HRT prescribed but then cancelled for random blood test--can I complain?

[Coffeetree]

After several years struggling I finally got a consultation with a prescribing pharmacist two weeks ago, and she prescribed HRT.

Went to collect the prescription and was told there was a note to call GP.

Phoned all day (whilst trying to work) and got called back by GP who quizzed me again about my symptoms. Really degrading to have to step into the supply closet at work and discuss my symptoms again.

GP insisted that blood test necessary because it might be thyroid problems or various other things. I objected because I'm a 50 year old woman who hasn't had a period in 13 months. She said I could just pop in for a blood test the same day and get the results in 48 hours so I stupidly agreed.

No appts for a blood test for two fucking weeks. Got blood test on Wednesday and was told two days for turnaround.

Wrote the GP just now and said since they now have blood test results please release prescription for HRT.

Do I have a basis to complain?

1. Blood tests not needed to diagnose menopause in someone of my age and symptoms according to NICE guidance.
2. Appalling clinical practice to just ring someone and launch into quizzing on symptoms. I even said to GP, "Okay I can't really add to what I told your colleagues. Do you have my chart?" She insisted and so I said, "Okay I'm at work, let me try to find some privacy". There was even a follow up call so I had to do it twice.

If still no prescription today what are my options?

I don't the GP did anything wrong here. I get your frustration that a blood test isn't needed to prescribe HRT.

However, a good GP will run bloods to check for all the issues mentioned. You can't just assume symptoms are menopause related.

I am on HT, but also have low ferritin stores & hypothyroidism so I do need regular blood tests. The endocrine system is all linked too, so it's quite likely that as we progress through peri & menopause issues like thyroid will be affected.

I'm not sure why you are so angry about the phone call either, though I do understand it's hard when you're at work.

Hopefully they'll come back to you re bloods today - I think the turnaround sounds fine too, it's about a 2 week wait where I am.

Good luck with the HT.

Why would you want to complain about a GP taking action to make sure you didn't end up taking medication that wasn't right for you ?

I completely disagree with pp's and think you are right to complain.

I'm on the fence here, it's so hard to get HRT and symptoms taken seriously and I'm really glad you got that far, the GP now running extra tests is annoying but I would assume in your best interest.

Potentially if the HRT wasn't so difficult to get then you'd have taken these blood tests in your stride.

I absolutely hate the GP calls as they are always during work hours and I have to duck out that's bit ideal but again I think it's something we all have to deal with now.

So I'd be annoyed yes, frustrated yes but make a complaint nope.

I have zero symptoms associated with thyroid. When I asked why she thought it was something other than menopause she waffled about "ruling things out". She actually said"things".

Yes I think it's inappropriate to make me repeat intimate symptoms when I'd described them just days before.

I just have a very strong suspicion that there'll be some other fucking excuse today.

Thyroid symptoms are wide-ranging. They include many of the same symptoms as might be associated with menopause, even though you say you don't have these.

I think it's always sensible to check bloods - not because it will provide guidance on hormone levels, it doesn't, but to have an accurate picture of your overall health.

In Ireland, menopause related issues are often dealt with by consultant endocrinologists, a recognition of how all these areas inter-link.

If the GP doesn't want to prescribe HRT, or is dismissive about menopause, then I agree you'll have a reason to complain. But I don't see that's the case?

she waffled about "ruling things out". She actually said"things

That's a completely fine thing to say. Yes, and to use the word 'things'! I really feel you are over-reacting.

@Coffeetree

I just have a very strong suspicion that there'll be some other fucking excuse today.

Well that's different & if you aren't being listened to or are fobbed off that's clearly not ok.

But you haven't any evidence for this so far and sound UR about the GP doing their job.

I totally get understand your frustration I am in the process of waiting for my 2nd blood test next week then a call back to to discuss what HRT I will be going on. The difference is that my GP has been fantastic and already stated that regardless of the results she will be issuing a HRT prescription and that the second blood test is simply to rule out any other issues as these are more extensive at her request. I first went to a different GP 4 years ago I was pretty much laughed at and pushed out the door because I was only 38 yet here I am now pretty much falling apart due to ever increasing symptoms. I personally wouldn't contemplate making a complaint until after you have spoken to your GP next to see what they have to say after all they are just covering themselves and checking on your overall health.

