What to Ask Your Menopause Doctor at the First Appointment

You've done it! Made an appointment with a Menopause Doctor about your Perimenopausal symptoms! That's great - and a huge step in the right direction. But what should you expect during the appointment - and what will the Doctor ask you? It's always good to be prepared before your first appointment.

Whether you are considering Hormone Replacement Therapy, natural therapies or non-hormonal therapies, it is good to be prepared for your appointment.

Menopause is a long term change, so you want to find a Menopause Doctor that will schedule follow-up appointments to see how you are progressing and possibly updating your treatment regime.

What Your Menopause Doctor Will Ask You

Your new Doctor needs to get to know you and your history so that they can give you an appropriate treatment regime. A good menopause doctor will ask you about:

Your Past Medical History

• If you have ever been diagnosed with any medical conditions
• Currently medication you have been prescribed
• Any supplements or vitamins you may be taking
• If you have been hospitalised for any reason
• Any allergies, particularly to medications
• Are you up to date on your immunizations

Any pertinent family medical history

• Do any close family members have any chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease or cancer.
• Have any family members passed away from medical conditions

Your lifestyle and diet

• Do you smoke?
• Do you drink?
• Do you exercise regularly?
• Do you use recreational or illegal drugs?
• What your typical diet is like?

Reproductive and Sexual Health

• Any pregnancies, how many times and were there any complications
• If you have had any STI's
• How many sexual partners you have had
• When your last menstrual period was.
• Any past issues related to your menstrual cycle
• Do you use contraceptives? What kind?
• Have you ever had a Mammogram? What were the results?
• When was your last Pap Smear? What were the results

Your Perimenopausal Symptoms

• What sort of perimenopausal symptoms you are currently experiencing (eg hot flushes)
• How you have dealt with hormonal treatments (such as The Pill) in the past
• Are you experiencing vaginal dryness or low libido?
• Do you have painful joints?
• Are you sleeping well?

If you have multiple perimenopause and menopause symptoms, fill out this checklist and take it to your first appoint ment.

My Personal Experience:

During my appointment my Menopause Doctor asked me about any previous medical issues, and even though I have it well under control, I do have an autoimmune disease called Lupus. I certainly didn't think it would have any bearing on the outcome of a menopause appointment, but apparently HRT can cause Lupus to flare up - which means my immune system attacks my body's own normal cells. During a flare-up I get rashes on my face and joints, I feel like I have the flu and my joints ache for days.

So before my Doctor will even think about giving me HRT, I have to have a set of bloods on my current blood count and get a 'base' so that she can monitor any possible issues.

What You Should Ask Your Menopause Doctor

Here are some great questions to ask your Menopause Doctor - just ask them ones that are applicable to you and your situation:

Understanding Menopause

• How do I know I'm Perimenopausal?
• What can I do about hot flushes?

Symptom Evaluation and Management

• How long until I can feel normal again?
• How can I maintain a good healthy weight?

Hormone Replacement Therapy or Alternative Therapies?

• Is there non-hormonal ways to treat menopause?
• What are the current treatment options are available?
• How will menopause and hrt affect my sex drive?
• What are the benefits and risks associated with HRT?
• What are the side effects of HRT?

Mental and Emotional Health

• How can I better manage my moods and irritability

Diet and Lifestyle

• Are there any dietary recommendations or supplements that are beneficial for me during this time?
• How does physical activity impact menopausal symptoms and overall health during this transition?

Conclusion:

Every woman's journey is different. Find a good Menopause Doctor that you can trust that will manage your symptoms to the best of their ability. Don't be scared to ask the hard questions.