To see the GP re symptoms

[tobee]

My sister and I both had sub total hysterectomies last year. She's two years older than me (nearly 50). She's been suffering from hot flushes. She works full time and has two young ds.

I think she should see her GP to help with menopausal symptoms. Would you urge me to urge her to go? Or should she go down self help route or what?

[PollyPerky]

Ultimately it's her choice. I expect that on this forum you will get both opinions. Some women manage well with no HRT if they have mild symptoms, others start HRT and don't look back.

There is no actual scientific research to prove that alternative remedies work- all the evidence is anecdotal though black cohosh may work for some women out of everything that is available.

It's possible to waste years and £££s trying things you buy over the counter. Many women try that and then eventually use HRT.

I think you need to ask yourself why she is 'afraid' of HRT or seeing her GP. NICE gave HRT the 'all clear' in November as part of their report on meno - there was masses in the media so if you are she missed it, google and you can find plenty!
The benefits from age 50-60 outweigh risks. Starting HRT earlier rather than later is safer too.

It's her choice, but maybe encourage her to research risks and benefits and make up her own mind.

[tobee]

Thanks for the reply.. My sister kind of relies on me to do the googling because of health anxiety. I helped her with her hysterectomy. I also was hoping for a buy one get one free deal as I'll be going down the menopause route soon! But we're really not up to date on hrt etc. after our mum used it with mixed results some decades ago. And I fancied hearing what mumsnetters think!

[HopelesslydevotedtoGu]

The website Menopause Matters contains great info about treatments- both medication and self help. I would read about the options and raise them with your sister. It also explains about the risks and benefits of hrt. In her position I would definitely use hrt, the risks are small in most women, and there are health benefits. It would be sensible to have a good idea of what treatment she would like before seeing her gp, as there are dozens of hrt options (too many for her gp to discuss in 10 mins) and some GPs will have less experience with HRT and may be unfamiliar with some options .
www.menopausematters.co.uk/