Navigating Menopausal Medical Appointments: Empowering Strategies for a Smooth Transition
Written by: Sarah Moloney
Let’s face it, medical appointments can cause a lot of anxiety. This can be for a myriad of reasons; we may have had disappointing or traumatic experiences in the past with medical professionals, we may be afraid of what they will tell us, or we may feel awkward or embarrassed about discussing our menopausal symptoms with a doctor.
Transitioning through menopause can be so incredibly isolating and we deserve the best of care and compassion when we reach out for help with the symptoms we are experiencing. With the current model of health care, we must trust that we are the experts in our own bodies and be prepared to advocate for ourselves to access this care. To make sure that you are in the know when it comes to building your “Menopause Team”, let us delve into which healthcare professional you might need depending on your symptoms.
Primary Care Physician (PCP): Your primary care doctor can help manage overall health and well-being during menopause. This is usually your GP, who can help you decide if you need to see other specialists.
Gynaecologist: A gynaecologist is a medical doctor who specializes in women's reproductive health. They can offer guidance on managing menopausal symptoms, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and vaginal dryness.
Endocrinologist: Endocrinologists are specialists in hormonal disorders. They can provide expert advice on hormone-related issues that may arise during menopause, including hormonal imbalances and potential treatment options.
Mental Health Professional: Menopause can bring about emotional and psychological changes. Therapists, counsellors, or psychologists can help you navigate mood swings, anxiety, depression, and other emotional challenges that may arise during this time.
Nutritionist/Dietitian: A nutritionist or dietitian can help you maintain a healthy diet during menopause, provide guidance on managing weight, bone density, and cardiovascular health.
Personal trainer: A personal trainer can help you design an exercise program to maintain bone health, muscle strength, and overall physical well-being.
Sexual Health Specialist: Menopause can affect sexual health, including changes in libido. A sexual health specialist can provide guidance on maintaining intimacy, addressing sexual concerns, and exploring treatment options.
Holistic Health Practitioners: Complementary and alternative therapies like acupuncture, yoga, meditation, and mindfulness practices can be useful for stress management.
Now that we know who we need to see, lets discuss how to get the most out of your doctor's appointment with preparation, communication, and collaboration with your chosen specialist.
1. Prepare Ahead of Time:
Write down your symptoms, concerns, and questions. Be as specific as possible about what you're experiencing. The identifyHer sensor and app is designed to help you make sense of what symptoms you have been experiencing and reduce the need for manually logging or writing down of symptoms.
Make a list of any medications, supplements, or treatments you're currently using. You can also record that in the identifyHer app so you have it all in one place!
Gather any relevant medical history, including previous conditions, surgeries, or treatments related to menopause.
Choose the Right Doctor:
If you haven't already, find a healthcare provider who specialises in menopause. This can ensure you receive the most relevant and up-to-date information. The health report created by the identifyHer app can help your chosen doctor get a better insight into your menopausal journey and can be used to guide your discussion.
Be Honest and Open:
Don't hesitate to discuss your symptoms and how they're affecting your daily life. Be candid about any discomfort, emotional changes, or challenges you're facing.
If you're considering alternative treatments or have tried any remedies, share that information with your doctor. Some supplements or herbs may interact with your medication. This can be recorded in the identifyHer app and will show up on the health report that you can share with your doctor.
Ask Questions:
Prepare a list of questions you want to ask during the appointment. Some potential questions might include:
What specific symptoms can I expect during menopause?
What treatment options are available for managing these symptoms?
What are the potential benefits and risks of hormone replacement therapy (HRT)?
Are there lifestyle changes, dietary adjustments, or exercises that can help?
How can I maintain bone health during menopause?
Are there any potential interactions between the medications I'm taking?
What can I do to support my emotional well-being during this transition?
Once you start navigating the symptom management journey, the identifyHer app will help you track the efficacy of the management strategy and help guide a personalised management plan. For information on some of the questions above, check out our previous blogs and our Instagram feed.
Discuss Treatment Options:
If you're interested in hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or other medications, ask your doctor about the different options available, their potential benefits, risks, and any side effects.
Inquire about non-pharmacological approaches, such as lifestyle changes, diet modifications, and complementary therapies.
Clarify Recommendations:
Make sure you understand the information your doctor provides. If something is unclear, ask for clarification or more details.
Set Realistic Expectations:
Understand that managing menopause symptoms can be a gradual process. Your doctor can help you set realistic expectations about the timeline for improvement. The identifyHer sensor and app has been developed to improve the understanding of your journey and get you a personalised management plan that works faster!
Discuss Long-Term Health:
Use the appointment as an opportunity to discuss your long-term health goals, including preventive measures for conditions that may become more relevant after menopause, such as osteoporosis and heart health. Did you know that the frequency and severity of your vasomotor symptoms can increase the future risk of disease if not managed appropriately?
Follow-Up Plan:
Before leaving the appointment, clarify the next steps. This could include scheduling follow-up visits, undergoing tests, starting treatments, or making lifestyle changes or sharing the identifyHer health report at determined times to modify the symptom management plan based on your personal symptom profile.
Advocate for Yourself:
If you feel your concerns are not being addressed or you're not comfortable with a proposed treatment plan, don't hesitate to express your thoughts. Your doctor is there to support you.
Remember that open communication and a collaborative approach with your healthcare provider are key to effectively managing menopause symptoms. Your active involvement in your own care can lead to a more tailored and successful treatment plan. At identifyHer we are working hard to develop a product that can help you stay actively involved in your own care without having to add extra tasks like manually logging of symptoms. Next month, we will focus on the sticky topic of navigating menopausal symptoms in the workplace…stay tuned!