Quick answer: A first menopause appointment is mostly a conversation. Your doctor will ask about your periods, symptoms, health history and family history, then talk through options with you. Many women find it helps to bring a short symptom log, a list of medications and supplements, and the 2–3 questions that matter most to them. At Timely Health in San Diego, the first visit is a 60-minute in-person physician consultation that also includes a whole-body DEXA scan for muscle, fat and bone. → See how our menopause doctor in San Diego program works.
Is it menopause or perimenopause?
Menopause is the point when periods have stopped for good. The U.S. National Institute on Aging explains that you only know you have reached menopause “when you have not had a period or spotting for a full year,” and that the average age of menopause in the United States is 52. Most women start the menopausal transition (perimenopause) between ages 45 and 55, and it can last several years. (NIA)
That matters for your appointment because many women book a visit during perimenopause – when periods are still coming, but irregularly, and symptoms have started. You don’t need to wait for a full year without periods to ask for help. If you’re unsure which stage you’re in, our perimenopause signs and symptoms guide is a good place to start, and when to see a menopause doctor covers the signs it’s time to book.
What to bring to your first menopause appointment
The Menopause Society suggests preparing for a checkup “by putting together a list of questions you have regarding your health” and encourages women to bring up the issues that are most important to them. (The Menopause Society) A simple checklist:
- A symptom log for 2–4 weeks – hot flashes or night sweats (how often, how bad), sleep, mood, brain fog, joint aches, changes in sex or bladder comfort, and your period dates.
- Your period history – date of your last period and how your cycle has changed.
- Medications and supplements – names and doses, including anything you’ve tried for symptoms.
- Health and family history – for example, your own history of blood clots, breast cancer, heart disease or bone fractures, and the same for close relatives. These help your doctor judge which options fit you.
- Recent lab or imaging results if you have them (for example a previous bone density scan).
- Your top 3 questions – written down, so they don’t get lost in the visit.
What happens during the visit
Every clinic is different, but most first menopause visits cover the same ground. The NIA advises discussing “your symptoms, family and medical history, and preferences with your doctor” to decide the approach that’s right for you. (NIA)
At Timely Health, the first visit includes (from our menopause care page):
- A 60-minute physician consultation focused on your concerns.
- A full history – family, genetic, medical and surgical.
- A hormone and symptom assessment.
- A metabolic assessment.
- A whole-body DEXA scan for muscle, fat and bone.
- A personalized plan – hormone therapy when appropriate, or non-hormonal options when it isn’t.
Your first visit and DEXA scan happen in person at our San Diego clinic; follow-up visits can be done by telehealth across California.
Why bone and body composition come up
Menopause is a common time to start paying attention to bone health and body composition, which is why a DEXA scan is part of the first visit at Timely. A DEXA scan measures bone, muscle and fat, and gives your doctor a baseline to compare against later. Learn more about our bone density scan in San Diego and DEXA body composition scan.
Questions to ask your menopause doctor
- Am I in perimenopause or menopause – and does it change my options?
- Which of my symptoms are likely linked to hormones, and which should be checked for other causes?
- Is hormone therapy an option for me, given my health and family history? What are the alternatives? (See Is a hormone therapy consultation right for you?)
- Do I need a bone density scan, and how often?
- What tests or follow-up do you recommend, and when should we review the plan?
After the first visit
Expect a follow-up to review results and adjust the plan. The NIA recommends seeing your doctor every year to talk about your treatment plan and bring up any concerns. (NIA) At Timely, follow-ups can be in person or by telehealth.
FAQ
Can I have my first menopause appointment by telehealth? At Timely Health the first visit and DEXA scan happen in person at our San Diego clinic. Follow-up visits can be done by telehealth across California.
Should I wait until my periods have stopped for 12 months? No. Many women book during perimenopause, when cycles become irregular and symptoms begin. Menopause itself is only confirmed after 12 months without a period. (NIA)
What should I bring? A symptom log, your period dates, a list of medications and supplements, your health and family history, any recent results, and your top questions.
Ready to talk to a menopause specialist in San Diego?
Timely Health’s physicians include Suzan Mahdai, MD, MPH, DABOM, MSCP (Menopause Society Certified Practitioner). Book your consultation or call 858-838-3900. Timely Health, 12396 World Trade Dr., Suite 103, San Diego, CA 92128.
This article is for information only and is not a substitute for a medical consultation.