AIBU to be perplexed that my GP implied that post COVID, continuing symptoms are due to the menopause?

[LasaAB]

I suppose I'm puzzled more than anything, can't decide what I think. Any thoughts anyone?

I think its impossible to unpick what are symptoms caused by someone previously having covid or symptoms caused by other issues that someone might have had before but not noticed (but are now tuned in to long covid), perimenopause symptoms which appear to me like everysingle thing that is wrong with me, or symptoms caused by other viruses which might be floating around

I was reading a guide for employers about supporting people with long covid today, and was interested to see that in the list of possible symptoms of long covid, it included menstrual or menopausal changes.

They are testing HRT as a treatment for middle aged women with long covid, the immune system is affected by oestrogen levels so it's not far fetched, your GP maybe read something in the BMJ (i read a news article about it but haven't got a link handy).

On the bright side, at least you've got one who believes in the menopause.

@Wbeezer

They are testing HRT as a treatment for middle aged women with long covid, the immune system is affected by oestrogen levels so it's not far fetched, your GP maybe read something in the BMJ (i read a news article about it but haven't got a link handy).

Really interesting.

He asked if I have a coil (no) and when my last period was (5 years ago).
Checked symptoms, insomnia, cough, sore throat, able to smell smoke, high temperature, knackered, open burn like wounds on my face and body...
Asked if I had these symptoms before COVID.

No treatment prescribed.

www.google.com/amp/s/amp.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/feb/28/if-oestrogen-can-save-women-from-the-worst-of-covid-they-should-be-given-it

I think it's a really positive thing if doctors try to find the cause of new symptoms instead of immediately putting them down to long covid.

@SparklyLeprechaun

I think it's a really positive thing if doctors try to find the cause of new symptoms instead of immediately putting them down to long covid.

Yes, I suppose.

It is a huge coincidence that my symptoms only started since having COVID. The open burn like sores on my face are horrendous and nothing I've ever had before.

Some symptoms aren't usual of the menopause either - breathless, cough, sore throat - tho I can see the tiredness and insomnia could be. I would be fine with being used as a trial - HRT to combat the symptoms I have.

@SparklyLeprechaun

I think it's a really positive thing if doctors try to find the cause of new symptoms instead of immediately putting them down to long covid.

I agree, i think theres going to be a lot of lazy thinking employed with lots of issues just being blamed on long covid without any more exploration

This happened to a friend of mine with symptoms she had before she had covid (was under investigation when she got covid) and the doctor said after she had covid, 'well its probably long covid'

Clever!

I agree, i think theres going to be a lot of lazy thinking employed with lots of issues just being blamed on long covid without any more exploration

Thanks for that @bellac11 - how to kick someone when they are down.

Since having COVID, picked up at work ( because I was so dedicated that I hadn't been anywhere else in the week before), struggling to continue my career, desperate to keep the job I love, keep a roof over my and my children's head .....

and you think - because this is COVID related - I might just be 'lazy'. ☹️

Would being menopausal also make me lazy?

@LasaAB

I agree, i think theres going to be a lot of lazy thinking employed with lots of issues just being blamed on long covid without any more exploration

Thanks for that @bellac11 - how to kick someone when they are down.

Since having COVID, picked up at work ( because I was so dedicated that I hadn't been anywhere else in the week before), struggling to continue my career, desperate to keep the job I love, keep a roof over my and my children's head .....

and you think - because this is COVID related - I might just be 'lazy'. ☹️

Would being menopausal also make me lazy?

I dont know about lazy, perhaps defensive?

I was clearly talking about medical professionals, not patients.

Given how little most GPs know about menopause, it is an odd thing to say.