How to make the most of your few minutes to your GP

1. Make an appointment to talk about your menopausal symptoms and stick to this subject.
   
   Start with this checklist of symptoms and write them down so you do not forget anything. Make a written list of any questions you want to ask?
   
   
2. Information on your menstrual cycle
   
   Are your periods longer, shorter, heavier, lighter, or stopped completely. If your periods have stopped, how long is it since they stopped.
   
   
3. Think about symptoms such as flushes, night sweats, joint aches and pains and anxiety. Discuss with your doctor how these various symptoms affect your life.
   
   Tell the doctor about anything that you might be doing to help yourself?
   
   
4. Tell your doctor of any steps you have taken to manage your symptoms by way of trying alternative therapies or remedies and lifestyle changes.
   
   
5. Tell your doctor what you want of him- i.e.- do you want a trial of hormone replacement therapy, or perhaps just an opportunity to discuss what are normal menopausal symptoms and reassurance, or- if you have mostly psychological symptoms perhaps an anti-depressant.
   
   
6. Make some notes during the consultation. This may help you to remember what you have been told. There is a lot of information to take in so notes can be very helpful.
   
   
7. If you have any family history of breast cancer, osteoporosis, or blood clots (deep vein thrombosis) do mention these to your doctor.
   
   
8. If you are considering hormone replacement therapy (HRT) discuss with your doctor what checks should be made regularly. Checks such as weight, blood pressure, cervical smears, mammogram and breast awareness should be carried out on a regular basis. The NHS but weight regularly carry out the major tests, such as cervical smears and mammograms, and blood pressure will need to done more often. The breast awareness campaign self examinations are now routinely suggested to all women.