Talking to Doctor About Menopause

• Learn About Your Options to Deal With Menopausal Symptoms
• How to Talk to Your Doctor
• Get a Second Opinion

Some women say their doctors treat menopause like a disease. It's important for you to remember that menopause is not a disease. However, you may have some symptoms that are difficult to cope with. There are ways to make this time in your life easier.

Learn About Your Options to Deal With Menopausal Symptoms

You have probably heard about different ways women relieve menopausal symptoms. We know that hormone therapy (HT) for menopause relieves symptoms like hot flashes and vaginal dryness. However, using HT may increase your chances of getting breast cancer, heart disease, stroke, and blood clots. There are other products, such as soy, ginseng, black cohosh, and flax seed, that women use to relieve symptoms. But are they safe?

Unfortunately, we don't yet know if they're safe and effective. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) is supporting research to find out.

In the meantime, before you take HT or any herbs or dietary supplements, talk to your doctor. Also, keep in mind these points about herbal therapies:

• Herbs are NOT necessarily safer than medicine prescribed by your health care provider.

• Herbs can cause side effects.

• Herbs can interact with other medicines you're taking.

If you've already started using herbal therapies, tell your doctor. It's important to get his or her advice.

How to Talk to Your Doctor

When you talk to your doctor, ask what your options are to relieve symptoms and what you can expect. Ask about side effects and alternatives to these treatments. Knowing what your options are and what to expect will help you make an informed decision about your health.

Here are some tips for talking with your doctor:

• Make a list of concerns and questions to take to your visit with your doctor. While you're waiting to be seen, use the time to review your list and organize your thoughts. You can share the list with your doctor.

• Describe your symptoms clearly and briefly. Say when they started, how they make you feel, what triggers them, and what you've done to relieve them.

• Tell your doctor what prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, herbal products, and other supplements you're taking. Be honest about your diet, physical activity, smoking, alcohol or drug use, and sexual history—withholding information can be harmful! Describe allergies to drugs, foods, or other things. Don't forget to mention if you are being treated by other doctors.

• Don't feel embarrassed about discussing sensitive topics. Chances are, your doctor has heard it before! Don't leave something out because you're worried about taking up too much time. Be sure to have all of your concerns addressed before you leave.

• If your doctor orders tests, be sure to ask how to find out about results and how long it takes to get them. Get instructions for what you need to do to get ready for the test(s) and find out about any dangers or side effects with the test(s).

• When you are given medicine and other treatments, ask your doctor about them. Talk about the latest studies and recommendations for treating menopausal symptoms. Ask how long treatment will last, if it has any side effects, how much it will cost, and if it is covered by insurance. Make sure you understand how to take your medicine; what to do if you miss a dose; if there are any foods, drugs or activities you should avoid when taking the medicine; and if there is a generic brand available at a lower price (you can also ask your pharmacist about this).

• Understand everything before you leave your visit. If you don't understand something, ask to have it explained again.

• Bring a family member or trusted friend with you to your visit. That person can take notes, offer moral support, and help you remember what was discussed. You can also have that person ask questions as well.

Get a Second Opinion

Since we're always learning more about menopause treatment options and hormone therapy, it is can be confusing to figure out how to treat or manage menopausal symptoms. It is important for you to have a doctor that you trust, so you can have an open talk about your concerns and your treatment options. Then, you can make informed decisions about your health that you feel good about. If you feel that you have talked openly with your doctor and still don't feel satisfied, you should think about getting a second opinion. Getting a second opinion from a different doctor might give you a fresh perspective and more information on treatments. Here are some tips for how to get a second opinion:

• Ask your doctor to recommend another doctor or specialist for another opinion. Don't worry about hurting your provider's feelings.

• If you don't feel comfortable asking your doctor about whom to go to for a second opinion, contact another doctor you trust. You can also call university teaching hospitals and medical societies in your area for names of doctors. Some of this information is available on the Internet.

• Always check with your health insurance provider first to make sure the cost of a second opinion is covered. Many health insurance providers do. Ask if there are any special procedures you or your primary care doctor need to follow.

• Arrange to have your medical records sent to the second opinion doctor before your visit. This gives the new doctor time to look at your records and can help you to avoid repeating medical tests. Be aware that some doctor's offices charge a fee for making a copy of your records.

• Learn as much as you can. Ask your doctor for information you can read, go to a local library, or do a search on the Internet. Some teaching hospitals and universities have medical libraries that are open to the public. But sorting through information that is complicated and sometimes contradictory can be a daunting task. List your questions and concerns and bring the list to discuss with the doctor.

• Never rely solely on the telephone or Internet for a second opinion. When you get a second opinion, you need to be seen in person by a doctor. A sound second opinion includes a physical examination and a thorough review of your medical records. Don't forget to ask the doctor to send a written report to your primary care doctor and get a copy for your records.