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Preparing for your appointment
By Mayo Clinic staffYou'll probably start by discussing your symptoms with your primary care provider. If you aren't already seeing a gynecologist, your doctor may refer you to one.
What you can do
By monitoring your menstrual cycles and recording your signs and symptoms for several months, you'll gain a better understanding of the changes occurring during perimenopause. You'll also have valuable information to share with your doctor.
Appointments can be brief. To make the best use of the limited time, plan ahead and make lists of important information, including:
- A journal of your menstrual cycles for the past few months, including first and last date of bleeding for each cycle, and whether the flow was light, moderate or heavy
- Detailed descriptions of all your symptoms, including premenstrual symptoms
- Names and dosages of all medications you take, including nonprescription drugs and supplements
- Questions for your doctor, such as what treatment options are available
Questions your doctor may ask
To facilitate a discussion about your perimenopausal experience, your doctor may ask questions such as:
- Do you continue to have menstrual periods? If so, what are they like?
- What symptoms are you experiencing?
- How long have you experienced these symptoms?
- How much distress do your symptoms cause you?
- What medications or vitamin supplements do you take?
- Perimenopause. National Women's Health Information Center. http://www.womenshealth.gov/faq/perimenopause.cfm. Accessed Aug 3, 2010.
- Lund KJ. Menopause and the menopausal transition. Medical Clinics of North America. 2008;92:1253.
- Casper RF. Clinical manifestations and diagnosis of menopause. http://www.uptodate.com. Accessed Aug 3, 2010.
- Practice Committee of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine. The menopausal transition. Fertility and Sterility. 2008;90:S61.
- Bradshaw KD. Menopausal transition. In: Schorge JO, et al. Williams Gynecology. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2008. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aid=3158526. Accessed Aug 3, 2010.
- Menopause basics. In: Menopause Guidebook, 6th ed. Cleveland, Ohio: The North American Menopause Society, 2006. http://www.menopause.org/edumaterials/guidebook.aspx. Accessed Aug 3, 2010.
- The changing body. In: Menopause Guidebook, 6th ed. Cleveland, Ohio: The North American Menopause Society, 2006. http://www.menopause.org/edumaterials/guidebook.aspx. Accessed Aug 3, 2010.
- Chen EC, et al. Menstrual disturbances in perimenopausal women: What's best? Journal of Family Practice. 2009;58:331c.
- Borrelli F, et al. Alternative and complementary therapies for the menopause. Maturitas. 2010;66:333.
- Menopausal symptoms and CAM. National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. http://www.nccam.nih.gov/health/menopause/menopausesymptoms.htm. Accessed Aug 5, 2010.
- Bauer BA (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic. Rochester, Minn. Aug 16, 2010.
- Alfhaily F, et al. Acupuncture in managing menopausal symptoms: Hope or mirage? Climacteric. 2007;10:371.
- Cho SH, et al. Acupuncture for vasomotor menopausal symptoms: A systematic review. Menopause. 2009;16:1065.
- Daley AJ, et al. Exercise to reduce vasomotor and other menopausal symptoms: A review. Maturitas. 2009;63:176.
- Tremblay A, et al. Psychoeducational interventions to alleviate hot flashes: A systematic review. Menopause. 2008;15:193.
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