It’s important to speak with your doctor or a menopause specialist whom you feel comfortable with early and often. To help make the conversation a little easier, consider bringing a loved one and writing down questions beforehand.

Menopause is often treated as a taboo subject, but it shouldn’t be. It’s a natural stage of life for those with a uterus that you reach once you’ve gone 1 year plus 1 day without a period.

Talking with your doctor about menopause and the time leading up to it (perimenopause) can help you learn what to expect, how to manage symptoms, and how to protect your health as you age.

The average age of reaching menopause in the United States is 51, but some people go through natural menopause at an earlier or later age.

If you think you might be experiencing symptoms of menopause, let your doctor know. They can help confirm if menopause is the cause and recommend a treatment plan.

Try to talk with your doctor about menopause early and often — even before you start perimenopause, which is typically in your 30s or 40s. Asking biological relatives when they began perimenopause can help give you an idea of when you might reach it.

Speak with your doctor if your ovaries stop functioning normally before age 40 (premature ovarian insufficiency). While uncommon, this condition requires additional testing and is treated with hormone therapy until the average age of menopause.

Certain medical treatments, such as surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy on your ovaries, can also cause early menopause. While surgical menopause is permanent, chemotherapy– or radiation-induced menopause is sometimes temporary.

Your doctor can also help you learn how to lower your risk of heart disease and limit bone loss, which accelerates after reaching menopause, with calcium, vitamin D, and weight-bearing exercise.

Changes in your menstrual period are often the first signs of perimenopause.

Your cycles might become longer or shorter than usual. You might skip periods. You might find that your menstrual flow is heavier or lighter than expected.

Perimenopause and menopause can also affect your body in other ways.

Symptoms of menopause

Other health conditions can also change your menstrual period or cause symptoms similar to menopause. That’s why it’s important to talk with your doctor about changes in your health.

Your doctor can help you learn whether menopause or another condition is causing the changes. They can also recommend lifestyle modifications, medications, and other treatments to help manage your symptoms.

Early treatment may help stop symptoms from worsening and limit the effects of menopause on daily activities.

Asking your doctor questions about menopause can help you learn what to expect and what you can do to manage symptoms.

Questions to ask your doctor about menopause

  • Regarding symptoms:
    • What are the symptoms of menopause that I might develop?
    • What should I do if I develop new or worse symptoms?
  • Regarding causes:
    • What are the potential causes of my current symptoms? Is menopause or another condition the cause?
    • Do I need any tests to check for potential causes?
    • What do those tests involve, and how much do they cost with or without insurance?
  • Regarding symptom management:
    • What steps can I take to manage my symptoms?
    • Can lifestyle changes manage my symptoms?
    • Can medications or other treatments manage my symptoms?
    • What are the potential benefits, risks, and costs of each treatment approach?
    • How long should the treatment take to work? What should I do if it doesn’t?
    • What are the potential side effects of treatment? What should I do if I develop side effects?
    • What other steps can I take to manage menopause and stay healthy as I get older?
  • Regarding bone health:
    • How can I protect my bone health?
    • Should I undergo bone density screening? When and how often?
    • Should I get my calcium and vitamin D levels checked?
    • How can I make sure that I’m getting enough calcium and vitamin D?
    • Do I need to do more weight-bearing exercise to protect my bones? What are example exercises?
    • Should I see a bone specialist?

Depending on your symptoms, health history, and preferences, your doctor might recommend nonhormonal treatments or menopausal hormone therapy (MHT).

MHT provides a safe and effective treatment option for most people. Your doctor can help you understand the potential benefits and risks.

You may feel reluctant to talk about menopause, even with a doctor. Some may find it hard to get the information or support they need during doctor’s appointments.

Here are some strategies for talking about menopause with your doctor and making the most of each appointment.

Remember: Menopause symptoms are common and treatable

If you feel self-conscious talking about menopause, you’re not alone. It’s important to remember that menopause symptoms are common, as well as treatable.

Your doctor shouldn’t judge you for speaking up about your symptoms, and they have likely discussed similar topics with others.

If your doctor doesn’t have the necessary training or experience to address your menopause-related concerns, they can recommend a specialist, such as a Menopause Society Certified Practitioner (MSCP), who does.

MSCPs are licensed healthcare professionals with exam-tested expertise in menopause and often have a background in obstetrics and gynecology.

You don’t need a referral to speak with one, so you can seek care from them without talking with your primary care doctor first.

Look for a doctor you feel comfortable with

It’s important to find a doctor whom you can speak with openly and honestly.

You might feel more comfortable talking about menopause with certain professionals compared with others. You might also find it easier to talk with a doctor you know well. Consider looking for a general practitioner or an MSCP you can see regularly.

If you’re dissatisfied with your doctor’s communication skills, your relationship with them, or the care you’re receiving, consider looking for a different doctor.

Make a list of your concerns

You can prepare for doctor’s appointments by making a list of your top questions or concerns. As you discuss with your doctor, check off each point you have written down.

This might help you stay on track during your appointments, especially if you feel nervous or tend to forget your questions.

Do some research beforehand

You might find it helpful to research menopause-related information before your doctor’s appointment. This may help you feel more comfortable or confident talking with your doctor.

Look for credible sources of information developed by medical experts.

You can also directly ask your doctor for information about menopause. If any of it sounds confusing, ask them to explain it again in simpler terms or with an analogy that you can understand.

Bring a friend or family member

If you feel more comfortable with a friend or family member by your side, ask them to accompany you to your doctor’s appointment.

They can provide emotional support, help take notes, and raise questions that you might not have remembered or thought about.

General practitioners can often address many menopause-related questions and concerns. But depending on the reason for your visit, it may not be possible to discuss menopause thoroughly.

Still, you can begin the conversation and plan a follow-up visit to discuss it further.

Other times, you may want to see a specialist right away to get the right information or treatment.

Depending on your questions and concerns, you might benefit from speaking with a gynecologist, mental health specialist, or other healthcare professional with expertise in menopause.

Finding a menopause specialist or expert

  • Ask around: Ask friends, family members, or others in your social network for recommendations. They might have seen a healthcare professional for similar questions or concerns.
  • Ask your primary care doctor: If your current doctor is unable to provide the necessary support, consider asking them for their menopause specialist recommendations.
  • Search the Menopause Society database: This online directory includes Menopause Society members and MSCPs.
  • Look for a menopause clinic: Some healthcare centers operate specialized clinics for people experiencing perimenopause or menopause. You can search online for menopause clinics near you.

During your first appointment with a new healthcare professional, pay close attention to how they communicate with you and how you feel.

It’s important to find someone who listens to your concerns, encourages you to ask questions, and helps you find solutions that fit your needs.

If you don’t feel well supported or comfortable talking with them, they’re not the best fit for you. Continue looking for another healthcare professional who can meet our needs.

Speaking with your doctor about menopause early and often can help you learn what to expect, how to manage symptoms, and how to stay healthy as you enter this stage of life.

If your doctor isn’t qualified to address your concerns, consider asking them for a menopause specialist recommendation (you don’t need a referral).

You can also find specialists by searching the Menopause Society database or looking for a menopause clinic. A specialist should listen carefully to your concerns and encourage you to ask questions.

Finding the right doctor can help you get the information and support you need to manage menopause and life beyond.