Menopause & perimenopause

Menopause and you — information for your doctor

by Dixie Mills, MD

All women have their own “style” when it comes to discussing their health care with their doctors. While these styles are not commonly asked as a part of a health questionnaire, especially as relate to women in menopause, perhaps in the future they will be. We want you to be comfortable talking to your doctor about menopause and about all issues relating to your health. Those questions that are commonly asked by health practitioners, about the basic facts of your health history, can be helpful to record ahead of time. Here are a few for you to think about:

What are the details on your periods — even if you haven’t had one recently?

This includes the age you started them, what adolescence was like with your periods, how many days in your average cycle, how long and heavily you bleed, whether you spot in-between, and the date of your latest (or last) period, as well as your contraception and child-bearing history.

What is your past medical history?

Include anything medical that seems relevant, such as hospitalizations, surgeries, and acute or chronic illnesses and conditions.

What is your family history?

Menopause is a good time to take the long view of your health. Think about illnesses that run in your family — heart disease, cancers, or other significant health problems. By writing this down, you can often see family patterns that might not have been as obvious otherwise. If you know when your mother went through menopause and how it was for her, take note. You are obviously not your mother, but she was and may still be an important person in your life in more ways than one. You should also include your parents’ and other family members’ current health status. And if there are no health issues, that is also important and should be noted. Consider making note of any special health questions you might have. If your questions relate to menopause, see our list of frequently asked questions on menopause, perimenopause and post-menopause.

What medications and supplements are you on?

List every medication you take (if any), as well as what you’ve used in the past. You should also list any vitamins or supplements you take on a regular basis. Be sure to include any adverse reactions or known allergies.

How much do you drink and/or smoke?

Note how much caffeine and alcohol you drink per day, and if you smoke now or ever have, you should fess up.

How much exercise do you get?

Be realistic about this. And be sure to note what kind of exercise you’re getting. Does it include daily chores and activities, or daily visits to a gym?

What is your sexual history?

Include the past and present — how often and how enjoyable it is/was, whether you’ve noticed any changes in your sexual desire lately, whether you believe them to be menopause-related or not. Obviously some of this may be more private, and not part of a standard health history, but it should be included in a menopause health history.

What are your strengths and weaknesses?

To make this more personal, you can add what you feel are your strengths and weaknesses. This may help when thinking about your path through menopause, and what kinds of changes you are willing to make in your life.

You may already have this information on your computer, and can bring in a copy when you visit your doctor. If not, think about recording it — it is something we may not get around to doing, but once started, it’s easy to keep up. Some doctors’ offices have a form that they give you to fill out. You might keep a copy for yourself, and add your own categories.

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