Talking to Your Healthcare Provider About Menstrual Disorders
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You have a unique medical history. Therefore, it is essential to talk with your doctor or healthcare provider about your personal risk factors and/or experience with menstrual disorders. By talking openly and regularly with your healthcare provider, you can take an active role in your care.
General Tips for Gathering Information
Here are some tips that will make it easier for you to talk to your healthcare provider:
- Bring someone else with you. It helps to have another person hear what is said and think of questions to ask.
- Write out your questions ahead of time, so you don't forget them.
- Write down the answers you get, and make sure you understand what you are hearing. Ask for clarification, if necessary.
- Don't be afraid to ask your questions or ask where you can find more information about what you are discussing. You have a right to know.
Specific Questions to Ask Your Healthcare Provider
About Menorrhagia (Heavy Bleeding)
- What could be causing my heavy bleeding?
- What kinds of tests should I have?
- How serious is my condition?
- Where can I get more information?
About Your Risk of Developing Complications of Menorrhagia
- Am I at risk for anemia?
- Do I need to be concerned about infertility?
- How can I reduce my risk of toxic shock syndrome?
- Are their any other complications I should be concerned about?
About Treatment Options for Menorrhagia
- What treatments are available for heavy bleeding?
-
Are there medications that can help me? If so,
- What benefits can I expect?
- What side effects can I expect?
-
Are there any surgeries that can help heavy bleeding? If so:,
- What benefits can I expect?
- What risks may be involved?
- Are there any alternative or complementary therapies that may help?
- Is there anything else I can do to reduce the bleeding?
About Amenorrhea (Lack of Menstruation)
- Why have I not been having menstrual periods?
- What kinds of tests should I have?
- How serious is my condition?
- Where can I get more information?
About Your Risk of Developing Complications of Amenorrhea
- Am I at risk for bone loss and osteoporosis?
- Do I need to be concerned about infertility?
- Are there any other complications I should be concerned about?
About Treatment Options for Amenorrhea
- What treatments are available for this condition?
-
Are there medications that can help me? If so:
- What benefits can I expect?
- What side effects can I expect?
- Is there anything else I can do to make my periods regular?
- Are there any alternative or complementary therapies that may help?
About Your Outlook
- What are the chances of my condition improving?
- What should I do if this problem returns?
About Lifestyle Changes
-
What lifestyle changes can I make to improve my condition? Do I need to do anything about my:
- diet,
- exercise routine,
- weight,
- stress,
- or other habits?
References:
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists website. Available at: http://www.acog.org/ . Accessed February 28, 2006.
Last reviewed February 2007 by Jeff Andrews, MD, FRCSC, FACOG
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Copyright © 2007 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.