How to talk to your doctor about menopause: the script and the questions
The short answer
Track two weeks of symptoms, bring your medication list and family history, name your top two goals, and open with one clear sentence. Ask about options with and without hormones and your specific risks. If you're dismissed, ask for it to be noted in your chart and request a referral.
Two weeks before
- Log your symptoms daily: what, how bad, when. The free Symptom Snapshot makes this fast.
- Note your cycle dates and anything unusual.
- List every medication and supplement, with doses.
- Write your family history: your mother's age at menopause, breast cancer, blood clots, heart disease, osteoporosis.
- Pick your top two goals. "Sleep through the night" beats "feel better."
Your opening line
"I'm here about perimenopause or menopause symptoms. They're affecting my sleep, my work and my relationships. I've tracked them for two weeks and I'd like to talk about treatment options."
Seven questions to ask
- Which stage do you think I'm in, and how did you decide?
- What are my options, with and without hormones, for my top two symptoms?
- Given my history, what are my specific risks with each?
- If hormone therapy is an option, which type and route, and why that one for me?
- What should I expect in the first three months, and when do we review?
- Do I need any tests: iron, thyroid, bone density, cholesterol?
- What should make me call you before the follow-up?
If you feel brushed off
- Calmly ask: "Can you note in my chart that I asked about menopause treatment and what you recommended?"
- Ask for a referral to a gynecologist or menopause specialist.
- Look for a clinician with menopause training. The Menopause Society certifies practitioners and keeps a searchable directory.
- A second opinion is normal, not rude.
Questions
What should I bring to a menopause appointment?
Two weeks of symptom notes, your cycle dates, a full medication and supplement list, your family history, and your top two goals.
How do I find a menopause specialist?
Ask for a referral, or search The Menopause Society's directory of certified menopause practitioners.
Want this in one place? Track your symptoms with the free Symptom Snapshot, or get The Sisu Season Guide for the full picture.
Education and personal experience, not medical advice. Talk with your own clinician before making health decisions.