Having a conversation with your GP

Your GP is there to help and support you, and you should feel comfortable and confident taking to them about your symptoms and what kind of help you need.

Don’t think you need to struggle through menopause when there is help and support available.

Use this 5-step guide to prepare you in having an effective conversation with your GP.

For those supporting others through menopause, this is really helpful in supporting a loved one’s conversation with their GP.

1. Read the NICE Guidelines

The NICE guidelines are what your GP will use to determine the type of conversation with you and treatments to offer.

Reading these guidelines for patients can be really useful before you see your GP.

2. Prepare for your appointment

Blood tests to say where you are on the menopause transition aren’t always available or accurate – your hormones can fluctuate daily during this time. So your GP will be thinking about what to recommend for you based on your symptoms

  • Keep a list of your symptoms, your menstrual cycle, hot flushes, how you’re feeling and any changes you’ve noticed
  • Write down your symptoms and take them to your appointment
  • If you have any preferences about how to manage your symptoms and long-term health, talk to your GP about that too.

3. Who should you see?

  • Ask the receptionist which GP is best to talk about menopause. They are often the font of all knowledge at a surgery and can help you find the best person to speak to – it might not be your usual GP, it could be someone who has had special training in the subject, such as a nurse practitioner
  • Ask for a longer appointment – if you don’t think your standard appointment will be long enough then see if you can book a double appointment. Some surgeries will offer this.

4. Don’t wait

It’s all too common for people to feel they must simply “put up with” menopausal symptoms as a part of life. But if they’re affecting you then there are things you can do and support available.

There’s no need to wait until symptoms feel unbearable.

5. Referrals

Don’t be afraid to ask for a second opinion.

  • If you don’t feel like you’ve received the help you need, speak to someone else. Don’t be put off: you know how you’re feeling and how it’s affecting you.

Ask if there’s a menopause clinic in your area

  • Occasionally, there are regional clinics specifically devoted to menopause. If there’s one in your area and you think this would be helpful, ask for a referral.