Experiencing changes in your well-being due to menopausal symptoms is not uncommon. Treatment methods for these symptoms have been well-established, and if diagnosed with "menopausal disorder," most treatments are covered by insurance. However, the idea of visiting a hospital can be intimidating for some. Therefore, in this article, we'll guide you through the mindset before seeking medical attention, explaining the examination process, methods of treatment, and associated costs.
About Seeking Medical Attention for Menopause
When dealing with menopausal discomfort, consulting with a "gynecologist" is advisable. If specific symptoms such as tinnitus or dizziness are prominent, it's recommended to visit a specialized department to consider the possibility of other illnesses. If the initial examinations reveal no issues, consulting a gynecologist again would be a wise step.
What Happens in the Gynecologist's Examination Room?
The flow of the examination varies between clinics, but the basic process includes the following. If you have specific preferences, such as requesting a particular doctor or expressing certain concerns about treatments, inform the clinic during booking or at the reception. Communicating any anxieties or reservations about specific procedures with the receptionist or doctor beforehand will likely help you feel more at ease during the visit, with the doctor providing necessary support and understanding.
Interview and Blood Tests
While the methods of menopausal testing differ between clinics, they typically involve interviews, internal examinations, ultrasound scans, cell examinations, and blood tests. "Blood tests" involve taking a blood sample to check hormone levels and cholesterol values, providing insights into the changes occurring in the body.
Internal Examinations and Ultrasound Scans
To ensure major illnesses are not overlooked, clinics commonly perform "internal examinations" and "ultrasound scans" in addition to blood tests. Initially confirming the absence of any diseases, the examination then proceeds to menopausal treatment. If you have reservations about internal examinations, discussing it with the clinic is a good idea. Some clinics may offer alternatives like abdominal ultrasound scans or blood tests without internal examinations. It's crucial to undergo examinations promptly to prevent the progression of any serious illnesses during the hesitation to seek medical attention.
What Exactly Happens During an Internal Examination?
Remove your pants and underwear and get on the examination table. Wearing a skirt or loose-fitting pants will make undressing smoother. There's no need to remove knee-high socks or stockings. If you're wearing a skirt, lift it up around your waist.
Get onto the examination table. Usually, there's a curtain between the doctor conducting the examination and the patient. However, if having the curtain open provides more comfort, feel free to request it!
The examination table is electrically adjustable, lifting several tens of centimeters. During this time, remain still and quietly wait.
The doctor will then begin the internal examination using fingers or instruments. There won't be sudden insertions without prior explanation, so rest assured.
While it might seem daunting, tensing up or resisting may actually increase discomfort. If you feel anxious, try to relax by holding hands with a nurse or practicing deep breathing.
Additionally, the instruments used for insertion are generally a few millimeters to centimeters in size, designed to minimize discomfort during examinations.
About Online Medical Consultations
You can also treat menopausal symptoms through online medical consultations without physically going to a hospital. This method is convenient for those with busy schedules or living in remote areas. Recently, more obstetrics and gynecology clinics are providing online medical consultations for menopausal symptoms.
Here are some features of this type of consultation:
Gynecologists specialized in women's health provide consultations and answer menopause-related questions directly.
Consultations, examinations, and prescriptions are possible through video calls.
Prescriptions can be sent by mail.
Appointments are available on Sundays and holidays.
The main procedure for online consultations includes the following:
Make an appointment (through a dedicated website, providing insurance information and credit card details).
Launch the consultation page or app at the reserved time, connect, and wait.
Attend the consultation via video call.
Settle the payment with the registered credit card.
Receive the prescription by mail (some hospitals may also deliver the prescribed medication).）
When using online medical consultations, keep in mind that there might be associated costs, which can vary between clinics:
Reservation fee
System usage fee
Online consultation fee
Prescription fee
The total cost is estimated to be around ¥2,000.
How was it? Seeking medical attention might seem challenging, but healthcare facilities are there to assist in improving and relieving menopausal symptoms. Instead of enduring discomfort, consider visiting a hospital if menopausal symptoms are impacting your daily life.