Menopause Appointment Guide

Understanding Perimenopause and Menopause: What to Expect at Your Appointment

You’ve decided to talk to your healthcare provider about symptoms you believe may be related to perimenopause or menopause—great news! Taking this step is important, but it’s normal to feel anxious about the appointment. You might be wondering:

If you’ve waited months for this appointment, you’ll want to make the most of it. This guide is designed to help you feel more prepared and less overwhelmed.

What’s Inside:

Understanding Menopause and Perimenopause:

A brief overview of the menopause transition, including where you might be in the process and the roles of key hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone.

Medical History Worksheet:

A space to record your current and past medical conditions, medications, and gynecologic or obstetric history. This helps your provider tailor recommendations based on your individual needs.

Symptom Tracker:

A checklist of the most common menopause-related symptoms, allowing you to rate their severity and identify which ones are most bothersome.

Overview of Treatment Options:

This section helps you understand what may be discussed during your visit, so you can prepare questions and express any concerns in advance.

Helpful Referrals:

A short list of specialists and resources that may support you on your menopause journey.

Purchase the Menopause Appointment Guide

Finding a Menopause Specialist

If you’re having trouble finding a menopause specialist—and you’re not located in Colorado to see me—here are a few options to help you connect with the right provider:

Start with your primary care provider. Ask if they have experience with menopause care. If not, see if they can refer you to someone who does.
Talk to your OB/GYN. While gynecologists may seem like the obvious choice, keep in mind that many primary care providers and even OB/GYNs receive limited education on menopause during their training and may not be fully up to date on current treatments.
Check The Menopause Society’s Provider Directory. Visit menopause.org for a list of certified providers. However, it's important to note that having a national menopause certification doesn't always guarantee up-to-date knowledge or experience with hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
Look for providers with specialized training. Some providers, like myself, have completed additional education in menopause and HRT through programs like the Heather Hirsch Academy. You can search the directory at Heather Hirsch Directory

For clinical providers: