Menopause and Perimenopause are complicated.

And 15 minutes is not a very long time.

So here are some tips to help make your GP appointment more useful and less stressful for both you and your GP:

1. Getting prepared

Write down your symptoms and highlight the ones bothering or worrying you the most.

If you have done the MenoDoc Symptom Checker quiz, you can take this to discuss with your doctor.

It’s also really helpful for us GPs if we know you have already read some good reliable information about Menopause and HRT.
This can either be the MenoDoc website, the Australian Menopause Society, the British Menopause Society and also the Balance website in the UK.

2. Make more time

See if you can book a double appointment with your GP - this will cost more (check with your practice how much they charge for 30 minutes, as it’s often more than just double the price of a 15 minute consult. This is because GP practices only get funding for one 15 minute appointment with each patient per day.)

You could alternatively book for two separate 15 minute appointments on two different days.

More time is helpful for you and for your GP.

3. Choose who you see

When you call to book your appointment ask the receptionist if there are any GPs who have a special interest in Women's Midlife Health issues and the menopause.

You may prefer to see a female doctor - but there’s also plenty of male GPs who are really experienced and knowledgable about Women's Health and HRT and can give you great support.