{"id":39213,"date":"2021-08-16T09:30:34","date_gmt":"2021-08-16T13:30:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=39213"},"modified":"2025-09-12T19:01:48","modified_gmt":"2025-09-12T23:01:48","slug":"menopause-questions-and-answers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/menopause-questions-and-answers\/","title":{"rendered":"9 questions to ask your doctor about menopause"},"content":{"rendered":"

It is 4:28am and you have just awakened for the third time, flushed and drenched in sweat\u2014only you\u2019re not having nightmares. What is going on? Menopause. Menopause is a phase of a woman\u2019s life that often brings on night sweats, mood swings, hot flashes, and even forgetfulness.<\/span><\/p>\n

Menopause is when a woman has not had a menstrual period for 12 months, according to the<\/span> National Institute on Aging<\/span><\/a>. The years leading up to menopause, when women may experience new and different symptoms, is called the menopausal transition, or<\/span> perimenopause<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

9 menopause questions to ask your OB-GYN<\/span><\/h2>\n

This transition is a normal part of life, not a disease or disorder. However, if symptoms are causing distress, interfering with everyday life, or if you just need some help understanding menopause, make an appointment to talk to your primary care provider or OB-GYN.<\/span><\/p>\n

Not sure how to start the conversation? Here are some simple questions about menopause that can open a dialog between you and your physician. Remember, your healthcare provider has heard it all: Don\u2019t be shy about speaking your mind and taking notes during your appointment.<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Am I too young for menopause?<\/span><\/h3>\n

Research shows that women often begin the symptomatic perimenopausal period four years before their last menstrual period and that the average age of menopause is 51 \u00bd. In other words, the process<\/span> frequently begins sooner than you may think. Your healthcare provider can help you determine what to expect based on your family and medical history.<\/span><\/p>\n

2. What are the symptoms of menopause?<\/span><\/h3>\n

While some women don\u2019t notice any menopausal symptoms, 80% of women have symptoms that can be quite disruptive. During the menopausal transition, the body’s production of two hormones made by the ovaries\u2014estrogen and progesterone\u2014decreases. These changes cause a wide range of symptoms.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The hallmarks of menopause are hot flashes and night sweats. Other common symptoms include:<\/span><\/p>\n