Navigating the challenges of perimenopause and menopause can feel overwhelming at times, especially when it comes to making decisions about menopausal hormone therapy (MHT). Hormone therapy can be very helpful for many women, but it may not be the right choice for everyone. It’s essential to consult with your physician to carefully assess your personal risks and benefits before deciding if MHT is the best option for you. The latest guidance from The Menopause Society provides an excellent opportunity to discuss the specifics with your healthcare provider.
I recommend scheduling an in-person appointment with your physician to discuss your symptoms, concerns, and questions. Having these conversations face-to-face is often more comfortable and productive than trying to address them over the phone, computer, or text.
Remember that your amazing OBGYN, who may have cared for you beautifully during your reproductive years, might not have received extensive training in menopause care or feel comfortable discussing all your options. You may need to seek out a provider who specializes in menopause and has expertise in this area.
Before scheduling, call the office to confirm if they are prepared to address menopause symptoms and therapeutic options. Remember, this type of discussion should be part of a “problem visit” and not your annual “well-woman exam.” Insurance typically only covers your yearly visit for cervical and breast cancer screenings, so a separate appointment is necessary to address menopause-related concerns.
I know how important it is to feel empowered and informed as you take steps to optimize your health and well-being. If you’re considering MHT, preparing for your appointment can help you feel more confident and ensure you get the answers you need. Here’s how to prepare for the conversation and some key questions to ask.
How to Prepare
- Schedule the first appointment of the morning to ensure your physician is fresh and has time to focus. Let the staff know about the issues you’d like to discuss so they can schedule enough time for your visit.
- Use a symptom tracker to monitor and record any changes in your health since your last visit, including hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, aches and pains, fatigue, weight gain, brain fog, depression, sleep disruptions, etc. This will help your provider get a clear picture of your experience and guide their recommendations.
- Gather your medical history and family health history, including diseases or conditions, which relatives had them, and at what age. Your family history may help to determine whether you’re a good candidate for specific hormone therapies.
- Write down the specific tests you’d like your provider to run, along with symptoms that support your request. Your family history may also justify certain tests. For example, if you’re experiencing fatigue and have a family history of hypothyroidism, your physician may use that as a diagnostic code to improve your chances of insurance coverage for thyroid testing. The following are key tests to request that will most likely be covered by your insurance:
- Complete Blood Count (CBC)
- Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)
- Lipid Panel
- Diabetes Screen (Hemoglobin A1C)
- Thyroid Panel
- Nutritional Deficiencies (Vitamin D, Zinc, Magnesium)
- Anemia Panel (Iron, Ferritin, Folate, Vitamin B12)
- Chronic Inflammation Testing (High Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein, Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate)
- Arrive fasting (no food or drinks except water after midnight) for your appointment to avoid delays if fasting is required for any lab tests.
- Research the basics of hormone therapy so that you feel prepared to ask more informed questions.
- Consider your lifestyle as part of your plan and think about how MHT might complement the other strategies you’re using to support your health and well-being. While MHT can be a game-changer for many women, it’s just one piece of the puzzle. A balanced approach that includes nutrition, movement, sleep, and stress management is essential for feeling your best in midlife and beyond.
- Think about your preferences for managing your symptoms and long-term health, whether that’s MHT, herbal remedies, mind and body practices, lifestyle changes, or a combination. Remember, it’s your choice. Your provider’s role is to give you the best medical advice based on your unique circumstances and medical history, and your role is to advocate for yourself.
- Bring key questions to your appointment to help you get aligned with the right practitioner and ensure you leave with the information you need.
Questions to Help You Find the Right Practitioner
- What experience and training do you have in prescribing MHT?
- How familiar are you with the latest research and guidelines?
- Have you successfully treated patients with symptoms like mine using MHT? Can you share specific examples?
- What steps do you take to stay updated on advancements and new studies in the field of menopause and MHT?
- What is your approach to incorporating alternative or complementary therapies alongside MHT to optimize a treatment plan?
- What is your approach to managing potential side effects of MHT, and how do you work to minimize the associated risks?
- What is your approach to exploring different forms of MHT based on patient preferences, and how do you tailor treatment plans to fit individual lifestyles?
- What support do you offer to patients transitioning from other healthcare providers for their MHT needs?
- What references or resources do you recommend for patients who want to learn more about MHT?
Questions About Your Symptoms and Risks
- How effective is MHT in treating my symptoms?
- Based on my medical history, am I a good candidate for MHT?
- What are the potential risks and benefits of MHT for me?
Questions About Treatment Options
- What types of MHT would you recommend for me, and why?
- How is the therapy administered (e.g., patch, pill, cream), and what are the pros and cons of each option?
- How soon can I expect to see results, and how will we monitor my progress?
Questions About Safety and Monitoring
- How long is it safe to stay on MHT?
- Are there alternative or complementary therapies to MHT I should consider?
- What follow-up care or tests will I need while on MHT?
A Final Thought
Exploring menopausal hormone therapy is a powerful step toward gaining control of your health. By preparing thoughtfully for your appointment and asking the right questions, you’ll be better equipped to make decisions that align with your goals and needs. You deserve to feel vibrant, confident, and strong in this next phase of life—and with the right support, you can get there.
Ready to Reclaim Your Health Through Personalized Nutrition?
You don’t have to navigate perimenopause and menopause alone. By working with Daria, you’ll gain the tools and confidence to cut through the confusion, manage your symptoms, optimize your health, and build sustainable habits for a longer, healthier life. Explore services or book your free discovery call now:
