Going to see Gynaecologist tonight. Not sure what to say/ ask.

[NeilYoungCrazyHorse]

Since Christmas I have been having horrible peri-menopausal symptoms which were very debilitating. They came on and off but when they came they hit me like a bus. I had initial blood work done and on my request my Doc referred me to a lady gynaecologist in my area which I am paying for myself. I had to wait 5 weeks to see her and I am going tonight.

The thing is, for the last month I have felt fine and am not in the middle of any symptoms. I am a bit nervous about seeing her I look and feel OK. Should I go and explain what was happening to me over the past few months? I am not looking for HRT yet, I just want to be prepared for the next set of symptoms and want an overall women's health check. I want to be proactive about my menopause.

You're paying ask her what you want. Not sure you can be proactive about the menopause- perfectly natural bodily function that happens regardless. Sounds like you want reassurance and she can provide that.

When I say proactive what I mean is I would like to start taking supplements, have a well woman check, get fit and healthy before it hits me full on, if it does. I have had some very nasty symptoms but on and off. I feel like I have had warning shots across the bow. My MIL who had a terrible menopause told me to go the doctor now and not wait until I couldn't take it any more like she did.

I don't think you are wrong for booking a consultation BUT as PP said there is not much she can tell you which is not already available in books or online on some of the menopause sites run by drs.

You can find out all you need to know by reading. You can't really 'prepare' for something that varies so much from woman to woman.

You don't need supplements unless your diet is deficient in some way.
You ought to 'clean up' your diet by eating very healthily- avoiding refined carbs, sugar, alcohol and too much caffeine. Everyone needs to do this but it will help with the highs and lows of mood swings.

A well woman check is not needed unless you are at risk. A check involves a smear, blood pressure, weight / BMI and that's about it. Your GP might offer these anyway or you can buy a BP monitor off Amazon and DIY!

You may not have the same type of menopause as your MIL. If you do, then you will need to decide if you want HRT or to experiment with alternatives like herbs.

I found my symptoms come and go with dome weeks when I feel pretty much ok. That is peri. Other weeks I feel awful. I went private and I took my book I use for tracking symptoms. Read them out but also that periods still pretty much regular and no hot flushes. Diagnosed peri and gave script for hrt which my gp refused. She was a menopause specialist though. Polly is very knowledgeable and the website menopause matters full of info and support.