What should I keep in mind when discussing menopause with women? Well, it may sound simple, but it's incredibly impactful: active listening. Many women, including myself as a patient, often experience rushed doctor's appointments. You know how it goes – you're in and out, and it feels like there's a million things to juggle. You're literally standing at the door, running behind schedule.
In such a fast-paced environment, there's a tendency to jump straight into ordering a battery of tests. And when those tests come back normal, it can be frustrating. It's like, "Well, I don't know, maybe you should exercise more." Well, of course, they probably already know that. So, the key is truly listening to what these women are going through, creating some space for their experiences. It's challenging, but taking the time for that meaningful dialogue is essential. We need to ensure that women don't feel dismissed or labeled as overly emotional or hysterical. There are some fascinating things happening in a woman's body leading up to menopause, and acknowledging those experiences is crucial.
Susan J. Baumgaertel is an internal medicine physician.
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