Sex, myths and the menopause - channel 4 tonight

(((Hugs))) Babyshark

@SirVixofVixHall my GP. he told me that I can only take HRT for a really short time, because of increased breast cancer risk, so I should wait till I’m desperate, probably 50 plus. Obviously I now know that’s bollocks, but I didn’t at the time. You assume the doctors know about this stuff.

Oh and I have no risk factors for cancer, anymore than anyone else. All the women on my mothers side lived to ripe old ages, my g grandmother was 99 when she died.

Babyshark

Oh, and I also have osteoporosis in my spine as a nice side effect of the aromasin to prevent reoccurrence of cancer but can't gave anything apart from calcium as I'm having treatment for gum disease and apparently the treatment for osteoporosis might cause necrosis of my jaw.

Nice!

I pretty much hate my life. I had breast cancer so had the usual slash/burn/poison treatment, but didn't get much warning that the treatment would send me directly to menopause. So straight from feeling pretty much warning at 47 to a sweaty, anxious overweight lump.

It was only after issues with my bladder and asking on here that I managed to get estradiol. My oncologist put me on venlaflaxin and then gabapentin for flushes, which has done feck all,apart from get me addicted.

I've pretty much given up going to the gp now, as they say they can't suggest anything. Sex life is over as libido is gone. Diabetes type 2 from being overweight, so I'm now doing 800 vlcd in the hopes that will help.

NHS pretty much discounts women once they're over 40.

I have an appointment at the Newson Clinic next month. Thank god I can afford it at the moment.

My GP has been half-hearted about the whole thing. I'm taking oestrogen but there's been no mention of progesterone.

It definitely affected my career. I suffered from terrible anxiety and just couldn't do the job any more.

My libido has vanished. I'm hoping that I might get some testosterone...which isn't even licenced for women in this country. We really are second class citizens aren't we.

I think I went straight into peri after my daughter was born when I was 44. Raging pmt, anxiety, sweats, palpitations etc and I was fobbed off many times by my GP. I eventually saw a private Dr who immediately said it was peri and started me on HRT. If this was a male problem it would be fixed. There would be clinics, consultants, and treatments galore. It makes me so angry I could cry. Well done Davina.

As a 43 year old I was a bit shocked by this. I've been having night sweats, but put them down to being tired, or too much heating.

I'm a highly successful woman in a career I love. No wonder women drop off at bloody board level.

I'm surprised this hasn't gained more traction.

I must admit that I much prefer taking BP at home when I'm in a more relaxed state of mind: it feels more accurate. I was asked if they could take my BP just before they inserted a Mirena coil (part of my HRT). I said no and gave them the reading I'd taken at home. Why would anyone think that a reading in those circumstances would be anything other than high?

What's the risk of osteoporosis?

More women die of osteoporosis than breast cancer, though they tend to be older.

My GP has been really helpful in prescribing HRT but the local chemist NEvER has enough in stock. Says it's rationed and they're only allowed a certain amount per month. I now request my new prescription at least two weeks before I need it as I know it'll take ages to get it. I've also invested in a home blood pressure kit so I can give the Dr my readings over the phone. No readings no repeat prescription! Ridiculous but essential during lockdown when I can't see go face to face. The hurdles are endless!

It's not just osteoporosis; there's growing evidence that in some women, hrt can prevent dementia

That's one of my major fears. My mum and dad both died with dementia, as did both grandmothers.

Yes, he really said that awful thing to me, then slashed my HRT in half and told me I'd be stopping it within the month. I went back 3 weeks later and saw the (female) Nurse Practitioner, who I burst into tears in front of. She was wonderful. Re-instated my HRT at the full dose. I only ever have appointments with her now.

It's not just osteoporosis; there's growing evidence that in some women, hrt can prevent dementia.

Or rather that dementia is a direct result of how their hormones have been in midlife/ peri menopause.

Out of interest and not wanting to derail but as a woman who has so far been very lucky with my experience of menopause (a few hot flushes and that's it) is there still a benefit to taking HRT?

I'm wondering if I can preserve bone density through diet and exercise alone?

'you've had it long enough, but I know what you ladies are like, wanting to hang onto it to try and keep youthful looks, so vain'.

No, I want to 'hang on to' my bone density, my bladder control, my skin integrity, my mental and emotional equilibrium, my sanity.

I want to remain a functioning human being.

My GP rations Ovestin (that weak vaginal oestrogen cream) as if I were asking to shove asbestos and radon up my bum with a hand-held gamma ray emitter.

I need to tackle it via e-consult, but it's all very silly and wearying and I keep putting it off.

Actually, it's embarrassing and stressful for a patient to have to negotiate and successfully tackle their own doctor's ignorance. I hate it. We're not all Kofi Annan.

The oestrogen cream for VA, is that classed as HRT?

Yes, but it's a very low dose and acts locally. Even with HRT gel or patches I developed VA. The locally-applied cream has made a HUGE difference. There is no issue with taking it at the same time as general HRT.

@thenightsky that is an appalling comment from you GP - please complain to the Pratice Manager.

I didn't see the programme but will definitely watch it on catch up.

I was given antidepressants by a stand-in, older, male Indian Dr - didn't realise that was what I'd been prescribed until I got it home. I was furious and rang to complain. Saw my usual female Dr, she sighed, apologised and sorted me out. That male Dr has never been seen at the practise again - hopefully they got rid.

'Yes, he actually said that angry'

Well what a total dickhead. I would complain to the practice manager, if you have the energy

bloody hell NightSky! I dont know how you didnt punch him!

men - women are only of value if they are still young and fuckable otherwise we dont care what they have to say

also men - oi ladies stop being vain about looks and put down the HRT, btw we're not listening to you because you're no longer young and fuckable