How to Get the Best out of Your GP Appointment - Managing the Menopause
We know it can be tricky to even get an appointment to see a GP these days, so here’s our guide to making the most of your ten minutes – and how to advocate for yourself to get the support you need…
1. Make sure you have a clear picture of your symptoms over time.
The best way to do this is to print out and fill in a symptom tracker like the one in this PDF download. Ideally you’ll have a couple of months’ worth of tracking your symptoms, and be able to talk about how severe they are/how much they are impacting you. It’s quite common for symptoms to fluctuate with your cycle or come and go over time. There are also apps available which do the same thing - eg the Balance app if you prefer to do it that way.
2. Make some notes ahead of time
In addition to your symptom tracker, make some notes ahead of time that you’ll take with you to your appointment. How have symptoms impacted you? What would you like to know about treatment options? What do you already know? Are you concerned about one symptom more than others? Sometimes (hello brain fog!) it can be tricky to remember and notes may help you feel more in control. Think about what a ‘good’ outcome looks like for you, and note any questions you want to ask your GP.
3. Familiarize yourself with the NICE guidelines
Which can be found here: Menopause diagnosis and management NICE Guidelines
4. Use the e-consult option to summarize your notes/symptom history
Depending on how your GP surgery is set up, it may well be best to use the e-consult option to summarize your notes/symptom history. You can request to see/speak to the GP at the practice who specializes in women’s health/menopause care. Or just call and ask reception to book you in with the GP who specializes in women’s health/menopause care. Whether it’s a phone consultation or in person, the GP very likely will want an up-to-date blood pressure reading and BMI so getting that done in advance where feasible will help. (Some GP surgeries offer these machines as a walk-in service in the reception area.)
5. You May Need Two Appointments
Bear in mind you might need two appointments, one to fully discuss your symptoms and possible treatments, then one to agree on a course of treatment once you have had time to absorb all the information from your GP. (Some surgeries can offer a double appointment – but you might find it helpful to have some time to think through options…)
6. Take a friend or family member into your appointment
Take a friend or family member into your appointment if you feel that will help you - either to help you advocate for yourself, or to help you take notes, or both.
7. If you are over 45, blood tests are not required for diagnosis
Remember - if you are over 45, the NICE guidelines (linked above) state that blood tests (to detect hormone levels) are not required for diagnosis, the GP should diagnose on symptoms. They may however suggest blood tests to rule out other underlying issues, eg thyroid problems or iron deficiency.
You can also listen to our podcast episodes with Dr Beth Thomas and Dr Katie Barber, both menopause specialist GPs, which will give you plenty more information and help you feel more confident going into your appointment:
Middling Along 10: Dr Beth Thomas On How To Approach Your GP And The Risks And Benefits Of HRT
Middling Along 23: Dr Katie Barber On Menopause Myths And Misconceptions
Middling Along Dr Katie Barber Helps Us Get To Grips With Testosterone Dos And Don’ts
Contact us on hello@managingthemenopause.com if you need additional support.
About the authors
Emma Thomas’s background is in corporate operations strategy, internal communications, and change management. Her twin passions are coaching and supporting others through the menopause transition (also known as perimenopause). In her last corporate role, she championed DE&I through leading the organisation’s largest employee resource group for gender equality, delivering a wide range of online and in-person events and tripling engagement over two years. Having produced the successful Middling Along podcast since early 2021, she brings her knowledge of all things midlife and menopause to Managing the Menopause. When she’s not working, you’ll find her strength training, garden-pottering, attempting to learn paddleboarding and longboard (and trying hard not to fall in/off) or reading one of the 11 different books she’s started but not finished (yet). Emma is a member of the POwered By Diversity Collective.
Dr Beth Thomas is a practicing GP in the NHS with a specialist interest in women's health and the menopause. She is passionate is supporting patients during this potentially challenging time, ensuring they have access to the most accurate and evidence-based medicine, to allow them to make informed choices around the management of their menopause. Dr Thomas, graduated from Imperial College School of Medicine in 2000.She is a GP partner and GP trainer in a busy practice in Surrey.
About the Collective
The Powered By Diversity Collective works with Powered By Diversity to produce a wealth of lived experience playbooks, videos and other training materials to give businesses the tools to create a truly equitable, diverse and inclusive workplace.
Further materials (available though subscription to the Powered By Diversity award winning data platform)
Managing the Menopause - Why and How do we use HRT?
Useful links
Middling Along Podcast