Your First GP Appointment About Menopause

What to Say, What to Expect, and What to Do if You’re Not Taken Seriously

For many women, booking that first appointment to talk about menopause can feel daunting. You might be unsure if your symptoms “count,” worried about being brushed off, or simply confused about what help is available.

Whether you’re dealing with irregular cycles, anxiety, hot flushes, or just a general sense that something isn’t right, it’s important to know that you deserve to be listened to, and supported.

Here’s how to prepare for that first conversation with your GP, what might happen during the appointment, and what to do if things don’t go as well as they should.

Before You Go: How to Prepare

A little preparation can make the appointment more focused and useful, for you and your doctor.'

1. Track Your Symptoms

Try keeping a record for a few cycles before your appointment. Include things like:

• Menstrual changes (timing, flow, skipped periods)

• Sleep issues

• Mood changes (irritability, low mood, anxiety)

• Physical symptoms (hot flushes, joint pain, headaches, fatigue)

• Memory or concentration problems

Even if symptoms seem mild or inconsistent, they still matter. Write them down, you don’t need to justify how you feel.

Further Reading: ​​Menopause and Mental Health

2. Note Any Family History

If your mother, sister, or other relatives experienced early menopause or significant symptoms, it’s helpful for your GP to know.

3. Write Down Questions

You don’t need to remember everything on the spot. Some useful questions to consider:

• Could this be perimenopause or menopause?

• Would hormone replacement therapy (HRT) be suitable for me?

• Are there any tests that can confirm what’s going on?

• What other treatment options are available?

• Should I be referred to a menopause specialist?

Further Reading: Perimenopause and Changing Periods

What to Expect During the Appointment

Your GP should:

• Listen to your symptoms without minimising them

• Ask about your menstrual cycle and overall health history

• Discuss treatment options, including lifestyle changes, HRT, or alternatives

• Consider blood tests if you're under 45, or if symptoms are unclear

• Explain clearly what’s happening and what the next steps are

What might not happen:

• There’s no single test to “diagnose” menopause for most women over 45. It’s usually based on symptoms. That’s why your detailed notes can really help guide the conversation.

If You Don’t Feel Heard

Unfortunately, not every GP is well-informed about menopause — and some still underestimate the impact it can have.

If you feel dismissed, confused, or unsupported, here are your options:

1. Ask to See a Different GP

You’re allowed to request an appointment with someone else in the same practice. Some surgeries list which GPs have a special interest in women’s health or menopause — it’s worth asking.

2. Request a Referral to a Menopause Specialist

If your symptoms are complex or if you’ve had issues with HRT in the past, you may be referred to a specialist NHS menopause clinic. Waiting lists can vary, but it’s often worthwhile.

3. Bring Someone With You

If you’re nervous, or worried about being taken seriously, having a friend or partner with you for support can help.

A Few More Things to Remember

• You do not need to be over 50 to get help. Many women experience perimenopause in their early 40s or even late 30s.

• It’s not “too early” to ask questions.

• You don’t have to wait until symptoms are unbearable to seek treatment.

• Your health, physical and mental, matters just as much now as ever.

You Deserve Support That’s Informed and Compassionate

Menopause is a natural life stage, but that doesn’t mean you have to go through it feeling unsure, unheard, or unsupported. Your GP should be a partner in your care, someone who listens without judgment and works with you to find the right options.

If you’ve taken the step to book that appointment, you’ve already started advocating for yourself. That matters. And if the first conversation isn’t helpful, don’t give up, there are other routes, and better support is out there.