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How to Prepare for your GP Appointment

  • Apr 8
  • 4 min read
Is it perimenopause?

How to Feel Heard, Confident, and Supported

Preparing for your GP appointment is one of the most empowering things you can do - especially if you think you might be experiencing perimenopause or you simply don’t feel like yourself.


Not only does it help you walk into that room with more confidence, it also gives your GP a much clearer picture of what’s going on - so together, you can get to the root of how you’re feeling and find the right support, faster.


But I want to be honest with you, this is something I’ve personally found incredibly difficult. I've shared my story on my podcast, have a listen below and don't forget to follow me!




What I Want You to Take From This

You know your body better than anyone else. If something feels off - listen to it. Track it. Advocate for yourself. Because this isn’t just about hormone levels on a blood test.

It’s about:

  • Your stress levels

  • Your lifestyle

  • Your nervous system

  • Your overall wellbeing


And when you start looking at the full picture - that’s when things begin to make sense.


How to Prepare for Your GP Appointment

Here’s how you can start taking back control and getting the most out of your appointment.


1. Track Your Symptoms (This Is Your Foundation)

One of the most powerful things you can do is track your symptoms consistently.

I often recommend using an app like Balance, where you can log:

  • How you feel each day

  • Your cycle

  • Sleep

  • Nutrition

  • Exercise

  • Personal notes


That notes section is key. Because your symptoms don’t exist in isolation - they’re influenced by your day.


You might write things like:

  • “Felt really overwhelmed today”

  • “Had a calm, easy day”

  • “Big work deadline”


Over time, patterns start to appear. You may notice:

  • Anxiety and brain fog spike on stressful days

  • Sleep worsens after late meals or alcohol

  • Your energy improves at certain points in your cycle


This kind of insight is invaluable - for both you and your GP.


👉 Try to track for at least 6–8 weeks if you can.Perimenopause is about patterns - not single moments.


2. What You Can Start Doing Now

You don’t have to wait for your GP appointment to start feeling better. Manage overwhelm Perimenopause can lower your stress tolerance.Try a simple daily list:

  • What’s urgent

  • What can wait

  • Who can help


Review caffeine, if you’re experiencing anxiety or palpitations, notice if it’s linked to coffee - especially your second or third cup.


Listen to your energy If you’re exhausted, don’t push through with sugar or caffeine. Resting is not laziness - it’s regulation.


Get outside daily A 20-minute walk can support mood, sleep, and cortisol balance.


Support your sleep

  • Magnesium before bed (bath, spray, or cream)

  • A calming wind-down routine

  • Reducing screen time


Small daily habits that make a big difference

  • Protein with every meal (for blood sugar stability)

  • Strength training 2–3 times per week

  • Limiting alcohol

  • Breathwork or mindfulness (even 5 minutes helps)


3. Go Into Your Appointment Prepared

Before your appointment, bring:

  • A full list of your symptoms

  • Patterns you’ve noticed

  • A clear timeline of when things started

This helps your GP see the bigger picture - not just a snapshot.


4. Blood Tests: What to Ask For

Blood tests can be helpful—but only when used correctly.

You can ask for:

  • Vitamin D

  • Iron / Ferritin

  • Vitamin B12

  • Thyroid function (TSH, T3, T4)

These help rule out other causes of fatigue, anxiety, and brain fog.


Important to know:

A single oestrogen blood test is not reliable for diagnosing perimenopause.

Hormones fluctuate constantly during this stage - so results can appear “normal” even when symptoms are very real.


👉 Diagnosis is based on symptoms, not one blood test.


5. HRT: Questions You Can Ask

If you’re exploring HRT, you might ask:

  • What type of HRT is suitable for me?

  • What are the risks and benefits?

  • Can I start low and adjust?

  • What form is best (patch, gel, spray, tablet)?


If you’re currently on the pill (not for contraception), you could ask:

“Would I be better suited to body-identical HRT?”


Why Body-Identical HRT Is Often Preferred

Body-identical HRT:

  • Uses hormones identical to those your body produces

  • Is linked to a lower risk of blood clots (especially patches/gels)

  • Provides more stable hormone levels

  • Is often better tolerated


Whereas the combined pill:

  • Uses synthetic hormones

  • Has a higher risk profile as you get older

  • Suppresses your natural cycle


6. Questions to Take With You

If you’re not sure what to say, take this checklist:

  • Could this be perimenopause?

  • What treatment options are available?

  • Is HRT suitable for me?

  • What type would you recommend and why?

  • How long before I feel a difference?

  • What are the side effects?

  • When should I review this?


Final Thoughts

You are not wasting anyone’s time by asking questions.You are not overreacting.And you are not alone in feeling this way.


The more informed and prepared you are, the more productive your appointment will be - and the sooner you can start feeling like yourself again.

 
 
 

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