And why you should find an OB/GYN who specializes in menopause.
Much of the lack of treatment for menopausal symptoms is a result of the inadequately designed, evaluated, and reported results of research conducted by the 2002 Women’s Health Initiative, which created panic among patients and physicians alike. The erroneous message communicated by the media, as a result, was that hormone therapy posed more risks than benefits for all women.
On top of this misinformation, according to a survey of U.S. obstetrics and gynecology residents, only one in five residents received formal training in menopause medicine. This staggering statistic signifies that many practitioners feel they lack the appropriate knowledge necessary to treat women in perimenopause, menopause, and beyond, which further widens the gap between women and the relief of their menopausal symptoms.
When it comes to addressing your menopause experience, I recommend you make an appointment to see your physician in person. Discussing your symptoms and concerns and asking questions in your doctor’s office is often more comfortable than asking over the telephone, computer, or text.
But remember that your wonderful OB/GYN, who has beautifully cared for you during your reproductive years, may not have received much training on menopause or feel equipped to discuss your options. You will most likely have to seek out someone with expertise in menopause care. I have a Recommended Physicians Database on The ‘Pause Life, or you can reference the Menopause Society Certified Practitioners database to find a provider in your area.
Call ahead and ask if they are willing to discuss your menopause symptoms and therapeutic possibilities. Remember that this visit should not be a part of the “well-woman exam.” Insurance only pays for your annual visit as a cervical and breast cancer screening appointment. You may need to make a problem visit to discuss menopause.
How to Prepare for Your Menopause Doctor Appointment
- Try to schedule the first appointment in the morning to ensure a fresh physician. Tell the staff about issues you would like to discuss so the scheduler knows to block off additional time.
- Consider showing up to the appointment fasted (no food/drink other than water after midnight). This will avoid any delay in testing requiring a fasted state.
- Write down your family history of diseases and illnesses, which relative had them, and at what age. Your family history may help to determine if you are a good candidate for certain hormone therapies.
- Keep a symptom journal, noting any changes to your health since your last visit, including new aches and pains, increased fatigue, hair loss, weight gain or loss, constipation, forgetfulness, depression, etc.
- Write down the specific tests you are interested in, and what symptoms you have that would make testing these levels a good idea. Your family history could qualify you for certain medical tests you may not otherwise be qualified for. For example, if you have fatigue and a family history of hypothyroidism, your physician can utilize that diagnostic code and increase your chances of insurance covering the test.
- Consider your preferences for managing your symptoms and long-term health, e.g., hormone therapy (HT), an herbal approach, and changes in your lifestyle. It’s your choice, and you’ll want to ask your provider for their opinion based on your medical history.
Your healthcare provider should not tell you that this is just that time of your life and this is your “new normal.” Yes, menopause is a natural stage, but that doesn’t mean you should have to put up with every symptom without help. Don’t be discouraged by an OB/GYN who doesn’t have the answers. You have every right to treatment for your menopause symptoms, and there are doctors out there with the expertise you’re seeking. You might just have to do a little digging to find them.
Mary Claire Haver, MD, FACOG, CMP, is an OB/GYN and the founder of the Mary Claire Wellness Clinic and The Pause Life. With a social media following of over 4 million and her bestselling book The New Menopause, Dr. Haver aims to “demystify menopause” and promote self-advocacy for women’s health.
