Learning how to self-care is hard at any stage, but during menopause it is more important than ever.

Self care is an act of love for yourself. Activities like a facial at the spa, a walk alone, or an afternoon nap, are great ways to nurture ourselves. The same is true for getting a yearly checkup and staying up to date on your lab tests and blood panels. Health Care is Self Care.

For many of us we lead busy lives and making time for our health has not been a priority. Health care rarely plays a role in our daily life, instead we only see a doctor for a life threatening situation. We don’t view our health care as reducing risk for our long-term health.

Until we are suffering with menopause symptoms. Only then are we forced to the doctor with the numerous symptoms that are piling up and disrupting our quality of life. From skyrocketing cholesterol levels to mood swings, the signs and symptoms of menopause can disrupt your entire life.

The terror of heart palpitations or the insanity caused by sleepless nights or the irrational anxiety about driving. In pursuit of relief, these symptoms can drive you to finally pay attention to your health care.

This is the best time in your life to become a health advocate, on your behalf.

Your gut, heart, kidneys and liver all play vital roles in keeping our bodies functioning. When you enter menopause, the risk of numerous medical conditions increases. You’ll be at increased risk for diseases that include diabetes, coronary artery disease,  and osteoporosis.

A yearly trip to your medical support team ensures you can catch a problem as soon as they arise.  You’ll also keep your medications and supplements at the proper dose. By reviewing their impact and efficacy yearly, you’ll ensure what you are taking is what you need.

A visit to the doctor can be a scary experience. Especially when you are looking for help with menopause. Sadly, the medical system is only prepared to handle women’s reproductive care up to menopause. Most medical networks don’t have a menopause specialist on staff.

How to Be Your Health Advocate

On the one hand you are at the mercy of your doctor and their knowledge. On the other, they are the key to your relief. What should you do when you desperately need help and the person you turn to has no or limited answers/solutions for you?

You learn how to advocate for yourself.

While I don’t recommend trying to school your doctor on their profession that doesn’t apply to menopause.  Most doctors only receive a few hours of training on it in their entire education! That is unfortunate because 1.1 billion women will be in menopause worldwide by 2025.

The keys to a successful doctor’s visit are:

Know Your Symptoms:  Which symptoms are you experiencing that are menopause related?

Almost 100 physical and mental symptoms are directly related to menopause. If you have developed itchy ears, incontinence, fear of driving or tingling in your arms and legs, it could be menopause.

Until you have talked with your doctor about it, don’t assume what you’re experiencing isn’t related to menopause. Make a complete list of all the weird, seemingly unrelated, symptoms you are experiencing. Take that top your appointment and give it to your doctor for your records.

Tests You Need: A blood test, mammogram, and an EKG should be top of the list for the doctor.  If you are having heart palpitations and hot flashes it can put you at risk for heart disease.  Getting your heart checked regularly will help prevent heart attacks.

If you are not up to date on your yearly exams and labs let your doctor know. As you transition into menopause it is important to check yourself yearly. Your health can take a downward turn quickly  and the onset of various diseases can accelerate.

Treatments You Want to Try: What treatments do you want to explore for your symptoms?

This is where you will need to educate your doctor your treatment options if they are not onboard for prescribing your preferred treatment.

The doctor determines the exact treatments and dosing you’ll need after they see your test results.  You can provide your doctor with your preferences for treatment. The more information you can give them the better the choice you make together for symptom relief.

This also extends into the endless other symptoms that menopause creates. For instance, if your cholesterol has suddenly skyrocketed,  you may request to try menopause treatments first. The same goes for mental health issues. It may be that your intense anxiety will calm once you start  menopause treatment and a cortisol supplement. 

You want to avoid being on medications that aren’t treating the root cause of your symptoms. Taking the wrong medications can cause side effects that are unnecessary and risk your overall health.

Navigating the medical system takes resolve. However, there are numerous options available to you. Both covered by insurance and out of pocket support.

Help is available within the system of health insurance but it will take longer to get what you are looking for. Out of pocket services are fairly easy to get appointments quickly with the exact professional you need.

Start with a call to your Primary care physician to get a general check up. If you are experiencing heart palpitations and hot flashes then request a visit to a Cardiologist. If you are having joint issues, arthritis pain, or other pain in the body, request a referral to see a specialist.

When you see the specialist, let them know you are in menopause and how you plan to treat it.  Tell the doctor if you suspect the issue may be related to menopause.  Repeat this process with every doctor you see for your issues.

Once you approach menopause, schedule an appointment with your doctor. You deserve a long lifespan and health spam. Preserve it by using the medical system to help you stay well and prevent long-term damage or chronic disease.

Remember, health care IS self care.