Talking to Your Doctor About Menopause Symptoms Learn how to deal With Menopausal Symptoms How to approach Your Doctor Get a Second Opinion Most of the women feel that doctors consider the problem of menopause as a disease. But remember its not a disease. Menopause consists of certain symptoms that are difficult to cope up with, but still there are ways to make this time an easier one of your life. Learn How to Deal With Menopausal Symptoms You might have heard that there are so many ways by which women can get relieved from the menopausal symptoms. One majot phenomenon known as HT(harmone therapy) relives symptoms like vaginal dryness and hot flashes. But HT can lead to breast cancer, blood clots, heart diseases and stroke. Some more safe products like- soy, ginseng, black cohosh, and flax seed can also be used to relieve symptoms. Still we are not sure whether these products are safe or not. Researches are going on in National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to find out the solution. Before taking HT or any other herbal supplement, do consult your doctor. Make your mind aware of the following points herbal therapies: Herbs are NOT necessarily safer than medicine prescribed by your health care provider. Herbs can interact with other medicines you're taking. Herbs can cause side effects.   How to Approach Your Doctor While approaching your doctor, ask him about the various options to relieve symptoms. Also ask about the side effects and the alternatives of these treatments. Knowledge about the various options help you to take a good decision regarding your health. Consider the following tips when you approach your doctor: Try to make out a list of various queries to get answered by your doctor. Always review your list and and make your mind set before shring it with doctor. Give the description of symptoms in a very clear and brief manner. Explain properly when they started, how you feel and what triggers them up. Give the honest review of your diet, physical activity, drugs, alcohol, sex history and also about the herbal medicines vitamins and supplements you take. Also tell about the allergies to drugs, foods, or other things. If treated by other doctors, dont hesitate to mention. Don't feel embarrassed about discussing sensitive topics. Be sure to have all of your concerns addressed before you leave. When ever doctor ask you to take some tests, do ask him about the resluts and how long it takes to get them done. Also know about the instructions which are to be followed before going for test and also about the side effects of having them. Talk to your doctor to know about the prescribed drugs and treatments. Keep yourself updated with the latest studies and recommendations. Understand everything before you leave your visit. If you don't understand something, ask to have it explained again. Never approach doctor alone. Always take a family member or close friend of yours along with you. That person can take notes, offer moral support, and help you remember what was discussed. You can also have that person ask questions as well. Get a Second Opinion As there are numerous options available and harmones therapies are learned, it has become confusing which one to opt for. So always have a talk with your doctor regarding this. He/ she will advice you to follow the best option. After this you have to have to make informed decisions about your health that you feel good about. If you still feel unsatisfied, think about getting a second option. This might give you a fresh perspective and more information on treatments. Following are some tips for how to get a second opinion: Don't worry about hurting your provider's feelings and ask him to recommend another doctor or specialist for another opinion. If you are not comfortable with asking, then contact some other person for the same. To get information regarding this you may also make a call at university teaching hospitals and medical societies in your area. Internet is also the best option for the same. In case of health insurance, make sure that the cost of a second opinion is covered. Before visiting the second opinion doctor, arrange your medical records. This helps you to avoid the repitition of medical tests. Try to learn as much as you can. To gain knowledge you may refer to various local libraries and even internet can help you alot. Discuss all the queries which you come across while learning with your doctors. A sound second opinion includes a physical examination and a thorough review of your medical records.Never just rely on telephone or internet for second option. Always when you get a second opinion, you need to be seen in person by a doctor.