
Even with a doctor we know and trust, it is not always easy to find the advice we are looking for. All too often, we go into an appointment confident, ready to learn, and then leave with a dizzy head – and full of more questions than answers.
The best way to avoid this frustrating experience? Be prepared. We’ve put together a guide to help you have a more productive conversation with your doctor about menopause.
Collect your story
The more your doctor knows about your reproductive (and overall) health, the better they can help you manage menopause.
“The current state of your menstrual cycle is usually the most important indicator of where you are on your menopause journey,” said Dr. Mary Jane Minkin, clinical professor of obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive sciences at Yale University School of Medicine.
Minkin is a member of HealthyWomen’s Women’s Health Advisory Council and also hosts a highly informative and interesting podcast about menopausal health.
“Menstrual history is important because if your period comes every 28 days, it is highly unlikely that you are in perimenopause,” Minkin said. “If your period becomes more irregular, you get your period every three months, you get your period two weeks later… Now we’re talking about menstrual cramps that come with menopause.”
Before your appointment, write down as much as you can about your menstrual history, including:
- How old were you when you got your first period?
- Whether your cycles are regular
- How heavy your period is
- If your period has become irregular
You should also give your doctor an overview of your general medical history, including any history of cancer or other health problems. “For example, if you have thyroid disease, it’s important that your doctor knows about it because hyperthyroidism can cause the same hot flashes and sweats as menopause,” Minkin said.
Your medical history can also be a factor when it comes to deciding on the best treatment for you. “As much as I love estrogen, I’m the first to acknowledge that it’s not for everyone,” Minkin said. “For example, if you have suffered from blood clots or gallbladder disease in the past, it is important that your doctor knows this.”
Minkin also recommends women tell their doctor about any pregnancy-related health problems, including high blood pressure during pregnancy and multiple pregnancy losses. These may be clues about how your body is dealing with menopause.
Talk to your family about their experiences during menopause
Once you’ve written down your personal information, it’s time to find out about the women in your immediate family. This includes your mother and grandmothers, but also aunts or older sisters. Ask about their experiences with menopause. If you can’t ask these people directly, see if anyone else in your family knows.
Research suggests that menopause is linked to genetics, meaning the age your mother was when she last got her period can be a strong indicator of when you will get your period.
“If mom had menopause at age 35 and your aunt had menopause at age 40, does that necessarily mean you’re going to have early menopause? No, but that’s definitely something I’m going to watch and pay attention to,” Minkin said.
Track your symptoms
Your doctor will also want to know what symptoms you have had. So pay attention to how you feel in the weeks leading up to your appointment.
In addition to noting your period, also note other symptoms such as hot flashes, pain, or difficulty sleeping. They may not necessarily be related to menopause, but your doctor will help you understand them either way.
Bring a list of questions
Since our minds are often blank when we have the opportunity to ask questions during an appointment, it’s good to be prepared with a list of questions. Here are some general ones:
- What can I expect in terms of time frame (how long does perimenopause typically last, when might you reach menopause, etc.)?
- What hormonal and non-hormonal treatment options are available to me for my specific situation?
- What are the risks and benefits of each treatment? (This is also a good time to tell your doctor what is important to you when choosing a treatment.)
- How might menopause and menopausal treatments affect my other health conditions?
- Will menopause treatments interact with the medications or supplements I am currently taking?
- How do I know when a treatment is working or when it’s time to consider switching?
Don’t be afraid to move on
It happens to the best of us—no matter how hard you try to understand what your doctor says during your appointment, when you get home you feel like you’ve forgotten half of it.
Don’t hesitate to contact us with any further questions. And be sure to tell your doctor about any concerns you have about starting a new menopause treatment, including whether it’s working as well as it should.
“You usually notice a difference within a month,” Minkin said. “Within three months, you will achieve the maximum benefit you can achieve with this dose.”
The transition to menopause is definitely more of a marathon than a sprint. Regular contact with your doctor can help you manage symptoms before they become too distressing.
Find the care you need
Do you feel like your doctor isn’t giving you what you need, no matter how well you prepare for your appointments? It might be time to change doctors.
Because not every doctor has training in caring for menopausal women, the Menopause Society (formerly the North American Menopause Society) has developed a search tool to help you find a doctor in your area who is knowledgeable about menopause.
Minkin said the cultural shift in thinking around menopause has led to a surge in membership in the Menopause Society, meaning you have more options than ever to find a doctor who can support you through the transition.
“In the early 1990s, when the society was founded, we had between 2,000 and 2,500 members,” Minkin said. “At our meeting last October we had 12,000 members.”
This educational resource was created with support from Astellas.
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