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Original poster

Sex, myths and the menopause - channel 4 tonight

108 replies

Theeyeballsinthesky · 12/05/2021 08:22

Looking forward to this. Clips I’ve seen look good and there’s lots of focus on how women as a class have bern ignored and let down over this issue

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seedlingrain · 12/05/2021 10:24

Ooh this looks good

Original poster
Theeyeballsinthesky · 12/05/2021 21:21

This is such a good programme. Blunt and bold in pointing out that the NHS is pretty hopeless on menopause, how appalling it is that GPs receive no specialised training on the menopause even though it affects 50% of the population and just generally allowing women to talk openly about how crap the menopause can be made worse by the stigma surround it

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WarriorN · 12/05/2021 21:34

Brilliant programme, I'm in treats for these women.

I've experienced being palmed off with antidepressants when I actually had, it was much later discovered, a chronic medical condition.

I was at university and as a result didn't do well and lost many friends as I simply couldn't function. Then was horribly addicted to seroxat, which made me worse, (before they knew of the issues.) it profoundly affected me. I can well imagine how awful this is for so many women.

It's also woefully unclear when peri starts, which I think this programme helps with.

WarriorN · 12/05/2021 21:34

10% of women take hrt.

Lottapianos · 12/05/2021 21:37

I think it's really good so far. Very clear and accessible info. And constant references to women women women, 51% of the population etc and no irrelevant nonsense

OwBist · 12/05/2021 21:38

Am watching. And am angry. I have my appointment at the Newson Clinic on Monday. Because the NHS refuses to apply NICE guidelines to me (and probably many, many other women with a similar medical background). I'm very grateful that I'm in a position to go private, but why should I have to?

On a positive note, a lot more than 10% of my friends are either taking it, or plan to take it (if medically suitable). As long as we can get prescriptions, of course...

Original poster
Theeyeballsinthesky · 12/05/2021 21:43

My GP was great and prescribed HRT without demurring and topical oestrogen when VA kicked in last year

But so many women are struggling and suffering in silence. I belong to a VA support group & the nos of women forcing themselves to have painful sex out of fear of DH/DP leaving or being nagged into it because DH/DP misses sex makes me weep

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Lottapianos · 12/05/2021 21:43

Yay for the weight training 💪 they could have made more of the exercise and lifestyle advice

Redcrayons · 12/05/2021 21:44

I was also too young at 47 for HRT because of increased breast cancer risk. Anti D for depression. I’ve given up going to GP.

Shocking how bad treatment is.

JamieFrasersBigSwingingKilt · 12/05/2021 22:12

This was such a great programme. I hope doctors' surgeries are inundated with calls tomorrow.

iminthegarden · 12/05/2021 22:18

It was great! So interesting about the lack of research into oestrogen deficiency and Alzheimer's

JamieLeeCurtains · 12/05/2021 22:22

Excellent stuff.

It's on again now on 4+1 and I'm watching again.

pheasantsinlove · 12/05/2021 22:25

It's brilliant. I'm 45 and I recognise myself... I have so many of the symptoms. My husband has watched it with me and held my hand all the way through it bless him.

DiscontentedWoman · 12/05/2021 22:25

@Redcrayons

I was also too young at 47 for HRT because of increased breast cancer risk. Anti D for depression. I’ve given up going to GP.

Shocking how bad treatment is.

Redcrayons, you could ask to be referred to a NHS menopause clinic for personalised advice.
JellySlice · 12/05/2021 23:51

@Redcrayons

I was also too young at 47 for HRT because of increased breast cancer risk. Anti D for depression. I’ve given up going to GP.

Shocking how bad treatment is.

Surely this is nonsense? I've been on HRT since I was 43 because the GP considered the risk of 10 extra years of osteoporosis to be much higher than the risk of breast cancer. Plus I could not cope with appalling mood swings, panic attacks, lack of sleep and depression. I'll take an increase of a scant few percentage points in the risk of breast cancer in exchange for sanity and the ability to navigate life, thank you!
Gingangoolee · 12/05/2021 23:54

Amazing documentary- well done Davina for opening up about her vaginal symptoms that can’t have been easy for her

WarriorN · 13/05/2021 05:47

I'm furious about the map that shows one small red dot in the whole of the north of England for clinics.

Ifonlyus · 13/05/2021 06:49

Ah, I didn't watch it. I was put off by the title and it being Davina - I thought it was going to be sensationalised and trivial. You can never tell with channel 4! I will watch on catch up.

BTW, there's a government consultation taking place on women's healthcare with calls for evidence/fill out a survey.

Here's the link [https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/womens-health-strategy-call-for-evidence]

newnortherner111 · 13/05/2021 07:00

I am glad that the menopause is going to be discussed as part of the school curriculum. Even it is many years away for most girls, their mums might be about to or going through the menopause.

Original poster
Theeyeballsinthesky · 13/05/2021 07:19

The RCGP issued a measly mouthed statement and are being besieged by angry women on twitter Grin

twitter.com/rcgp/status/1392601875548147712?s=21

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Redcrayons · 13/05/2021 07:21

@JellySlice it’s a joke isn’t it? GP said to me that I could only take HRT for a short time because of increased risk of breast cancer, so I should wait till I’m really bad. I remember the breast cancer headlines Davina talked about so I believed him, why wouldn’t I?

I’ve been going to docs off and on since I was 40 with various symptoms and it’s always ‘it’s just your age’.

I was going to wait for face to face appointments before trying again, but I think I’ll call today, seeing as my internal boiler woke me up at 4am.

ItsSnowJokes · 13/05/2021 07:24

I am going through peri menopause and until I spoke to a work colleague I didn't even know this was a thing. So much information for girls and women about puberty and starting periods at school and nothing at all about the other end and peri menopause and menopause. I am on HRT but still haven't found the right dose or brand to get rid of all my symptoms.

I didn't watch the show but will today on catch up.

JellySlice · 13/05/2021 07:39

These pictures are of the info leaflets in my HRT.

Oestrogen HRT relieves the distressing symptoms of menopause.

Oestrogen HRT prevents osteoporosis.

Oestrogen HRT is associated with an increased risk of an extra 4-6 cases of breast cancer per 1000 women in the age category. A risk which disappears 5 years after stopping taking it.

What's the risk of osteoporosis? What's the cost to the NHS of osteoporosis?
What's the cost to the NHS of the woman's breaking down due to her symptoms?
What's the cost to society of relationship breakdowns and the woman's inability to function due to her symptoms?

But an extra 4-6 cases per 1000? Oh no, you can't possibly be allowed to decide your own priorities - silly woman!