Patient guide
How to prepare for a menopause consultation
Menopause appointments are often short, and many women leave unsure what was decided. A little preparation helps you describe symptoms clearly, discuss options and agree a plan. This guide covers what to track, what to bring and which questions are worth asking.
Last checked: 2026-10-03
Key facts
At a glance.
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Track symptoms
A two to four week diary of symptoms, sleep and bleeding patterns gives the clinician more to work with.
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Bring history
List your medicines, past conditions, family history of breast cancer, clots, stroke, heart disease and osteoporosis.
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No test needed
Most women over 45 with typical symptoms do not need hormone tests before discussing treatment.
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Plan a review
NICE advises review after three months of starting HRT, then yearly.
Before the appointment
Write down your main symptoms, how often they occur and how much they affect work, sleep, mood and relationships. Rate each on a simple scale if that helps. Note your last periods and any change in pattern, bleeding between periods or after sex. Menopause symptom questionnaires are available online and can be shared with your clinician. Think about what matters most to you: sleep, hot flushes, mood, joint pain, libido or protecting long-term health.
What to bring
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A list of medicines and supplements, including contraception and herbal products.
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Your own and close family history of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, blood clots, stroke, heart disease and osteoporosis.
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Recent blood pressure and weight if you have them.
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Details of previous treatments tried and how they went.
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A list of questions.
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Smear test dates and any breast screening history.
Questions worth asking
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Is this perimenopause, and do I need any tests?
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What treatment options are there, including HRT and non-hormonal options?
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What are the benefits and risks for me in particular?
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Which type and route of HRT would you suggest, and why?
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What side effects might I expect, and how long should I wait before judging?
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Do I need contraception, and for how long?
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When will we review this?
What a good consultation looks like
The clinician should listen, explain the evidence in balanced terms, discuss your preferences and agree a plan. They should explain that HRT is a choice, not an obligation. NICE guidance (NG23) recommends a personalised approach and discussion of the benefits and risks of HRT, along with alternatives such as cognitive behavioural therapy for symptoms. You should leave knowing what to start, how to take it and when to review.
If you feel dismissed
Some women are told that symptoms are due to stress or age. You can ask for the NICE guidance to be considered, request a referral to a menopause specialist or ask for a second opinion within the practice. Many practices have a clinician with a special interest in menopause. Private menopause clinics are another option, and the British Menopause Society keeps a list of accredited specialists.
After the appointment
Keep notes on what was agreed. Start any treatment as advised and keep the symptom diary, so you can assess benefit. Report troubling side effects early rather than waiting. Arrange the review date. If your symptoms are not controlled after an adequate trial, return for adjustment rather than giving up.
If you are seeing a private clinician
A private consultation should cover the same ground as an NHS one, with more time. Check the clinician's registration, ask what is included in the fee, including follow-up and prescriptions, and ask whether they will share information with your GP. Ask which guidelines they follow and whether they use any unlicensed products. A good clinician will welcome these questions and explain their approach without pressure to commit to a package of tests or treatments.
Frequently asked
Questions people ask.
Quick, plain-English answers to the questions we hear most.
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Do I need a long appointment?
Ask if the practice offers extended appointments for menopause. If not, written notes help use time well.
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Should I bring a partner or friend?
You can, if you want support or help remembering information.
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Do I need to have periods stop before asking for help?
No. Symptoms in perimenopause can be treated while periods continue.
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Is a physical examination needed?
Often not, but blood pressure and weight may be checked, and examinations are done if bleeding or pelvic symptoms need assessment.
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What if my GP is not confident with HRT?
Ask for another clinician in the practice or a referral to a menopause clinic.
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Can I get HRT on the same day?
Sometimes, if a prescriber is satisfied it is appropriate. Otherwise, a follow-up may be planned.
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Should I stop other medicines before the appointment?
No. Continue them and tell the clinician about all of them.
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Is a smear test needed?
Cervical screening follows the national programme and is separate from HRT decisions.
Where this comes from
Sources and checking.
This guide is for information, not medical advice.
Your GP or consultant knows your history and can tell you which parts apply to you. If your symptoms are severe, rapidly worsening, or come with red-flag features, seek urgent medical care. Figures and availability change, so treat them as a guide and confirm with the provider.
Published 2026-10-03, next review 2027-10-03.
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NICE guideline NG23, Menopause: identification and management (nice.org.uk)
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NHS website, Menopause and Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) pages (nhs.uk)
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British Menopause Society, patient and clinician consensus resources (thebms.org.uk)
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General Medical Council, Good practice in prescribing and managing medicines and devices (gmc-uk.org)