HERChange Room

THE FREE STARTER GUIDE

What the hell is
happening to me?

A little structure for the questions you’ve been carrying.

Use this appointment-preparation guide to describe what you notice and what you want help with. You can print it, save it as a PDF from your browser, or write your answers in your own notebook.

No login. No email required. Nothing you write on paper is sent to us.

Before you begin

This is a reflection and appointment tool, not a test or diagnostic checklist. A healthcare professional can help assess your individual concerns. For urgent or life-threatening concerns, use local emergency services rather than waiting for a routine appointment.

01 / NOTICE

What feels different?

Write down what you have noticed, when it began, and what your day is like. Describe your experience in your own words rather than trying to fit a label.

What has changed?

For example: your routine, periods, sleep, energy, mood, focus, comfort, or relationships.

When did you first notice it?

Include timing, frequency, and any patterns you’ve noticed.

How is it affecting everyday life?

What has become difficult? What would you like to be different?

02 / PRIORITISE

You don’t have to explain everything at once.

Choose the three concerns you most want to discuss. Bring a list of current medicines and supplements, relevant medical history, and any notes you want your clinician to see.

  1. My first priority
  2. My second priority
  3. My third priority

03 / ASK

Take better questions into the room.

NICE encourages shared decisions that take account of your needs, preferences, and medical history, with a discussion of treatment benefits and risks. Read NICE’s patient guidance.

  • What might explain the changes I’m noticing?
  • Is there anything else we should consider or assess?
  • What options are appropriate for my circumstances?
  • What are the possible benefits, risks, and alternatives?
  • How will we know whether the next step is helping?
  • When should I follow up, and what would mean I should seek help sooner?

My own questions

04 / FOLLOW UP

Leave with a next step.

What did we agree?

Who do I contact, and when?

KEEP READING

Go to the information, not the noise.

The NHS menopause and perimenopause hub provides introductory information and routes to symptoms, treatment, and support. NICE’s information for the public explains care discussions and shared decisions in the UK context.

Prepared 8 October 2026. General educational material. Not individually medically reviewed. Healthcare services and recommendations can differ by country.