Talking to Your Doctor About Menopause
Condition InDepth
You have your own health history. Talk with the doctor about your risk factors and background with menopause. By talking openly and often with your doctor, you can take an active role in your care.
Tips for Getting Information
- Bring someone with you. It helps to have another person hear what is said and think of questions to ask. They may also be able to provide more details to the doctor.
- Write down your questions so do you do not forget them.
- Write down the answers you get and make sure you understand what you are hearing. Ask for help if you need it.
- Do not be afraid to ask your questions or ask where you can find more information. You have a right to know.
Tips for Getting Information
- Bring someone with you. It helps to have another person hear what is said and think of questions to ask. They may also be able to provide more details to the doctor.
- Write down your questions so do you do not forget them.
- Write down the answers you get and make sure you understand what you are hearing. Ask for help if you need it.
- Do not be afraid to ask your questions or ask where you can find more information. You have a right to know.
Questions to Ask Your Doctor
About Menopause
- Should I have an exam to rule out other causes of my symptoms?
- Do I need tests to look for physical problems from menopause?
- What can I expect as I go through menopause?
- Where can I get more information?
About My Risk of Health Problems from Estrogen Deficiency
- What is my risk of osteoporosis? What can I do to lower my risk?
- What is my risk of getting heart disease and high blood pressure? What can I do to lower my risk?
- What is my risk of having breast cancer or other cancers? What can I do to lower my risk?
About Treatment Options
- What treatments can help me?
- What medicines might help me?
- How long will they take to work?
- What benefits can I expect?
- What are the side effects?
- What are the risks and benefits of hormone replacement therapy?
- Should I see a doctor or gynecologist who cares for menopausal women?
- Do you know a counselor who works with women who have issues concerning menopause?
- Do you know where I can find a support group for menopause?
- What lifestyle changes can help me ease symptoms?
References
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynacologists (ACOG). Practice Bulletin No. 141: management of menopausal symptoms. Obstet Gynecol. 2014 Jan;123(1):202-16, reaffirmed 2016, correction can be found in Obstet Gynecol 2016 Jan;127(1):166.
- Getting the most out of your doctor appointment. Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians website. Available at: https://familydoctor.org/tips-for-talking-to-your-doctor/.
- Menopause 101: A primer for the perimenopausal. North American Menopause Society website. Available at: http://www.menopause.org/for-women/menopauseflashes/menopause-symptoms-and-treatments/menopause-101-a-primer-for-the-perimenopausal.
- Menopause. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/menopause.
- Menopause. Planned Parenthood website. Available at: https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/health-and-wellness/menopause.
- Menopause basics. Office on Women's Health website. Available at: https://www.womenshealth.gov/menopause/menopause-basics.
Contributors
- Elizabeth Margaret Prusak, MD
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This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.
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