Menopause – talking to your GP

As a GP I speak to hundreds of women every week and when a woman comes in prepared it’s so helpful in getting her the support she needs. Quickly.

Approaching the doctor to talk menopause is a big step. It can be a scary step. Talking menopause inevitably means talking about things you instinctively view as intimate and/ or embarrassing. More than that, it’s a time when confidence is low, your sleeping patterns may be shot, and you may have anxiety/ anger/ frustration (or all of the above) bubbling on the surface.

All that going on and it can be an utter muddle to get your head around what you’re going through, what to say, how to say it and how to push for answers.

But the good news is you can take control. The first port-of-call is a doctor and, as a GP I know, the more you prepare the more efficiently you and your doctor can start talking next steps.

Getting prepared takes a little effort but it’s worth it. So stay positive, stay proactive and try to switch your mindset to a solution-based one, not a problem-based one.

1. Note it and track it

Aim to track your menopause symptoms and write them in a log. The more detail you can write the better and you can use our template to help. Recording your symptoms, including their intensity and frequency, will help to focus your mind and give cues as you tell the doctor what’s going on.

2. Be frank, be honest

Try to leave your embarrassment at the door. We’re doctors – this is what we do. Doctors are trained to listen to what’s going on so we can provide answers and /or next steps. So the more honest and open you can be, the quicker and easier it is for the doctor to zoom in and get to the bottom of the situation.

3. Give symptoms the time they deserve

It’s tempting to want to discuss everything all at once but it’s highly likely your GP appointment will last just 10 minutes. If you try to discuss everything, you may end up discussing very little. So give each symptom time and space, even if it means repeat visits. Communicate your symptoms with specificity and relevant detail and help the doctor build a fuller understanding of where you’re at.

4. Don’t delay

You may want to hide away from the world but seeing your doctor during menopause is inevitable – and its best to start those consultations sooner rather than later. Yes – women’s health issues are often shrouded in embarrassment and shame but they shouldn’t be. This is a natural part of life and if its symptoms are causing you stress and/ or distress you need an expert on your side, ideally from early on.

5. Do your research

There are a handful of very credible sources for information about the menopause so it will help to read up on others’ experiences and what to expect. Don’t be afraid to bring your research notes or theories to your doctor as you tell them exactly what you think is wrong, what you’re worried about, and what you hope to achieve from the consultation.

6. Speak to a GP with an interest in women’s health / menopause

When you book your appointment, it’s likely you’ll speak with a receptionist who’ll ask what the appointment is for. Even if they don’t ask, you can specify that this appointment is for “women’s health issues” and the receptionist can then book you in with the most suitable doctor. Don’t be afraid to double check and confirm that you’ll see a doctor who has a specific interest or specialism in this field.

On that note, if you have pelvic floor issues (leaking urine, incontinence, pain) then it can be hugely beneficial to seek out and see a Women’s Health Physio. You can look for one in the directory section of the NHS Squeezy app.

If your GP isn’t a specialist in women’s health and your local surgery doesn’t have that skillset then you can ask for a referral to a menopause specialist. On the British Menopause Society website you’ll find a list of NHS and private clinics available in your area that are registered with the British Medical Society.

7. Don’t settle

It’s sad to say, but too many women still feel fobbed off or misunderstood after a visit to the doctor. If you feel that you weren’t given the treatment, options or answers you hoped for then don’t fold. Don’t settle. Book into see a different doctor and keep following the steps as above so you can turn up prepared and ready to talk in solutions.

Lastly it’s a note from me: please don’t worry if this all seems too much. It’s your GP’s job to ask the right questions, examine and help you. Even if you can’t manage some or all of these action points it’s still better to contact your GP than to do nothing at all. Good luck x