Doctor visits can sometimes feel rushed, and for some reason, intimidating. Particularly, when it comes to discussing symptoms of menopause or perimenopause: “Hey! Can we talk about my heavy flow?” Not my favorite topic to discuss. Being prepared for the (often short) time with your doctor can make a big difference. Here are some tips for making the most of your visit:

• Writing down your questions in advance and even noting changes in your body can help you to feel proactive and empowered during your visit. And it typically leads to establishing a plan of action.

• If you don’t know where to start, we’ve developed a guide to help you get the conversation started. You can print it out or even bring it along on your mobile device.

• Even though you may be well-prepared, it’s important to be realistic with your expectations during your appointment. Because your doctor is likely working with limited time, make sure you flag items that are most bothersome to you rather than just going down the list of what you “think” you should be asking.

• Speaking of expectations, if you don’t feel like your doctor is listening to your needs or may not be a good fit during this phase of your life, it may be time to consider a switch to a doctor that specializes in this area of medicine. The North American Menopause Society (NAMS) even has a “Find a Menopause Practitioner” tool  on their site where you can find NAMS Certified Menopause Practitioners near you with a simple search by ZIP code.

Once you’ve scheduled your appointment, be sure to download the guide to take with you to maximize your time with the doctor.

By: Jamie Forward

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