Newson Health and the menopause industry

The same for me and they definitely did not try to sell me anything. The advice given was to obtain the prescription through the NHS and if this wasn't forthcoming then they would be able to prescribe directly to me but obviously this would come at a cost. This feels, to me, like a smear campaign. To add, my GP was very obliging with prescrbing HRT and have had no problems with it.

Fasting doesn't help active women. We need to fuel well to exercise and build strength

My ex suffered erectile dysfunction. And it was interesting. Full help given. Counselling. Viagra dished out no probs.

I had 15 years or zero orgasm (what I call silent orgasm no pleasure sensation) crampy, painful joints and brain fog and was totally dismissed. GPs looked at me like I was a drug seeking addict.

Interesting documentary. I had horrendous, debilitating anxiety descend from nowhere after 8 years of the usual peri symptoms.

I had managed hot flushes etc not too badly but, it was actually after my periods stopped for good, this happened.

GP refused to precribe anti depressants. She thought my symptoms were physical. I was sent for eye tests, brain scan. All clear. It was me who first worked out it was anxiety causing all the physical symptoms.

My GP (female) had known me years and i'm the last person you'd think would get anxiety. So, she just would not have it that i was anxious.

Anyway, eventually a friend suggested it might be menopause anxiety. And the gp, sick of the sight of me by now, prescribed femi conti (tablets)

This worked for me. Within 3 weeks, back to my old self. Been on that 8 years and intend to stay on it for life. Very comfortable with risks.

I was debilitated with the anxiety. Interesting that the prog only mentioned patches. Guess tablets out of favour?

I mean, it is a thing that happens, but it's like periods. Some women are never bothered by them - mine were always regular, light and usually painless. Others weren't so lucky. Menopause is similar, some women sail through apparently, some have a dreadful time and the majority have some inconvenient and annoying symptoms, which you can choose to medicate or not. The brilliant thing is that we can talk about it without embarrassment.

I’m so pleased to see this documentary this evening, I’ve had an uneasy feeling about the sudden growth of this industry. I’m only 42 and already tired of the conversations about perimenopause/ menopause in my friendship group (all same age). Also in the office too. I just keep quiet.

I was bought a menopause book by one friend for my birthday!! Have never mentioned peri symptoms so was very taken aback. It feels like the new female “empowerment “ thing we can bond over. It’s weird.

I am tired of being forced to think about something that feels years off. Already know a friend same age going to a private clinic, being prescribed hormone treatments at 42. None of my business so I just keep quiet, while wondering if it’s really necessary (and why you wouldn’t go to GP first?).

Honestly it feels like social contagion. Everyone is talking about early 40s now. Expecting it. Looking for it. I’m happily burying my head in the sand until I really need to think about it. I’ve only just come through the early years for gods sake! I’m being told well “it takes 10 years to build up to the menopause and you need to be prepared “.

It feels like I’m being encouraged to worry about a future of horrible symptoms which may never happen, it might not be that bad (my mum was fine).

Sorry … rant over!

Yes my menopause nurse said they had a lot of problems prescribing such high doses.of oestrogen. I'm not sure 6 pumps of gel a day is necessary

And to add:
My concerns with Newson Health have been about what they tell women is safe, without apparent discussion of potential risks or the unknown elements in HRT prescribing around high doses of Oestrogen as well as how they have managed women who do develop complications on very high doses I.e continue to take their fee but bump them back to me as an NHS GP to sort out the problems.
I am very much an advocate for women having HRT if that is what they want/need but we need to follow evidence based practice as we do in other aspects of healthcare.

Ditto
Or rather one of her team.
There have been concerns from BMS for some time.
(DOI- I haven’t RTFT yet or watched the programme)

Well said, it would be absolute bloody purgatory without HRT in my life, I doubt I’d have a marriage left without it. Like yourself I’ve never been overweight, eat healthily, I don’t smoke or drink, pretty good until the menopause hit me 🤦‍♀️

I want to protect my heart and bones and live as good a life as I can, no woman should be denied this or made to feel guilty somehow for taking HRT. I’m with you on this 🤗

I had a very sniffy GP when I first asked for hrt, but at least he didn't tell me that it didn't work!

I completely believe she’s a GP. with that attitude of “well if you really want it I’ll reluctantly prescribe but here’s a long list of all the reasons you shouldn’t” she couldn’t be anything else.

Surely the vast majority of women who go to the GP with menopausal hot flushes, brain fog etc are helped by hrt? Why on earth would you tell them that it doesn't help? That doesn't mean they have to take it, but it will help if they are willing.

But I do try to be crystal-clear that many women do not benefit

Why on earth would you do that? It's not true for a start.

I don't believe you are a GP.

Mindy Peltz fasting advice makes me laugh. The list starts with the totally doable 16.8 then is just...eat less...eat even less...eat barely anything...eat fuck all.

Ha - I totally get you GoldLameDarling. I downloaded her book when it was 99p on kindle so I don't have to listen! I don't follow her advice to the letter (or even close) but I'm interested in her approach and that of other scientists and nutritionists working in this field.

Hrt can give women the energy they need to make those lifestyle changes though.

Because some of those symptoms may not be meno related for all wonen. Surely better to improve lifestyle first before medicating .

Yes corrected @LivelyGoldOrca

Sorry not BMS (I think? Unsure. Annice Mukherjee shared it

Thanks for your message upthread @ArabellaScott 😘

Sorry to be pedantic, but thats not the BMS. That statement is from the menopause society. Good post by Dr Ellie though!

This seems a simple message:

And a BMS statement

I can't listen to Mindy speak shout about fasting anymore. She grates so badly.

It’s always the same on these discussions. Sneering undertones about weight, or lifestyle, or how all you need is a bit of positive thinking and fewer carbohydrates. Some people really do think that not slapping an estrogen patch on their bum makes them better than those of us who do.