Provided by Dr. Judith Hsia
Women's Health Initiative Investigator
George Washington University

This list of questions is a good starting point for discussion with your doctor; however, it is not a comprehensive list.

1. I've heard that many women lose bone strength at menopause. How often should I get my bone density checked?
2. Since I've learned that heart disease is the leading cause of death for women, I'd like to reduce my risk. What is my blood pressure? What should it be?
3. I understand LDL-cholesterol, the so-called "bad" cholesterol, rises and the good cholesterol (HDL-cholesterol) falls at menopause. How often should I get my lipid profile checked?
4. Can I have a copy of my lipid profile for my records? What is my LDL-cholesterol target?
5. I've heard that a healthy weight in relation to height is assessed as Body Mass Index, which should be between 18 and 25. What's my body mass index?
6. What would I have to weigh to be in the healthy body mass index range?
7. How often should my blood sugar be checked? What is my blood sugar and what should it be?
8. If I don't have menopausal symptoms, like hot flashes, is there any reason to take estrogen?
9. I do have hot flashes, are there any alternatives to taking hormones?
10. What are the risks with hormones?