What to ask your GP at a menopause appointment

A practical guide to getting the most from your consultation, covering preparation and the questions that matter most

Many women leave their first menopause appointment feeling like they barely scratched the surface. Ten minutes isn't long, symptoms can be hard to describe, and it can be difficult to know what you're even entitled to ask. This post gives you a framework for preparing so you walk out with answers, not more questions.

Getting good menopause care in Australia is becoming easier, but it still requires some self-advocacy, particularly in regional areas where specialist menopause services are limited. Your GP is your first and most important point of contact, and most can manage menopause care well. The key is coming prepared.

Jean Hailes for Women's Health, one of Australia's leading women's health organisations, recommends seeking a GP who takes an active interest in women's health and is across the latest research. If your current doctor isn't confident in this area, asking for a referral to one who is. That is not a criticism; menopause medicine has evolved significantly in the past decade and not all GPs have updated their training.

Before you go: five things to prepare

Want a Chinese medicine perspective on your menopause picture?

A first consultation covers your complete health history, not just your symptoms, so that any care I provide is genuinely tailored to you.