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.
What to do before your appointment
- Think about which symptoms are bothering or worrying you most.
- Complete the Symptoms Questionnaire and bring your emailed report.
- 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 private consultation isn't the only way to get help — and cost should never be the reason you go without.
If seeing your own GP suits you better, or booking with us isn't the right fit right now, you can still take a clear, practical summary to your doctor. Complete our free Symptoms Questionnaire and we'll email you your symptom score and answers — something concrete to start the conversation. The steps below will help you make a short GP appointment really count.
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.
If you have not already, complete the free Symptoms Questionnaire and bring your emailed report — it gives your GP a clear summary of what you have been experiencing.
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.
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.
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 your Symptoms Questionnaire report as a helpful starting point for a consultation with us.
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