Menopause Confessions: Crucial tips for choosing a medical expert.

Photograph: Copyright: Masson-Simon/ Envato Elements

12 March, 2024

Dearest Mia. Hello :)

Yes it’s true that menopause symptoms can start from about 35 years of age. Give or take.

So for your medical concerns, in finding out what is going on in your body, you could try your local doctor.

In my experience, and I’ve had a few, however most ‘general practice (GP)’ doctors aren’t always the best equipped or well prepared for a conversation about anything too deeply gynaecological, especially if you are trying to work out if you are starting your menopause journey.

Even basic stuff like hot flashes can be a topic of embarassement for a GP. That has been my actual experience.

There are exceptions to this, of course.

Yet they do very much seem to be the exceptions in my experience.

Encouragingly, I think things might be shifting.

Funnily enough, it seems as medical practitioners and obgyn’s themselves go through menopause - the light bulb seems to be going off for them about menopause and how all pervasive and beyond hotflashes and night sweats it can be.

A few are studying and practicing differently. But it is still relatively early days.

A good thing some in the mainstream medical model are increasing their education and their world view, I think, for womens health..

..those in professional positions especially should never stop learning how to be more skilled, knowledgeable and of course, more empathic, especially when inthe profession of serving others.

Btw - (Ob)stetrics is concerned with pregnancy and childbirth, while (Gyn)ecology covers a broader spectrum of women's reproductive health throughout their lives. So then, an Ob-Gyn is a medical professional who is trained in both obstetrics and gynecology.

You will hear me repeat this many times - Make sure you check out whoever you use in terms of skills, experience and openness to understanding menopause.

It is not enough to reach out to a specialist for your menopause questions for that professional be a trained ObGyn if most of their experience is in delivering babies.

Getting back to your journey, lovely.

You may be better off finding an obgyn with loads of hands on experience in treating menopause.

BUT BE CAREFUL - So many so called specialists in this area, don’t get more than a few hours formal training on menopause in medical school. Even in their post graduate gynocology studies.

And not so much experience in the real world either.

Rather their focus is on the baby end of their training as mentioned, that is, they focus on fertility, how to make babies successfully, how to keep a baby in the womb and deliver a baby, rather than the other side of a woman’s life.

There are exceptions of course. And that’s who you need to find.

Just remember….

Experience is more important than a title. Title, skills, training are entry level requirements but experience is the most important.

Make sure you ask about the experience of your primary health care provider when it comes to hormones and menopause.

Trust your gut.

If you don’t feel they are answering your questions. Worse if they are rude or short (both has happened to me), then walk away.

Different Schools of Thought

There are plenty of professionals out there and you will find the right one for you!

Having experienced obgyn’s in UK, Germany, Australia and USA, there are certainly different schools of thought about some critical issues when it comes to menopause..

..like the best way to receive progesterone or what is the ‘best’ treatment for onset and ongoing menopausal symptoms.

Their love of lists and checklists

The other thing I’ve noticed is that generally, in my experience, medical doctors like to follow lists and do tests.

I get that - the human body is complex!

I do get this is part of the process, but there are limitations to how far either a checklist or test can go. And how well either are interpreted.

For instance, if you start to ask ‘out of the box’ questions not on a checklist or where a test shows ‘negative’ but you know something is off – some doctors don’t react well – two in my case getting down right aggressive.

I guess some don’t like being questioned and are very busy!

Still, as challenging as it might be, you need to think of highly trained professionals as there to serve you.

Not the other way around!

So lets chat about what to look for and how to prep if you decide to talk to your doctor or find an obgyn to discuss whats going on.

Criteria for Excellent Primary Care Practitioners:

When searching for a menopause primary care specialist, consider these top six factors to help make sure you find someone who can effectively guide you through this phase of life:

1. Experience and Expertise in Menopause

Look for a specialist with extensive experience in managing menopause. The key here is experience not just skills or training or title! They should be well-versed in the latest treatments and understand the nuances of the whole menopause journey, including hormonal and non-hormonal therapies.

2. Comprehensive Approach

Ensure the specialist offers a holistic approach to menopause care. This includes not just medical treatments, but also lifestyle recommendations such as diet, exercise, and stress management.

This is usually very tricky.

In my experience you will need to recruit a coach or other functional nutrition or health practitioner to act as part of your menopause team. This practitioner, may or may not interact with your primary health care provider. This will be up to you and the person you recruit.

These additional team members will add perspective, value and alternative health therapies that your medically trained primary health care professional may or may not be aware of for your menopause journey.

3. Up-to-Date Knowledge

Choose a primary health care provider who stays current with the latest research and developments in menopause management. Menopause treatment options are evolving, and staying informed is crucial for providing the best care.

This is best done by you also reading and staying abreast, in general terms, about therapies.

In my experience, many primary health care practitioners can default to hormone therapies, anti depressants or the scalpel too quickly.

Take care and stay vigilant.

You need someone ready and open to discuss alternatives including with additional experts you recruit into your menopause team - such as functional nutritionists and coaches.

4. Patient-Centred Care

The primary health care provider should listen to your concerns, involve you in decision-making, and tailor treatments to your specific needs and preferences. A good provider will work with you to create a personalized care plan.

They should also be open and ready to work as part of a team you have assembled.

It is very difficult to find all the expertise you need to have a meaningful, vibrant, healthy menopause, so assembling a team that work together will bring you the most complete solution for your lifestyle in menopause.

5. Positive Reviews and Referrals

Do your research on practitioners you are thinking about working with. In today’s internet society, that is a bit easier. But there is still referrals from family or friends.

I have also found asking professionals such as Compound Pharmacists about the best menopause practitioners can be very insightful.

6. Clear Communication and Support.

Find a primary health care provider who communicates clearly with you, listens and is accessible for follow-up questions or concerns.

Good communication is key to understanding your treatment options, working as a team and managing any issues that may arise for you.

Choosing a menopause primary care specialist and team who meets these criteria can make THE difference in your experience and well-being during menopause.

I am here to help :)

Hugs, Gra

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DISCLAIMER: This blog is not intended to provide assessment, diagnosis, treatment, or medical advice; it also does not constitute provision of healthcare services. The content provided in this blog is for informational and educational purposes only. Please consult with a physician or healthcare professional regarding any medical or mental health-related diagnosis or treatment. No information in this blog should ever be considered as a substitute for advice from a healthcare professional. The author of this blog shall bear no liability for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this blog.

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