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It’s time for menopause. We’re finally talking about this happening to all women (i.e. about half the population).
But with all the information (and misinformation) about menopause suddenly popping up everywhere, it might 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. Very often we go into a consultation confident and ready to learn, but leave the office confused and with many more questions than answers.
What is the best way to avoid such frustrating experiences? We’re getting ready. We’ve written a guide to help you have a more productive conversation with your doctor about menopause.
Gather your background
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 generally the most important indicator of where you are in the menopausal process, Dr. Mary Jane Minkin, clinical professor of obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive sciences at Yale University School of Medicine.
As a member of HealthyWomen’s Women’s Health Advisory Board, Minkin also hosts a highly informative and engaging multimedia streaming show about menopausal health.
“Menstrual history is important because if your period occurs every 28 days, it is unlikely that you are in perimenopause,” Minkin said. “If your period becomes more irregular, if you have your period every three months, if you have a period two weeks later, then we are talking about situations that occur during menopause.”
Before your appointment, write down as much as you can about your menstrual history, including:
- How old were you when you had your first period?
- If your menstrual cycles were regular
- How heavy are your periods?
- If your periods have become irregular
It is also a good idea to provide your doctor with a summary of your general medical history, including any cancers or other medical problems. “For example, if you have pituitary disease, it’s important that your doctor knows this because hyperthyroidism can cause the same hot flashes and sweats as menopause,” Minkin said.
Your medical history may also be a factor in deciding which treatment is best for you. “As much as I love estrogen, I’ll be the first to admit 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 about it.”
Minkin also encourages women to tell their doctors about any pregnancy-related medical problems they may have experienced, including high blood pressure during pregnancy and if they have had multiple miscarriages. These are indicators of how well your body is coping with menopause.
Talk to your family members about their experiences during menopause
Once you’ve registered your personal information, it’s time to gather information from the women in your immediate family. This includes your mother and grandmothers, but also your aunts or older sisters. Ask about their experiences with menopause. If you can’t ask these people directly, find out if anyone else in your family knows.
Research suggests that menopause is genetic. This means that the age at which your mother had her first period could be an important indicator of when your period will start.
“If your mother had menopause when she was 35 and your aunt had menopause when she was 40, does that mean you will almost certainly have menopause at a young age? No, but it’s definitely something I have to pay attention to to keep track of,” Minkin said.
Monitor your symptoms
It’s also a good idea for your doctor to be aware of any symptoms you are experiencing. So pay attention to how you feel in the weeks leading up to your appointment.
In addition to monitoring your period, note other symptoms such as hot flashes, pain, or difficulty sleeping. There’s a chance they may not be related to menopause, but your doctor will help you understand them either way.
Bring a list of questions
Since our heads often go blank during a consultation when we have the opportunity to ask questions, it is good to prepare with a list of questions. Here are some general questions:
- What can I expect in terms of time (how long does perimenopause usually last, when does your menopause start, etc.)?
- What hormonal and non-hormonal therapy options do I have 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 treatment.)
- How might menopause and its treatment affect my other medical conditions?
- Will menopause treatments interact with the medications or supplements I am currently using?
- How do I know if a treatment is working or if it’s time to consider a change?
Don’t be afraid to move on
It happens to all of us: no matter how hard you try to understand what your doctor says during your consultation, you feel like you forget half of it when you get home.
Don’t be afraid to contact him to ask any further questions. And make sure your doctor knows any concerns you have about starting a new menopause treatment, including whether it’s working as it should.
“Usually you will notice a difference within the first month,” Minkin said. “In the first three months, you will get the most benefit from this dose.”
The transition to menopause is more like a marathon than a sprint. Regular communication with your doctor can be helpful so that he or she can treat symptoms before they cause significant discomfort.
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 may be time for you to change doctors.
Because not all doctors are trained to treat women going through menopause, the Menopause Society (formerly known as the North American Menopause Society) has developed a search tool to help you find a doctor with menopause training near you.
Minkin said the cultural shift toward consideration of menopause has resulted in the Menopause Society’s membership increasing rapidly, meaning you have more options than ever before to find a doctor who can support you through the transition.
“In the early 1990s, when the club began operations, we had between 2,000 and 2,500 members,” Minkin said. “When we held our last meeting in October, we had 12,000 members.”
This educational resource was created with support from Astellas.
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