Where do I go with this ?
 

If you think you are on this journey, then taking time to inform yourself is step number one. You deserve this investment in your own education and health. Liaising with your GP to have a full health check is important. Discussing the possibility of perimenopause with the GP or a menopause specialist or gynaecologist is also necessary and before doing this you should think about doing the following:
 

1. Begin to keep a diary of your experiences/symptoms.

2. Read the NICE menopause guidelines (2015) … you will find them here … https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng23  These guidelines also have suggested questions that you might use at any appointment you have regarding your experiences.

3. Decide who you are going to see…your GP or a specialist in menopause.

4. If you are going to your GP ask if you could have a longer appointment …10 minutes will not be enough time.

5. Make a list of all the symptoms you are experiencing and have all your questions developed in advance – if you have had a chance to keep a diary of your experiences that would be really helpful. This history is extremely important as it can paint a picture that cannot otherwise be evaluated. It is important to note that there is not a blood test that reliably indicates that you are in perimenopause. NB. Relying on a blood result to show declining hormone levels is inconsistent as they change considerably and yet remain in the normal range, so you could end up being told you are not perimenopausal when in fact you are. This is why history is so important.

6. Make sure to tell the person if you are taking any medication, prescribed or over the counter.

7. If you need support maybe bring a friend/partner.

8. Ask the person you are seeing…what’s next? When can I review how things are progressing/how any treatments might be working or not, as the case may be?

9. Get a second opinion if you are not confident that you have been heard and assessed appropriately.

10. Working with a menopause coach (like me 😊) can be helpful as it will help you gather your thoughts and prepare for any appointments etc. It will also help you put in place a plan to approach challenging issues such as sleep, nutrition, exercise, and your overall mental health and wellbeing.

 

This stage of life is directly linked with our health going forward into old age. Ask yourself is it enough to make this transition passively or should I be proactive and radically self-caring? That’s my question to you. I know what my answer is.

 

If you are interested in learning more about the Menopause Maze education programme and coaching for Perimenopause and Menopause, please get in touch.

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