Menopause Checklist
A quick guide to track, manage, and discuss menopause symptoms with your clinician.
7/4/20262 min read
Know the stages
Perimenopause: irregular cycles, symptoms begin.
Menopause: 12 months without a period.
Post menopause: years after menopause.
Common symptoms to track
Hot flashes / night sweats
Sleep problems / insomnia
Mood changes, anxiety, depression
Vaginal dryness, painful sex, decreased libido
Urinary urgency or incontinence
Changes in bleeding pattern (lighter/heavier/irregular)
Cognitive complaints (memory, concentration)
Joint aches, weight changes, hair/skin changes
Self-monitoring/logging
Menstrual dates and flow
Symptom frequency, severity, and triggers
Sleep quality and night sweats
Mood and energy levels
Sexual function / pain with sex
Weight, BP (if you monitor at home)
Tests and screening to consider (discuss timing with your clinician)
Pregnancy test if periods irregular and pregnancy possible
Thyroid function (TSH) if fatigue/weight/mood changes
CBC or iron studies if heavy bleeding
Lipid panel and fasting glucose/HbA1c (cardiometabolic risk)
Bone density (DEXA) — generally recommended around menopause age or earlier if risk factors
Pelvic exam and cervical screening per guidelines (Pap/HPV)
Urinalysis if urinary symptoms
Hormone testing (FSH, estradiol) usually not needed for typical perimenopause diagnosis — discuss with provider
Prevention and health maintenance
Bone health: adequate calcium and vitamin D; weight-bearing exercise; DEXA if indicated
Cardiovascular health: manage BP, lipids, glucose; stop smoking; heart-healthy diet; exercise
Immunizations: update influenza, COVID, Tdap, shingles, pneumococcal per age/guidelines
Cancer screening: breast cancer screening (mammography) per age-based guidelines
Symptom management options to discuss
Lifestyle: layered clothing, cooling strategies, regular exercise, sleep hygiene, limiting caffeine/alcohol, weight management
Nonhormonal meds for hot flashes: SSRIs/SNRIs, gabapentin, clonidine (provider decision)
Hormone therapy (HT): most effective for hot flashes and vaginal symptoms — discuss benefits/risks, timing, formulation (systemic vs local)
Vaginal estrogen (local) for dryness/atrophy; nonhormonal lubricants/moisturizers
Pelvic floor therapy for urinary symptoms and sexual pain
CBT or counseling for mood, insomnia, hot-flash coping
Mental health and cognitive care
Screen for depression and anxiety
Consider therapy or meds if persistent
Sleep treatment (CBT-I) if insomnia
Sexual health
Ask about pain, desire, orgasm changes
Offer lubricants, moisturizers, local estrogen, pelvic floor therapy, or referral to sexual health specialist
When to see a clinician urgently
Very heavy bleeding, soaking >1 pad/hour or passing clots
New, severe pelvic pain or fever
Sudden, severe shortness of breath, chest pain, sudden neurologic symptoms (call emergency services)
Personalized care plan
Review risks (VTE, cardiovascular disease, breast cancer, osteoporosis)
Decide on hormone therapy or alternatives if symptomatic
Set follow-up schedule for symptom response and preventive screening
Practical items
Bring symptom log to visits
List of current meds and supplements
Family history of heart disease, breast/ovarian cancer, osteoporosis