7 Ways to Talk to Your GP About Menopause

Talking to your General Practitioner (GP) about perimenopause and menopause can be hard when you can barely think straight for all the symptoms. We asked a leading menopause doctor to explain how to get your point across and the help you need.

Speaking to your family doctor about menopause symptoms should be simple, only it isn’t. When your menopausal symptoms could be the Greatest Hits Collection of 42 different symptoms, where do you start? What’s more, when a handful of those typical menopause symptoms are insomnia, memory loss, brain fog, fatigue, anxiety and depression, you might not be the most effective communicator. Throw into that mix vaginal dryness and lack of sex drive and it’s a wonder if you make it past the waiting room.

British GPs are a phenomenal asset to our NHS but sadly, many of them don’t have sufficient training in diagnosing perimenopausal symptoms and too many women are being incorrectly diagnosed, prescribed antidepressants or simply not receiving the help they need. "It’s very difficult for GPs to tick off so many boxes and my view is that GPs should not have to do everything themselves but there should be designated menopause clinics that they can refer women onto,” says one of the world-leading specialists on perimenopause and menopause.

So how to convey all your perimenopausal or menopausal symptoms, then? Here are some failsafe tips on how to talk to your GP about perimenopause and menopause and get the most effective support out there.

1. Make a list

A lot of women suffer with brain fog and in that moment at the GP surgery, you might forget some of the things you came in with. That’s when you might worry you won’t be taken seriously. So, make the most out of your appointment and make a list of all your symptoms, even if you have to read it out.

2. Only talk about menopause

Don't go into your appointment with other complaints too because it will be diagnosis overload and there's no way that doctor is going to be as receptive and empathetic. For the best help, stick to just explaining your menopausal symptoms.

3. Book a double appointment

If your surgery allows it, request two back-to-back appointments so you have a full 20 minutes to speak your mind and your doctor to work out a treatment plan.

4. Be clear with what you’re feeling

Tell your physician, “I don't feel depressed, I just don't feel like myself.” These are two very different issues that often get confused and a lot of women who have been depressed in the past can recognise that.

5. Find the best GP at your surgery

GPs all have different strengths; if there’s somebody within your practice who likes this topic and who's the go-to within the practice, request an appointment with them specifically.

6. Ask to be referred to a menopause specialist

Alternatively, if menopause is something none of your GPs know much about, ask them to refer you to someone who does. They’re professionals and it’s not offensive to get yourself referred on to somebody who can better deal with your symptoms.

7. Go to a private menopause specialist if possible

If you can afford to, go and see somebody privately – it’s money well spent. We've all grown up thinking that the NHS should provide us with every type of healthcare but spending money on our health is a good investment. We will often go and pay that much for a haircut!

Whether you decide to go the HRT route to help you through menopause or not, supplementing in the right way can make a huge difference to almost every single one of those 42 typical symptoms. The gold standard of supplements, LYMA contains a blend of patented power ingredients to treat body and mind. Vita-algae D3™ and K2Vital® work in tandem to distribute calcium to the bones and tissues of the body, thus eliminating joint pain, whilst Cognizin® 250mg, the world’s leading nootropic, nourishes your brain back into focus, restoring mental clarity. KSM-66® Ashwagandha 600mg, dosed at the clinically proven level, transforms bad sleep into deep sleep and HydroCurc® 600mg; an unsurpassed active turmeric that’s renowned for treating menopausal symptoms, delivers an unparalleled quantity of curcuminoids, reducing inflammation throughout the body. Anyone can feel the benefits of the LYMA formula but as thousands of customers report every month, it’s when you’re needing relief through the stages of perimenopause and menopause, that LYMA truly comes into its own.

Read more

Menopause Report: the myths and the science

The truth about HRT and menopause pharmaceuticals

The psychological fallout of the menopause, and how to treat it

The truth about menopause supplements

What to eat pre and post menopause