How to approach your GP appointment
Here's how to prepare for your ten minute appointment with your GP to get the most out of your time!
1.
Make sure you have a clear picture of your symptoms over time. The best way to do this is to print out and fill in the symptom tracker that you can download (along with a PDF version of this guide) at the Free Resources page of this site. Ideally you’ll have a couple of months’ worth of tracking your symptoms, and be able to talk about how severe they are/how much they are impacting you. It’s quite common for symptoms to fluctuate with your cycle or come and go over time. There are also apps available which do the same thing - eg the Balance app if you prefer to do it that way.
2.
In addition to your symptom tracker, make some notes ahead of time that you’ll take with you to your appointment. How have symptoms impacted you? What would you like to know about treatment options? What do you already know? Are you concerned about one symptom more than others? Sometimes (hello brain fog!) it can be tricky to remember and notes may help you feel more in control. Think about what a ‘good’ outcome looks like for you, and note any questions you want to ask your GP.
3.
Familiarize yourself with the NICE guidelines
4.
Depending on how your GP surgery is set up, it may well be best to use the e-consult option to summarize your notes/symptom history. You can request to see/speak to the GP at the practice who specializes in women’s health/menopause care. Or just call and ask reception to book you in with the GP who specializes in women’s health/menopause care. Whether it’s a phone consultation or in person, the GP very likely will want an up to date blood pressure reading and BMI so getting that done in advance where feasible will help. (Some GP surgeries offer these machines as a walk in service in the reception area.)
5.
Bear in mind you might need two appointments, one to fully discuss your symptoms and possible treatments, then one to agree on a course of treatment once you have had time to absorb all the information from your GP.
6.
Take a friend or family member into your appointment if you feel that will help you - either to help you advocate for yourself, or to help you take notes, or both.
7.
Remember - if you are over 45, NICE guidelines state that blood tests (to detect hormone levels) are not required for diagnosis, the GP should diagnose on symptoms. They may however suggest blood tests to rule out other underlying issues, eg thyroid problems or iron deficiency.
You can also listen to our podcast episodes with our clinical lead Dr Beth Thomas or with Dr Katie Barber, both menopause specialist GPs, which will give you plenty more information and help you feel more confident going into your appointment.