Practical guide

Talking to your GP

Menopause and perimenopause can be complicated, and 15 minutes is not a very long time when you are trying to explain a mix of symptoms, questions and concerns.

This page is designed to help you prepare so your appointment feels more useful, more focused and less stressful for both you and your GP.

Complete the Symptoms Questionnaire Use the Symptoms Checker

What to do before your appointment

Think about which symptoms are bothering or worrying you most.
Complete the Symptoms Questionnaire and take it with you.
Make a note of the key questions you want answered.
Gather a few relevant health details before your appointment.

A little preparation can make a big difference

The aim is not to have every answer before you go. It is simply to help you explain clearly what has been happening, what is affecting you most, and what support you would like to discuss.

A simple way to prepare

If you are not sure where to begin, this is a good order to follow before your appointment.

Step 1

Check your symptoms

Use the Symptoms Checker to explore common menopause and perimenopause symptoms and start joining the dots.

Step 2

Complete the questionnaire

Fill in the Symptoms Questionnaire so you have something practical and structured to take with you to your GP.

Step 3

Take it to your appointment

Use it to guide the conversation, explain what is affecting you most, and help make the appointment more productive.

Go to Symptoms Checker Go to Symptoms Questionnaire

Get prepared

Before your appointment, take a little time to think about your symptoms and which ones are having the biggest impact on you day to day. This helps you focus the conversation on what matters most.

The Menopause Symptoms Questionnaire is a useful tool to complete beforehand and take with you to show your GP. It can help you summarise what you have been experiencing and makes it easier to talk through symptoms clearly during a short appointment.

Helpful tip: It can also be really useful for your GP to know that you have already read some reliable information about menopause, perimenopause and different treatment options.

Open the Symptoms Questionnaire

Bring the key information your GP may need

It can help to have a few important details ready in advance. Depending on your situation, these may shape the discussion around diagnosis, treatment options and next steps.

Have you had a hysterectomy?
If not, have you had a period in the last year?
Do you still need contraception?

Are you up to date with mammograms and cervical screening?
Do you have a personal or family history of breast cancer?
Are there any medicines or supplements you are currently taking?

You could say something like: “I’ve been having symptoms that I think may be related to perimenopause or menopause, and they are affecting me in these ways. I’ve completed a symptoms questionnaire so we can talk through them.”

Make more time if you can

If possible, try to book a longer appointment. A standard consult can go very quickly when you are covering symptoms, menstrual history, treatment questions and follow-up planning.

Ask whether you can book a double appointment.
Check the cost with your practice, as longer appointments are often charged differently.
If a double appointment is not available, two separate appointments on different days can also work well.

Why this helps: More time is often better for you and for your GP, especially when symptoms are wide-ranging or you have several questions you want to cover properly.

Choose who you see

When you call to book, you can ask whether there are any GPs in the practice with a particular interest in women’s midlife health or menopause.

You may prefer to see a female doctor, and that is completely understandable. But there are also many male GPs who are experienced, knowledgeable and supportive in this area, so it can be worth asking about interest and experience rather than assuming based on gender alone.

Good question to ask reception: “Is there a GP in the practice with a special interest in menopause or women’s midlife health?”

Reliable information to read before your appointment

If you want to do some reading beforehand, stick to trusted sources. This can help you feel more confident and can also make it easier to have a more informed conversation with your GP.

If you would prefer more specialist menopause support

For many women, their own GP is a very good place to start. But some women prefer to see a clinician with a stronger menopause focus, especially if symptoms are more complex, they want more time, or they would simply feel more confident speaking with someone who works in this area every day.

If that feels like you, you can still use the Symptoms Questionnaire and your symptom notes as a helpful starting point for a consultation with us.

Start with the Questionnaire Explore consultation options