Prepare for your visit to one of your healthcare professionals to discuss Menopause and Postmenopause 

Navigating midlife changes often begins with a conversation—one that you’ll have with a healthcare professional who can help you understand what your body is experiencing. Preparing for this visit ensures that you make the most out of your limited time with a doctor or naturopath. 

How to prepare? 

To begin, it’s important to understand your options. You can choose between:

Medical doctors (MDs) — who prescribe hormone replacement therapy (HRT/MHT) and conventional medicine.

Naturopathic doctors (NDs) — who recommend dietary supplements and lifestyle-based approaches. To get the best outcome, prepare two important documents: 

1. A Medicine & Supplement Record

Include all prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and dietary supplements you currently take.

For each one, list:

• Full product name 
  
• Active/medicinal ingredients 
  
• Daily dose and how/when you take it 
  
• Start date 
  
• Reason for taking it 
  
• The prescribing healthcare professional & their phone number 
  

2. A List of Health Issues

Track anything that feels bothersome or unusual. Categorize by symptoms, describe when they show up, and note their progression. This helps your provider distinguish menopause-related symptoms from those related to general aging.

Some symptoms—like heart palpitations—could be hormonal OR related to another health issue, so detailed tracking is essential. 

What you should expect to discuss with a medical doctor

Medical appointments are brief—typically 10–15 minutes—so preparation is key. Expect to discuss:

• Your last menstrual period (date, duration, and any changes)
  
• Your usual cycle patterns
  
• Any ongoing treatments or medications
  
• Your family's medical history
  
• Your top concerns and symptoms

What to expect during the visit

A doctor may conduct physical exams or tests to differentiate menopausal symptoms from other conditions. These may include:

• Medical interview: You'll describe your symptoms in detail.
  
• Internal examination: Sometimes an ultrasound is needed to examine reproductive
  organs.
  
• Pap smear or blood tests: To screen for cervical and uterine cancer and assess
  hormonal status or cholesterol levels.

What are your resources? 

Tracking tools can help you prepare:

• MenoPause Symptom Tracker — Menopause Foundation of Canada
  https://menopausefoundationcanada.ca/resources/menopause-symptoms
  
• MQ6 (Menopause Quick 6) — Canadian Menopause Society
  https://www.canadianmenopausesociety.org/professionals/MQ6/

These tools are evidence-based and widely used by practitioners.

What you should expect to discuss with a naturopathic doctor

Naturopathic doctors take a whole-person approach, assessing lifestyle, nutrition, stress, sleep, mood, and more. They aim to empower you with full understanding of your health and tailor strategies to your unique profile. Patients are encouraged to bring any recent tests or reports from other practitioners.

What to expect from the visit

A first assessment typically lasts 60–90 minutes and includes:

• Comprehensive discussion of symptoms
  
• Full medical, dietary, lifestyle, and family history review
  
• Evaluation of mood, energy, stressors, and routines
  
• Physical examination (blood pressure, heart rate, abdominal function, reflexes,
  respiratory health, gynecological evaluation including Pap smears)

If needed, they may order additional lab tests.

After the assessment

Your naturopath will create a personalized treatment plan based on all findings.

What are your resources? 

If you choose naturopathic medicine, it helps to know that this system has existed in North
America for over 125 years, focusing on supporting the body’s natural ability to heal.
Learn more here:

• https://oand.org
  
• https://cand.ca

You can also use these sites to find licensed NDs.