Menopause GP Appointment: What to Say and What to Ask

Hello.

You finally got the appointment. You sat in the waiting room rehearsing. Then the doctor said "So, what brings you in?" and every single thing you meant to say went straight out the window. You walked out with a script for something, a vague "let's see how you go" and the strong feeling you'd forgotten the most important bit.

Sunday is World Menopause Day, so here's Betty's guide to walking into a GP appointment about menopause prepared, and walking out with answers.

Why menopause appointments go sideways

Appointments are short. Symptoms are many, and some of them are a bit awkward to say out loud. Most of us also downplay things in the moment ("oh, it's probably nothing") and then kick ourselves in the car park. None of that is your fault. It just means a little preparation goes a long way.

Before you go: write it down

Spend ten minutes the night before and jot down:

• What's changed. Sleep, periods, mood, memory, temperature, joints, anything that feels different from your normal.
• When it started and whether it's getting better, worse or staying put.
• What it's getting in the way of. Work, sleep, sex, your patience with the dog. Be specific: "I'm waking at 3am four nights a week" says more than "I'm tired".
• What you've already tried. Including anything from the chemist or the health food shop.
• Your medications and family history, so you're not guessing on the spot.

Questions worth asking your GP

You don't need all of these. Pick the three that matter most and put them at the top of your list:

• "Could what I'm describing be perimenopause or menopause?"
• "What else could be causing these symptoms, and should we rule anything out?"
• "What are my options, and what are the pros and cons of each for someone like me?"
• "Is there anything I can do day to day that might help?"
• "When should I come back, and what would mean I should come back sooner?"

In the room

Hand over your list, or read from it. Most doctors appreciate it, and it stops the "and one more thing" at the door. Say the most important thing first, not last. If you don't understand an answer, it's completely fine to say "Can you explain that another way?" And if you'd feel more comfortable seeing a GP with a special interest in women's health, it's okay to ask for one.

Afterwards

Write down what was decided while it's fresh, and book the follow-up before you leave. Then do something nice for yourself. You just advocated for your own health, and that deserves a good biscuit.

Your free GP appointment page

Betty made a one-page printable to take with you: symptoms, questions and space for the answers. Grab your free GP Appointment Page. For more on appointments in general, read How to Get the Most From a GP Appointment.

The book

Be Better @ Managing Menopause is a short, practical and kind guide to the bits nobody warned you about, from the 3am wake-ups to the word that's RIGHT THERE. It's not medical advice and it doesn't replace your GP. It helps you get more out of them. It comes with the free GP Appointment Page.

Betty xx