To think my GP JUST ISN’T INTERESTED?

[MissKittyBeaudelais]

I’m on HRT. Have been for three years. Am nearly 57. Recently, like many women, my original medication has become unavailable so, my GP put me on a different tablet which she assured me was the same doseage /type of HRT as the one I’d used happily for three years. I have started having hot flushes again. Especially at night. I spoke to her about this and she insists there’s no reason this should be happening. I’m like 🤨. She’s like 🤷🏻‍♀️

Am I imagining it? It’s not as severe as BEFORE HRT but I’m just wondering why it should be? Anyone? Thanks.

I get this sometimes with heart meds. The NHS change their supplier and I nearly always (sometimes not) have to change my dosage.

My pharmacist explained to me that it is often due to different carriers within the formulation.

The latest episode ended up with me at hospital because the drug was so potent it dropped my blood pressure to the extent that I was having visual disturbances / dizziness.

The result has been trial and error over 10 days to get me to a point where I am fine on half the original dose.

I think GP’s do know it is a problem, but even my lovely GP, who tries to ensure I don’t experience too much brand switching, can’t fight the NHS drug policy. Understandbly the NHS wants to keep it’s drug bill as low as possible and it that means frequent switching of brands that is what they will do.

NHS drug policy hasn’t got anything to do with the HRT supply issue! It’s a case of manufacturers not being able to make the product quickly enough.

HRT supply issues are really frustrating at the moment.

It depends on your GPs confidence in managing HRT whether she is able to suggest alternatives, but if you’re really bothered by the flushes I would go back and ask again - it may be that trying a different combination of products would suit you better - maybe gel and tablet, or coil and tablet.

Definitely speak to them about alternatives, is there another GP who knows more about hrt you could speak to?

I found a vitamin supplement which helped me with mine but appreciate that's not for everyone. It's quite expensive but for me worth it - Menopace night.

Thanks all. I’ll have to seek a different opinion, I think. It’s SO difficult getting an appointment though.

Might it be worth asking about patches instead of tablets?

Have read this morning that oestrogen overload can cause your existing HRT to stop working. So stress, life changes, weight changes, over exposure to plastics/certain natural substances can all affect the levels of oestrogen you have circulation in addition to your HRT dose.

Hmm. Will have to see gp. Last night was back to throwing off covers and then ferreting around the bed to pull them on again 🙄

Can I also suggest you have a chat with your dispensing pharmacist. Your GP will have an overarching knowledge but the pharmacist will have a better understanding of why it is not working as effectively for you.

Oh thanks. Hadn’t thought of that. Will do.

I presume it’s hormonal because it comes in waves. I’m not just hot.

Mine's not working as well as the old stuff did. I'm wondering now if its because I've put on a stone.

Yeah, I’ve gained weight too. GP said “THAT’S not the menopause. That’s your body saying you should eat less and do more”.