Menopause - the questions to ask

Menopause can bring up many questions - and sometimes it’s hard to know where to start. That’s why we asked a group of trusted experts - including doctors, psychologists, and nutritionists - to share the questions they think every woman should be asking their healthcare professional.

The importance of asking your own questions

Menopause can significantly affect your physical and mental health. Asking your healthcare professional the questions which are personal to you helps you understand what’s normal, what’s treatable, and what support is available.

Dr Neesha Patel says: “When you feel informed and validated, you’re far more able to navigate this life stage with confidence and clarity. Just knowing that these issues can happen and are common can encourage you to find out more - the questions need to be asked.”

Asking questions can help you distinguish changes you are feeling which are specifically related to menopause - rather than those that may be happening for another reason.

Judy Serfaty says you should ask questions which help you understand what typical menopause symptoms are - such as mood swings, irritability or brain fog - rather than those which need medical care, such as depression. “This will help you get the targeted attention you need.”

She says it also helps if you ask which of these symptoms can be evaluated further to better understand your health and body.

And remember, no question is pointless – you cannot be wrong to ask it.

Emotional and mental health

“Is how I’m feeling related to menopause, or is it a separate mental health issue?” - Fiona Catchpowle

“What treatment options - HRT, lifestyle changes, therapy, or alternative approaches - might support my mental health?” - Judy Serfaty

“How do stress, burnout, or life changes interact with hormonal shifts at my age?” - Dr Neesha Patel

"Why am I suddenly feeling anxious when I have never felt anxiety before?" - Cheryl Groskopf

"What strategies can help me manage stress more effectively during menopause?" - Dr Neesha Patel

"What can I do about memory lapses or brain fog, and when should I seek further assessment?" - Dr Neesha Patel

Sleep

"How does menopause impact my sleep, and are my nighttime symptoms hormone‑related?" - Fiona Catchpowle

"Can poor sleep affect my mental health during menopause, and what can I do to improve quality?" - Dr Neesha Patel

Monitoring

“What’s the best way to track how I’m feeling so we can spot patterns over time?” - Fiona Catchpowle

“How do you monitor mental health as part of my hormone management plan?” - Dr Alexander Dydyk

“How long is treatment needed, and how often do we review whether it’s working?” - Dr Meena Malhotra

“What symptoms should I track to help you understand where I am in the transition?” - Fiona Catchpowle

“How do I know whether my treatment plan is working or needs adjusting?” - Dr Alexander Dydyk

Treatment, HRT, and medicines

“Can you explain the benefits and risks of different treatment options to help me decide which is best for me?” - Dr Kathryn Basford

“What form of HRT is safest and most effective for me - patch, gel, oral, pellet - and how do you decide the right dose of oestrogen and progesterone?” - Dr Alexander Dydyk

“If I can’t take hormones, what non‑hormonal medicines or supplements actually work?” - Dr Meena Malhotra

“How do I know whether I’m responding well to treatment and what side effects of HRT would require adjusting my treatment?” - Dr Alexander Dydyk

“How do I know if my HRT dose is too high or too low?” - Dr Alexander Dydyk

Diet and nutrition

“Which foods and supplements can help manage symptoms and support long‑term health?” - Dr Meena Malhotra

How can I maintain a healthy weight when menopause makes it more difficult? - Dr Alexander Dydyk

Are there specific diet changes I should make to support heart health, bone strength, and long‑term wellbeing? - Jenny Finke

Are there signs of nutrient and vitamin deficiencies - such as vitamin D, calcium, and iron – that I should watch for, and should I be screened for them? - Jenny Finke

Lifestyle

“Which lifestyle changes will make the biggest difference in my symptoms?” - Fiona Catchpowle

“What type of exercise is most beneficial - strength training, cardio, yoga, interval training?” - Dr Alexander Dydyk

“Which symptoms are usual with menopause, and which are not?” - Dr Alexander Dydyk

“What red‑flag symptoms require immediate evaluation – for example, sudden weight gain, severe sleep disruption, heart symptoms?” - Dr Meena Malhotra

Work

"My symptoms are affecting my work life - what adjustments or support pathways are available?" - Dr Neesha Patel

"Should I inform my employer about how I’m feeling, and the effect menopause is having on me?" - Dr Neesha Patel

General consultation questions

"If I feel I haven’t received the help I need, can I ask for a second opinion?" - Dr Kathryn Basford

"Are you a Menopause Society Certified Practitioner - in the US - or equivalent body? Have you received menopause training?" - Carina Luna‑Ostaseski

“What changes should prompt me to come back and see you?” - Fiona Catchpowle

“How often will we review whether my treatment is working, and how do we measure success?” - Fiona Catchpowle

“Are there psychological or community support services available?” - Dr Neesha Patel