Throughout this chapter, you're reminded that you carry a big part of the responsibility for making sure that you get the best possible health care. When you've chosen a health care provider who meets your needs and fits your own list of qualifications, you still don't get to sit back and enjoy the ride. To make sure that you help your health care provider give you the best advice and treatment options during your transition through perimenopause, remember the following important guidelines:

• Listen to the information your health care provider gives you. When you ask a question, take notes of the response if necessary; don't assume that you already know what your caregiver is going to say. Just listen carefully, and ask further questions, if necessary.

• Ask questions, voice concerns, report problems, and discuss options; your caregiver depends upon your active feedback.

• Be honest. You must be honest in your communications with your health care provider. Many people think that they'll annoy their doctor or health care provider by asking too many questions or by discussing issues that they don't fully understand or agree with.

Most doctors and other health care providers find it much more challenging to deal with patients who act as though they're okay with a plan or fully understand a treatment option, when that isn't really the case. You can't have a good health care experience if you don't communicate openly and honestly with your health care provider.