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Preparing for your appointment
By Mayo Clinic staffYou're likely to start by first seeing your family doctor or a general practitioner. However, in some cases when you call to set up an appointment, you may be referred immediately to a doctor who specializes in endocrine disorders (endocrinologist).
It's a good idea to prepare for your appointment so that you can make the most of your time with your doctor. Here's some information to help you get ready, and what to expect from your doctor.
What you can do
- Be aware of any pre-appointment restrictions. At the time you make the appointment, be sure to ask if there's anything you need to do in advance to prepare.
- Write down any symptoms you're experiencing, including any that may seem unrelated to the reason for which you scheduled the appointment. For example, if you've been feeling down or fatigued lately, this is important information to share with your doctor. Also tell your doctor about additional changes in your physical appearance, such as weight gain or loss, changes in your breast size or muscle mass, new acne, or patches of dark, velvety skin. These will help your doctor diagnose a possible underlying condition.
- Write down key personal information, including any changes in your menstrual cycle and in your sex life. Let your doctor know if your libido has noticeably increased.
- Make a list of all medications, as well as any vitamins, creams or supplements, that you are currently taking or have used in the past. Include on your list the specific name and dose of these medications, and for how long you've been taking them.
- Take a family member or friend along, if possible. Sometimes it can be difficult to soak up all the information provided to you during an appointment. Someone who accompanies you may remember something that you missed or forgot.
- Write down questions to ask your doctor.
Your time with your doctor is limited, so preparing a list of questions will help you make the most of your time together. List your questions from most important to least important in case time runs out. For hirsutism, some basic questions to ask your doctor include:
- What is likely causing my symptoms or condition?
- Are there other possible causes for my symptoms or condition?
- What kinds of diagnostic tests do I need?
- What are my treatment options?
- If the first treatment I try isn't effective, what will we try next?
- How noticeably will my physical signs and symptoms improve with treatment?
- Will I need to be treated long term?
- What are the possible side effects of the medications you're recommending?
- Will the medications you're recommending affect my ability to have children?
- How will you follow my response to treatment over time?
- Are there any alternatives to the primary approach that you're suggesting?
- I have these other health conditions. How can I best manage them together?
- Are there any restrictions that I need to follow?
- Should I see a specialist? What will that cost, and will my insurance cover seeing a specialist?
- Is there a generic alternative to the medicine you're prescribing me?
- Are there any brochures or other printed material that I can take home with me? What Web sites do you recommend visiting?
In addition to the questions that you've prepared to ask your doctor, don't hesitate to ask questions during your appointment at any time that you don't understand something.
What to expect from your doctor
Your doctor is likely to ask you a number of questions. Being ready to answer them may reserve time to go over any points you want to spend more time on. Your doctor may ask:
- When did you first begin experiencing symptoms?
- Have your symptoms gotten worse over time?
- Has your menstrual cycle changed, or have you stopped having your period?
- Have you gained weight? On what part of your body?
- Do you feel more fatigued or physically weak than in the past?
- Have you developed new acne?
- Have you noticed dark, velvety patches of skin, especially on your neck, armpits, inner thighs or under your breasts?
- Has the size of your breasts changed?
- Have you noticed a change in your muscle mass?
- Have others commented that your voice has changed?
- Have you noticed any changes in your interest in sex?
- What medications are you taking?
- Have you been diagnosed with other medical conditions?
- Has anyone in your family been treated for a condition that causes excess, unwanted hair?
- Are you hoping to become pregnant soon?
What you can do in the meantime
If you've scheduled an appointment with your doctor to talk about excessive hair growth, it's likely that you've already tried and been disappointed with at-home treatments such as shaving and drugstore wax kits. Because your doctor will want to see the pattern of hair growth that you're experiencing, it's best to avoid trying new at-home treatments in the days leading up to your appointment. It's natural to feel distressed by the effect the unwanted hair has on your appearance, but in most cases, your doctor will be able to help you find a treatment plan that improves your signs.
- Hirsutism (excess hair). American Academy of Family Physicians. http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/common/hormone/210.html. Accessed Nov. 14, 2008.
- Bulun, S, et al. Physiology and pathology of the female reproductive axis In: Kronenberg HM, et al., eds. Williams Textbook of Endocrinology. 11th ed. St. Louis, Mo.: W.B. Saunders; 2008.
- Evaluation and treatment of hirsutism in premenopausal women: An Endocrine Society clinical practice guideline. Chevy Chase, Md.: The Endocrine Society. http://jcem.endojournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/93/4/1105. Accessed Nov. 14, 2008.
- Chang J, et al, eds. The Hormone Foundation's patient guide to the evaluation and treatment of hirsutism in premenopausal women. The Hormone Foundation. http://www.hormone.org/Resources/Patient_Guides/upload/Hirsutism_Patient_Guide.pdf. Accessed Nov. 14, 2008.
- Hirsutism. The Merck Manuals Online Medical Library: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merck.com/mmpe/sec10/ch124/ch124c.html?qt=hirsutism&alt=sh#sec10-ch124-ch124c-989. Accessed Nov. 14, 2008.
- Hormones and the skin. American Academy of Dermatology. http://www.aad.org/media/background/factsheets/fact_hormones.html. Accessed Nov. 14, 2008.
- Azziz R. Hirsutism. In: Goldman L, et al., eds. Goldman: Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:1853.
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. http://www.4woman.gov/faq/polycystic-ovary-syndrome.cfm. Accessed Nov. 14, 2008.
