Do I tell the doctor I'm perimenopausal?

[Whatsupquack]

This is long, sorry.

I have fibromalgia and I'm under a rheumatologist as a result. Several months ago I started experiencing something that is in no way connected to fibro, as well as a worsening of some symptoms that go with fibro but also other things. I did all the sensible checks and remedies and when nothing worked went to my GP.

My GP's response was that he wouldnt give me a referral until my specialist confirmed it wasn't fibro related. It took a few months to get an appointment and his reaction was to ask why on earth anyone thought it was to do with fibro. He wrote a letter suggesting a referral, but politely. Apparently here he can't do one himself as it wasn't fibro related.

GP says in response he won't do a referral without seeing me, on an non urgent appointment, which takes months. It is finally coming up but during that time I think I've become perimenopausal. Some of the vague symptoms match up but the main one really doesn't - I've read up a lot. I'm pretty sure if I tell him I'm PM he will leapon that as a reason and I won't get the referral. On the other hand, pretty soon I'm going to need PM help and I do believe giving the doctor as much info as possible.

So do I tell him or not? Changing doctor isn't possible sadly and the practice used to be great until several partners retired. Sorry about not giving details but this is already outing!

I have many symptoms that are actually my ptsd but are also markers for menopause. My periods becoming irregular or rather longer than normal is my only true symptoms.

Most doctors to my knowledge, dont test for peri menopause, they will just go by your symptoms so im not sure what you are wanting to achieve? Do you want HRT? Or do you think your non fibro symptoms are something that need external investigation but dont want him to fob you off as peri? If tou think hes going to fob you off for a referral, just don't mention it.

I want eternal investigation for my other symptoms. I won't bring up peri but im not sure what to say if asked - i think he will grasp hold of hormones and not go any further.

I would make a bullet point list of what you want to say

In fact, if you're having trouble getting an appointment, it might be better to put a letter/email into them straightaway and say that you want the referral and explain why and also say that you don't want it delayed any longer because it's taking too long to see the actual doctor.

Do not mention anything other than the symptoms. I can see why you are worried because I'm thinking a lot of doctors will just sweep it into that bracket of perimenopause. That doesn't mean you're ignoring it as a possibility. But it will definitely be at the front of their mind, along with "hysterical woman". So I'd just keep quiet about that.

I would definitely try an old-fashioned letter first, or an email if they look at those.

Thank you, that's good thinking. I'm at the absolutely desperate stage so may well get hysterical at him! I'm going to have to really push this i think.

There's no way the Dr will ask if you're perimenopausal. They just don't take it that seriously sadly. Get your other symptoms sorted first.

It's more thr standard "are your periods normal?" I think some doctors would ask if you broke your leg!

So I was asked about periods! I got a referral for one symptom (rather than looking at it as a whole) and he decided that because I had a list of symptoms and a history of depression it was anxiety. I'm back in a few months to review med changes so when it hasn't fixed it I'll try again.

Thanks for the tips.

Will this referral be a gateway once you are there and explain all symptoms??

Are you able to see another GP surely in the surgery? Just asked to not be booked in with him, or on the online booking system book someone else. If they ask why (they likely won't) just say you want someone specialised in women's health or a female doctor.

What is this new referral for if you don't mind me asking? As in what symptoms? Also who rejected the referral? Did your GP decide not to do it or the secondary care? I'd sew another GP tbh, tell them exactly what you want written in the referral (prepare on your phones notes etc, NICE guidelines) and then get them to do it. If you're more specific it may help.