Let’s be honest: booking an appointment to talk menopause with your GP can feel like gearing up for a job interview you never wanted. Do you bring notes? What if they brush you off? How do you explain brain fog when you’ve got brain fog?
You’re not alone in feeling awkward. The good news? There are smart, simple ways to make the most of that appointment and walk away with answers, not questions. Here’s your frank guide to having The Menopause Chat with your GP.
Why this matters.
Menopause isn’t an illness, but its symptoms, hot flushes, mood swings, joint pain, insomnia, and low libido can have a huge impact on daily life. Yet studies show that only a little over half of Australian women seek medical help¹.
Why? A mix of stigma, uncertainty, and (let’s be real) the fact that not every GP has had in-depth menopause training². An Australian Senate inquiry even flagged major gaps in GP education and too many women feeling dismissed³.
So, if you’ve felt brushed off in the past, it’s not you; the system hasn’t caught up yet. That’s why preparation is power.
Step 1: Prep like a pro
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Track your symptoms. Write down what you’re experiencing, how often, and how it’s affecting your life. A simple symptom diary works wonders⁴.
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Prioritise. GPs are time-poor. Pick your top three symptoms to cover first⁵.
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Bring backup. Print fact sheets from trusted sources like Jean Hailes or the Australasian Menopause Society so you feel confident⁶.
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Know your questions. Example: “What treatment options suit my health history?” “Do you prescribe MHT?” “When should I see a specialist?”⁷
Step 2: Ask the right questions
Jean Hailes suggests coming armed with specific prompts like:
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What’s causing these symptoms?
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What are my treatment options?
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What are the risks and benefits of MHT (Menopausal Hormone Therapy)?⁷
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Should I see a menopause specialist?
This sets the tone: you’re informed, proactive, and ready for a collaborative chat.
Step 2: Expect more than one visit
Dr Jane Elliott, an Aussie GP and menopause expert, reminds women that menopause care is rarely “one and done.” Extended consultations are often needed for history, diagnosis, and treatment planning⁸. Think of it as a journey, not a quick pit stop.
Step 4: If you hit a wall…
Sadly, not every GP is up to speed. If you feel dismissed, don’t accept “that’s just ageing.” Options include:
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Ask for referral to a menopause clinic (like at The Women’s Hospital Melbourne⁹).
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Try telehealth with menopause-focused services like Viv Health or WellFemme¹⁰.
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Seek a second opinion. The Australasian Menopause Society has a directory of knowledgeable doctors¹¹.
Step 5: Shared decision-making.
Menopause care should be about you and your GP as a team. Studies show that shared decision-making leads to better outcomes and satisfaction¹². Whether you’re considering lifestyle changes, natural remedies, or MHT, you deserve space to weigh up the risks and benefits with proper guidance.
Where Hey Sister! fits in
Hey Sister! is here to back you up ; not replace your doctor, but give you natural, everyday relief that makes the tough days easier. Think of us as your pocket-sized ally while you navigate the bigger healthcare system.
FAQs
Q: Should I book a double appointment?
Yes, menopause care takes time. Many GPs encourage longer consults for complex issues⁸.
Q: What if my GP doesn’t know much about menopause?
Ask for a referral to a menopause clinic or specialist. Or try telehealth services that focus on menopause¹⁰.
Q: What if my GP dismisses me?
Don’t settle. Seek a second opinion. The Australasian Menopause Society has a doctor directory¹¹.
Q: Can I ask about natural remedies?
Of course. Your GP can guide you on safe, evidence-based options. Pairing lifestyle changes with support products (like Hey Sister!) can help.
Q: What about hormone therapy?
MHT is the most effective treatment for hot flushes, night sweats, and bone health¹³. Your GP should help you weigh risks and benefits.
References
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Australasian Menopause Society – Perimenopause / Menopause Info Sheet
https://www.menopause.org.au/hp/information-sheets/perimenopause -
Healthdirect Australia – Menopause Overview
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/menopause -
Jean Hailes – Menopause Symptoms / Health A-Z: Menopause
https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause -
Better Health Victoria – Menopause and Sleep
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/menopause -
Menopause.org.au – Menopause and Mental Health
https://www.menopause.org.au/hp/information-sheets/menopause-and-mental-health -
The Women’s Hospital Melbourne – Menopause Facts / Menopause Information
https://thewomens.org.au/health-information/periods/menopause -
Jean Hailes – Brain Fog / Menopause Symptom Resources
https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause -
Menopause Alliance – Symptom Checklist / Resources
https://www.menopausealliance.org/ -
Bespoke Clinical Research – VITAL Registry (Australia/NZ)
https://www.bespokeclinicalresearch.com.au/vital -
Dr Kelly Hankins – Menopause Myths Debunked
https://www.kellyhankinsmd.com/menopause-myths -
Australian Prescriber – Management of Menopause / Menopausal Hormone Therapy
https://australianprescriber.tg.org.au/articles/management-of-menopause.html -
Research Australia – Menopause Health / Research Priorities
https://researchaustralia.org/ -
RACGP – Menopause – A Practitioner’s toolkit / Guidelines
https://www.racgp.org.au/clinical-resources/clinical-guidelines/guidelines-by-topic/view-all-guidelines-by-topic/women-s-health/menopause-a-practitioner-s-toolkit -
Australian Government Senate – Menopause Inquiry / Reports
https://www.aph.gov.au/ -
Menopause Alliance Australia – Lifestyle & Menopause Resources
https://www.menopausealliance.org.au/ -
AMS – Non-Hormonal Treatments for Menopause (Info Sheets)
https://www.menopause.org.au/hp/information-sheets/nonhormonal-treatments-for-menopausal-symptoms -
RACGP – Menopausal Hormonal Therapy & Bone Health
https://www.racgp.org.au/clinical-resources/clinical-guidelines/key-racgp-guidelines/view-all-racgp-guidelines/osteoporosis/pharmacologic-approaches-to-prevention/menopausal-hormonal-therapy -
Jean Hailes – Questions to Ask Your GP About Menopause
https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/news/questions-to-ask-your-gp-about-menopause -
Jean Hailes – How to talk to your doctor about menopause
https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/news/how-to-talk-to-your-doctor-about-the-hormonal-changes-of-menopause
