Talking to Your Doctor

Talk about options with your doctor. Together, you and your doctor can make the right decision about your menopause treatment. To prepare for your appointment, it’s a good idea to write down your questions. You can also take a friend for support and a notepad for writing down important information.

Here are some questions that you may want to ask your doctor.

Questions About Menopause

  • What should I expect?

  • Should I have an exam to make sure my symptoms aren't caused by other health issues?

  • Do I need to be examined for possible health issues related to menopause?

  • Where can I get more information?
Questions About Treatment Options
  • What treatments are available to help my symptoms?

  • What are the risks and benefits of hormone therapy?

  • If I choose hormone therapy, how long should I take it?

  • How long will it take to feel a difference?

  • What are the side effects?

  • Would a healthier lifestyle such as proper diet, exercise, sleep or reducing stress help reduce my symptoms?
Questions About Osteoporosis
  • What is my risk for postmenopausal osteoporosis?

  • How can I decrease my risk?

  • If I have osteoporosis, what treatments are available?
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WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT INFORMATION I SHOULD KNOW ABOUT COMBIPATCH (A COMBINATION OF ESTROGEN AND PROGESTIN HORMONES)?

Do not use estrogens and progestins to prevent heart disease, heart attacks, strokes or dementia (decline in memory and thinking skills). Using estrogens with progestins may increase your chances of getting heart attacks, strokes, breast cancer, and blood clots, and may increase your risk of dementia.

Do not use CombiPatch if you have had your uterus removed (hysterectomy). CombiPatch should not be used if you have unusual vaginal bleeding; currently have or have had certain cancers, including cancer of the breast or uterus; had a stroke or heart attack in the recent past (for example, in the past year); currently have or have had blood clots; currently have or have had liver problems; or think you may be, or know that you are, pregnant.

The most common side effects that may occur with CombiPatch are breast pain, vaginal bleeding, and headache.

CombiPatch is used after menopause to: reduce moderate to severe hot flashes; treat moderate to severe dryness, itching and burning in or around the vagina; and treat certain conditions in which a young woman’s ovaries do not produce enough estrogens naturally. If you use CombiPatch only to treat your dryness, itching and burning in or around the vagina, talk with your health care professional about whether a topical vaginal product would be better for you.

You and your health care professional should talk regularly about whether you still need treatment with CombiPatch and whether you are taking the lowest dose that works for you.