I've asked to have the HRT prescription released today, or a clear explanation as to why treatment is being further delayed.

I've got client appointments all day and I'm going to have to keep my phone switched on because I just know I'm going to get calls and have to go find somewhere to crouch and whisper about vaginal atrophy.

I have a strong suspicion that my GP doesn't want to prescribe HRT and I'm going to be back at square fucking one.

I have a strong suspicion that my GP doesn't want to prescribe HRT and I'm going to be back at square fucking one.

Based on what?

Surely the prescription will be confirmed once they've reviewed the bloods.

Why are you so angry about something that hasn't yet happened?

If that happens is there another GP in the practice you can see/ speak for a second opinion? Some of them are great and others not so great. If you are refused HRT today I'd definitely make a complaint though as you've done everything they've requested. My GP isn't particularly happy that I had to chase my test results when the practice should've contacted me to arrange an appointment so I too have been delayed not just because of that though I have the added bonus of a coil with missing threads that needs removing and hopefully replacing as part of the HRT.
I've got my fingers crossed that you get your prescription today

Yabvu your GP is doing their job and trying to be safe.
If they didn't do extra tests and missed a malignancy you'd have a right to complain then.

Because they've already delayed treatment for no discernable reason and gone against NICE guidance. And prior to this I've been trying unsuccessfully to be taken seriously.

I saw a light at the end of the tunnel two weeks ago and now this.

I've asked to have the HRT prescription released today, or a clear explanation as to why treatment is being further delayed.

But treatment isn't necessarily being delayed is it? Are the blood tests not to check that the treatment is correct?

You seem to be very determined to make an issue OP, so ok.

From your information, the GP is doing bloods to check for any other issues, and get a baseline. That's perfectly sound.

They haven't said they'll refuse to prescribe but you believe they will. Why not wait & see?

They are not doing anything wrong by getting a blood test tho. You should be annoyed if they didn't.

Further delayed not necessarily I meant

I get it, its the thought of finally being heard and then for them to backtrack and delay that's angering you it would anger me too.

Of course you should be able to get a prescription for hrt if you want to try it, at your age and with your symptoms.
Yes I'd email the practice manager as one professional has prescribed and another blocked. They can still do blood tests while your starting in hrt

@MichelleScarn Treatment has been delayed though as the Op went to collect her prescription only to be told she needed to call the GP so that is a delay.

Oh I'd be annoyed too OP. You are in menopause, you can have HRT! You can have it NOW, while you're waiting for the results of your tests. You mention vaginal atrophy - were you prescribed vaginal oestrogen as well? As I'm sure you know, that needs to be treated ASAP, otherwise it will only get worse.

The menopause board here is helpful 🙂

I can see my test results online, thyroid normal, FHS "consistent" (sic) with menopause. Liver and kidney function normal.

So absolutely no excuses for me not to have HRT in hand be end of today.

I think there are two issues here: The difficulty many women are having getting HRT prescribed and your GP thinking more widely about the diagnosis. I think the GP is right to check for Thyroid issues. I was trying to conceive when my GP ran a thyroid panel and Graves Disease was diagnosed. I was absolutely adamant that nothing was wrong thyroid wise but then again Graves Disease made me argumentative!

I know it's a real hassle OP and I do hope you get your HRT but I think it's wise to have Thyroid Function Tests.

1. Blood tests not needed to diagnose menopause in someone of my age and symptoms according to NICE guidance.
2. Appalling clinical practice to just ring someone and launch into quizzing on symptoms. I even said to GP, "Okay I can't really add to what I told your colleagues. Do you have my chart?" She insisted and so I said, "Okay I'm at work, let me try to find some privacy". There was even a follow up call so I had to do it twice

On 1 you are quite correct that blood tests are not needed to prescribe HRT but IME a set of routine blood tests to ensure there is nothing else presenting as menopause is good practice

On 2 I agree with you and that is what I would follow up. Its not reasonable for anyone to assume you can have a confidential discussion on the spot. Practice manager would be the logical point as it's a workplace practice issue.

Any menopause group will describe GPs who seem religiously opposed to HRT but most are not. Do you symptoms merit referral to a menopause clinic?