What to Ask Your Doctor About Menopause
When fewer than 20% of physicians in the U.S. receive formal training in menopause care, it's easy to believe that few report feeling adequately prepared to treat women in menopause.
Healthcare providers often don't bring up topics about which they don't feel prepared to answer questions. When it comes to symptoms like low libido and vaginal dryness, it can feel even more uncomfortable. While it's important to find a provider who has up-to-date knowledge about the standards for menopause care and hormone therapy, it's also essential that you feel empowered to ask questions.
It's normal to forget all of the questions you've been collecting for your doctor as soon as you walk into the exam room. You may not even know where to start the conversation.
This comprehensive list of questions can help you start the conversation and get helpful insights about your menopause experience.
Top Menopause Questions for Your Next Doctor Visit
- Is treating women experiencing menopause part of your practice? If not, can you recommend a specialist?
- How can I tell if what I’m experiencing is caused by menopause or some other condition?
- Can you confirm what stage of menopause I’m in (premenopause, perimenopause, postmenopause)?
- I am in (fill in the blank: premenopausal, perimenopausal, postmenopausal). What can I expect next?
- How can I tell when I’ve transitioned from premenopause to perimenopause OR perimenopause to postmenopause?
- How long should I keep using birth control?
- How long will my symptoms last?
- What treatment options are available for my menopause symptoms?
- Is menopausal hormone therapy right for me?
- What prescription options are available?
- What’s the difference between bioidentical and non-bioidentical hormone therapy?
- How will menopause affect my sex life?
- I don’t seem to be in the mood. Why is my libido so low?
- Sex is painful for me. What can I do?
- How does menopause affect my mental health?
- I’m feeling (fill in the blank: anxious, depressed, irritable). What can I do?
- I am postmenopausal and have experienced some bleeding. Is that normal?
- I am postmenopausal, do I still need an annual pelvic exam and pap smear?
- How does menopause affect other diseases or conditions I have?
- Does menopause increase my risk for other conditions?
- What tests or screenings should I have now, and how often?
- Should I take a D3 supplement for bone health?
- What other things can I do to support bone health?
You don’t need to suffer in silence or shame, particularly if you are experiencing depression, anxiety, mood swings, or other mental health issues. Depression and anxiety are common during menopause, and many women are underdiagnosed. Seek help from a qualified physician or therapist to help you deal with these issues.
If your provider doesn’t seem knowledgeable or is dismissive of your questions, you can request an appointment with a menopause specialist at Mayo Clinic through our virtual care option linked below.
You can also search the databases of The Menopause Society or the British Menopause Society for a menopause specialist in your area.
Midday's menopause coaches can also help you navigate the healthcare system and formulate a list of questions before your visit.
You deserve to have a healthcare provider that understands this complex and challenging period in your life and can support you to feel your best every day.
