How to prepare for a video visit about Menopause Symptoms (Vasomotor) - Management

Audience: pediatric

Menopause is a natural phase in a person's life when menstrual periods stop, usually in middle age. Vasomotor symptoms, such as hot flashes and night sweats, are common during menopause. If you are preparing for a video visit to discuss these symptoms, it helps to know what to expect and how to get ready. This guide explains how to prepare for your telemedicine appointment, what information to share, and what telemedicine can and cannot do for managing menopause symptoms. Remember, telemedicine can help you talk to a healthcare provider about your symptoms and management options, but it cannot replace in-person exams or emergency care. This guide is for educational purposes and is not a diagnosis or treatment plan.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Sudden chest pain or difficulty breathing — call emergency services immediately.
• Severe dizziness or fainting — seek urgent medical care.
• Heavy vaginal bleeding or severe pelvic pain — contact a healthcare provider promptly.

What telemedicine can do

• Discussing common menopause symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats.
• Reviewing symptom history and impact on daily life.
• Providing general advice on lifestyle changes and symptom management.
• Answering questions about menopause and treatment options.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical exams or diagnostic tests.
• Managing severe or emergency symptoms.
• Prescribing certain medications without in-person evaluation.
• Diagnosing other causes of symptoms that may require in-person assessment.

What are Vasomotor Symptoms of Menopause?

Vasomotor symptoms are changes in the body's temperature control that often happen during menopause. The most common are hot flashes — sudden feelings of heat that can make you sweat or feel flushed — and night sweats, which can disrupt sleep. These symptoms happen because hormone levels, especially estrogen, change during menopause. They can vary in how often and how strong they are.

How Telemedicine Can Help

A video visit lets you talk with a healthcare provider from home or another comfortable place. During the visit, you can:

Telemedicine is convenient and safe for many health questions but has limits.

What Telemedicine Cannot Do

Telemedicine cannot:

If your symptoms are severe or unusual, you may need to see a healthcare provider in person.

Preparing for Your Video Visit

To get ready for your telemedicine appointment:

Being prepared helps the visit go smoothly.

After Your Video Visit

After the visit:

Managing menopause symptoms often takes time and patience.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Choose a quiet, private space with good lighting and internet connection.
• Prepare a list of your symptoms, including when they started and how often they occur.
• Write down any medicines, vitamins, or supplements you are currently taking.
• Prepare questions or concerns you want to discuss during the visit.
• Have your identification and any relevant medical records accessible.
• Test your device (phone, tablet, or computer) to ensure the video and audio work properly.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider's advice on symptom management and medications.
• Monitor your symptoms and note any changes or new symptoms.
• Schedule follow-up appointments if recommended by your provider.
• Seek in-person care if you experience any red-flag symptoms or worsening condition.
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle, including diet, exercise, and stress management, as advised.

FAQs

What causes hot flashes during menopause?

Hot flashes happen because changing hormone levels, especially lower estrogen, affect the body's temperature regulation. This causes sudden feelings of heat, sweating, and sometimes chills.

Can lifestyle changes help with vasomotor symptoms?

Yes, lifestyle changes like dressing in layers, avoiding spicy foods or caffeine, managing stress, and keeping cool can often reduce the frequency and severity of hot flashes and night sweats.

Are there medicines to treat menopause symptoms?

There are medicines that may help, including hormone therapy and non-hormonal options. Your healthcare provider can discuss the benefits and risks to help decide what might be best for you.

Is it safe to have a video visit for menopause symptoms?

Yes, video visits are a safe and convenient way to discuss your symptoms and get advice. However, some situations may require an in-person visit for physical exams or tests.

When should I seek emergency care during menopause?

Seek emergency care if you have sudden chest pain, trouble breathing, severe dizziness, fainting, heavy vaginal bleeding, or severe pelvic pain. These symptoms need urgent evaluation.

Sources

1. Menopause: Overview — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Menopause and Perimenopause — Mayo Clinic.
3. Menopause — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. Menopause: Diagnosis and Management — National Library of Medicine.
5. Menopause and Hormone Therapy — Merck Manuals Consumer Version.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional in-person medical care. If you have serious or worsening symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.