3 Workday Details to Bring to a Menopause Review

If you spend a meeting trying to hide how hot you feel, or reread the same email after a poor night, bring that workday into your appointment. A symptom list can miss the task you are struggling to get through.

Three details worth writing down

1. What interrupted the task? Record the symptom in plain language: a hot flush during a presentation, for example, or difficulty concentrating while writing. The NHS¹ includes temperature changes and memory or concentration problems among possible symptoms.¹
2. What was the night before like? Note sleep disruption alongside the next day’s experience. Night sweats can affect sleep, and sleeping difficulties can leave you tired or irritable during the day. Bring both parts of the account.¹
3. What do you want help with first? Choose the problem you most want reviewed, and explain how it affects your work. See a healthcare professional if you think you have menopause symptoms and want to discuss help managing them.¹

Use one ordinary workday

You do not need a perfect diary. Describe a day you can remember, the task, the interruption and what you did next. Include any treatment questions you want answered.

A practical opening is: “This is what happens during my workday, and this is what I want help with first.” Ask what information the clinician needs to assess it and how you will review the proposed plan.

My Body Changed. Now What? includes a ChangeMap, symptom diary and VisitBrief. Use them to organize the workday examples you want to bring. See the book.