Your first menopause consultation is a chance to explain what has changed, ask questions, and understand your options. You do not need to arrive with a diagnosis or a decision about hormone therapy. A useful starting point is simply: “This is what I have been experiencing, and this is what I want help with.”

What the first appointment covers

At Cabán Metabolic Wellness, the initial appointment is a 45-minute telemedicine consultation. Dr. Amanda Cabán Herrera reviews your medical history, current symptoms, and health goals. Care is available in English and Spanish for patients in Puerto Rico, Florida, and Texas. See how care works and current pricing before booking.

Think about the two or three concerns you most want to discuss. You might want to talk about sleep, menstrual changes, hot flashes, intimate discomfort, weight changes, or difficulty feeling like yourself. Explain when each concern began, how often it happens, and what it makes harder in your daily life.

A simple checklist before your video visit

• Choose a quiet, private place with reliable internet.
• Test your camera and microphone, keep your device steady, and open your appointment instructions ahead of time.
• Have your medication and supplement list, allergies, recent test results if available, and written questions nearby.
• Join a few minutes early, and avoid taking the appointment while driving.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services offers a practical telehealth preparation guide if you would like help getting comfortable with a video visit.

Bring the story behind your symptoms

A short timeline can make the conversation easier. For example: “My sleep changed six months ago, and I started noticing cycle changes afterward.” If you track your periods or symptoms, bring those notes. If you do not, describe what you remember. The aim is a clear conversation, not a perfect spreadsheet.

It can also help to note what you have already tried, what helped, what caused side effects, and what you would prefer to avoid. You can ask for explanations in the language you feel most comfortable using.

Questions worth asking

• What might be contributing to my symptoms?
• What information is still missing?
• Would any testing or an in-person evaluation change the plan?
• What treatment options should we discuss, and what are their potential benefits and risks?
• How would we assess whether a plan is helping?

You can also ask practical questions: What would follow-up involve? Which costs should I expect beyond the consultation? How should I contact the practice about a concern after the visit? Write down the answers that matter most to you.

Will the visit automatically lead to hormone therapy?

The purpose of the consultation is an individualized evaluation. Hormone therapy is one topic you can discuss, alongside your preferences and medical history. A specific prescription or treatment is not guaranteed. For background before your visit, explore our menopause care services and HRT safety overview.

What happens after the consultation?

The next steps depend on the evaluation. Before the visit ends, ask what you should do next, what still needs clarification, and when to follow up. If ongoing care is appropriate, you can discuss a plan that fits your needs. You do not have to settle every question at the first appointment.

About your physician

Dr. Amanda Cabán Herrera, MD, MSCP, is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Obesity Medicine and is a Menopause Society Certified Practitioner. She provides personalized care for perimenopause, menopause, weight management, and metabolic health through bilingual telemedicine consultations in Puerto Rico, Florida, and Texas.