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“I Think I’m Peri-Menopausal. What Should I Ask My Doctor?”

Sep 24, 2016

Visiting your doctor to ask about your peri-menopausal symptoms can often feel overwhelming, frustrating and even a little bit scary too. Many of us just aren’t comfortable discussing such an intimate part of our bodies, or admitting that our lives are becoming increasingly overwhelmed by horrible symptoms like menstrual flooding, sleep deprivation, crazy mood swings, hot flushes and all the rest of the package.

But there are several brilliant steps you can take to ensure that you speak confidently about your symptoms, express what you need and get the very most out of your appointment whether you are peri-menopausal, post-menopausal or anywhere in between! Here they are:

#1: Find a doctor who you can trust

During these doctor’s visits, you’ll be discussing intimate and highly personal details about your life.

Do you feel comfortable doing so with your current GP? If the answer is no, you absolutely must consider switching doctors or even registering at a new practice if necessary.

Many people find it useful to speak to a female doctor about their symptoms, as they tend to be more understanding and knowledgeable about hormonal issues. It’s can also be worth finding out whether they are open to alternative medicines or prefer to go the conventional route.

 

#2: Know your menstrual cycle

Understanding your menstrual cycle will allow you to discuss your symptoms in an informed and confident way which in turn will help you to be better understood and supported by your GP. This will also help you better understand the workings of your own magnificent body, such as whether or not you are still ovulating, how your mood fluctuates through the month, whether you are skipping periods, and so on.

You simply need to keep track of your cycle for a few months and then take this information along to your doctor. You can do this by downloading this brilliant period tracker and filling in your details, or creating your own system.

#3: Keep a detailed record of your symptoms

When you attend your appointment, you must have a picture of all of your symptoms absolutely crystal-clear in your mind. Because when put on the spot in a doctor’s office, it can be hard to remember exactly what symptoms you’ve been suffering from, and forget to mention them at all.

Whilst you’re tracking your menstrual cycle, you should also be keeping track of the symptoms you are experiencing as they are happening. It’s also useful to create an extra record which focuses on just your symptoms.

Ask yourself the following questions:

  • How long has it been since your last period?
  • Are your periods regular or irregular?
  • Do you experience hot flashes? How severe are they on a scale of 1-10? How do they affect your life?
  • Do your moods fluctuate throughout the month?
  • Do you have trouble sleeping? What kind of trouble?
  • If you are sexually active, does sex ever hurt?
  • Have you experienced vaginal symptoms such as itching, burning or dryness?
  • How long have you been suffering from these symptoms?
  • Which of these symptoms bothers you the most?
  • Are you experiencing any other symptom that is new for you?

#4: Create a list of what you’ve tried so far

What have you tried so far in an attempt to overcome your suspected peri-menopausal symptoms? Have you tried to lose weight? Cleaned up your diet? Attempted to reduce your stress? Tried herbal supplements like Dong Quai or Black Cohosh? Started to exercise? Taken cold showers? Ditched coffee?

Whatever it is, your doctor needs to know so he or she can rule out any other possibilities and form an effective treatment plan for you.

The best way to do this is create a list. Grab a piece of paper and write down everything you’ve tried then take it along with you to your appointment.

 

#5: Ask for tests!

According to guidelines issued by NICE (The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence), doctors should refuse to give you a hormonal blood test to check for menopause once you hit 40, except for in extreme cases. They will just assume that it’s your age, so you’re highly unlikely to get a test, even if you’re convinced you’re peri-menopausal but still very young

However, you should still ask for other tests which will help shed light on your hormonal situation, and show whether there are any other factors which could be worsening, or even triggering your symptoms. These are:

  • Iron
  • Ferritin
  • Vitamin D
  • Whole thyroid spectrum

Even if your GP doesn’t agree to these tests, all is not lost. I can offer blood tests/urine tests which will provide you with your full hormonal profile. Known as the Dutch Test, it will help you to understand your cortisol, melatonin, androgens, oestrogen and progesterone levels. Contact me to find out more.

 

#6: Stand up for your rights!

Don’t let your doctor tell you that this is all ‘to be expected at your age’ or just offer you antidepressants and refuse to look any further into your problems. You know your body. You know when something isn’t right. And you deserve to get to the bottom of all of those horrible symptoms, even if only to rule out other health conditions.

Be confident, stand up for you rights, and get the support you deserve.

 

#7: Take a friend

Consider taking a friend or close family member with you when you attend your appointment. They will be able to offer you a listening ear, plenty of support and also help you remember what you’ve been discussing with your doctor. If you’d prefer to go alone, pop a notepad into your handbag so you can jot down what has been discussed (and don’t forget at a later stage).

There’s no need to dread your doctor’s appointment when you suspect that you’re peri-menopausal. By following the tips outlined here, you will get the very most from your appointment and emerge from that doctor’s surgery full of optimism and with the answers you deserve.

© Pamela Windle 2016

Menopause & Hormone Support

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