Doctor Visit and Menopause Symptoms

Now is the time to schedule a doctor visit if you're beginning to notice the first symptoms of menopause.

During your doctor visit, decide if this is the doctor who can take you through menopause. Be comfortable with your medical provider but recognize if you need to change to someone more in tune with your specific needs. In order to decide if this doctor can help you through menopause, consider asking him or her the following questions:

• Do you treat a lot of women experiencing menopause?

• Does the medical practice specialize in gynecology or obstetrics?

• What are some of the signs I should be watching out for during menopause?

• What kind of menopause treatments do you recommend? Does that include alternatives to prescription drugs?

• How do you feel about hormone replacement therapy?

• Is there a test for menopause?

A healthcare provider, familiar with issues facing menopausal women, should be knowledgeable in answering these questions. You want your doctor to be caring and reassuring that you're not in this alone.

The changes that women face during menopause can be challenging. Discussing them with your doctor can be hard, so having a list of questions ready beforehand can help.

Click here to download a handy list of discussion questions for use during your doctor visit.