Get the most out of your medical appointments when discussing menopause and the years surrounding it.
When Jo Clark first experienced menopausal symptoms, she didn’t know what was happening to her. Night sweats, poor sleep, achy joints and brain fog collided with a stressful working life, ageing parents and moving house. “It was quite overwhelming,” recalls the business owner.
After doing a lot of research, Jo suspected she might be approaching menopause and visited her GP. But the appointment didn’t help. “He told me he really didn't know anything about [menopause].”
It wasn’t until Jo sought treatment from a doctor interested in the topic, and made lifestyle changes, that things started to improve. “Not all of my symptoms have gone but the severity has been greatly reduced,” says the now 56-year-old.
Unfortunately, for many people, getting effective health care for menopause isn’t always straightforward. So how do you remove the obstacles? Here, experts in menopause care share their tips.
One of the challenges with menopause is that it’s not always obvious you’re approaching it. Symptoms can range in severity and type, from hot flushes and mood changes to urinary (wee) problems and tiredness.
While no-one expects you to have all the answers, Jean Hailes for Women’s Health GP Dr Fiona Jane recommends arming yourself with knowledge.
It’s about getting the right information from the right sites and the right people."
Dr Fiona Jane, Jean Hailes for Women’s Health GP
“It’s about getting the right information from the right sites and the right people,” she says, pointing to Jean Hailes, the Australasian Menopause Society (AMS) and the Better Health Channel for trusted, evidence-based information.
If you want to know the wide-ranging, perhaps surprising, symptoms of menopause, why not start by completing this simple Perimenopause and menopause symptom checklist? You can take it with you to your appointment to help your doctor understand what you’re experiencing.
Many women think that because menopause is a natural occurrence, they shouldn’t need medical support, says Dr Jane.
“Even those with mild to moderate symptoms who would actually benefit from a menopause consultation may not seek help because they think, 'Well, others are going through this, I should be able to manage as well.’”
The bottom line is that if you’re struggling, you deserve support, so speak up.”
Dr Fiona Jane, Jean Hailes for Women’s Health GP
The bottom line, she says, is that if you’re struggling you deserve support, so speak up. If you’re not struggling, Dr Jane still recommends visiting your GP, as menopause can affect your heart, bones and overall health long-term. It’s also a good opportunity to ensure your health checks are up to date.
For many women, heart disease risk rises after menopause. Here, we look at why the hormone oestrogen matters and the best ways to care for your ticker at midlife.
Discussing your menopausal experience takes time. Dr Jane says you’ll probably need more than one appointment, starting with a long booking. That way, you and your doctor can discuss your medical history and symptoms, plus treatment options and long-term strategies.
“I usually say, attend without children or a family member because so much of the menopausal experience can be very personal,” says Dr Jane. But, she adds: “This might not apply if you need a translator or support person.”
These are your appointments, so jot down your questions beforehand and then ask away. Dr Jane says that a good question to ask your GP is, ‘Do you specialise in menopause care?’ Another one is, ‘What treatment options are there for my menopausal symptoms?’
Dr Elizabeth Farrell, gynaecologist and Medical Director of Jean Hailes, says it also might be worth asking about the risks and benefits of menopausal hormone therapy (MHT). “If you have symptoms that are bothersome, heart health issues or a family history of osteoporosis, [discussing MHT] is a conversation worth having.”
If you’re unsure what else to ask, read Questions to ask your GP about menopause.
When Jo was unsatisfied with her GP’s management of her symptom care, she used the Find a doctor service on the AMS website.
According to Dr Jane, if your doctor is not confident in menopause care, it’s important to look for one who is. If you feel that you’re being dismissed or not taken seriously, get a second opinion as well.
Before you step into your doctor’s office, try to think about how menopause is affecting your quality of life and what you’d like to know.
Dr Jane says that in each of your appointments, the important thing is to know that your symptoms and concerns are being addressed. “It’s not only about what your doctor’s concerns of menopause are, but specifically what your concerns are.”
Learn more about menopause, the symptoms, causes, management options and where you can get help.
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