by EBSCO Medical Review Board

Talk openly and often with your healthcare provider. It will help you make the best choices for your care.

Here are some tips that will help you talk to your doctor:

  • Bring someone with you. It helps to have another person hear what is said and think of questions to ask. They may also be able to provide more details to the doctor.
  • Write down your questions so you do not forget them.
  • Write down the answers you get. Make sure you grasp what you are hearing. Ask for help, if needed.
  • Do not be afraid to ask questions. Ask where you can learn more. You have a right to know.
  • Am I bleeding more than I should?
  • What could be causing it?
  • What kinds of tests should I have?
  • How serious is this?
  • Where can I learn more?
  • Am I at risk for anemia?
  • Do I need to be worried about infertility?
  • Are there any other problems I should be worried about?
  • What can be done to treat heavy bleeding?
  • Are there medicines that can help me? If so:
    • What benefits can I expect?
    • What side effects can I expect?
  • Are there any surgeries that can help? If so:
    • What benefits can I expect?
    • What are the risks?
  • Are there any alternative or complementary therapies that may help?
  • Is there anything else I can do to reduce the bleeding?
  • Why don't I have periods?
  • What kinds of tests should I have?
  • How serious is my problem?
  • Where can I learn more?
  • Am I at risk for bone loss and osteoporosis?
  • Do I need to be worried about infertility?
  • Are there any other problems I should worry about?
  • How is this treated?
  • Are there medicines that can help me? If so:
    • What benefits can I expect?
    • What side effects can I expect?
  • Is there anything I can do to make my periods regular?
  • Are there any alternative or complementary therapies that may help?
  • Will my problem get better?
  • What should I do if this problem comes back?
  • What changes can I make to help my problem?
  • Do I need to do anything about my eating, workouts, weight, stress, or other habits?

References

Abnormal uterine bleeding. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:  https://www.dynamed.com/approach-to/abnormal-uterine-bleeding . Updated October 10, 2019. Accessed November 14, 2019.

Amenorrhea. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:  https://www.dynamed.com/condition/amenorrhea . Updated January 16, 2018. Accessed November 14, 2019.

Bleeding Disorders in Women. US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/blooddisorders/women/index.html. Updated April 25, 2018. Accessed November 14, 2019.

Klein DA, Poth MA. Amenorrhea: an approach to diagnosis and management. Am Fam Physician. 2013 Jun 1;87(11):781-788.

Revision Information