Perimenopause

[GingerbreadVanMan]

Am I being unreasonable to ask for help finding a statement which is often mentioned on mumsnet?I am peri menopausal and having a complete nightmare trying to get hrt for various reasons. I’ve just finished another phone appointment where I’ve been through my symptoms again and been told I need more blood tests again, and when I talked about nice guidance stating women over 45 should be prescribed hrt without any symptoms (like I’ve read many times on here) I was told that wasn’t true.
Anyway I’ve looked and cannot find where it says this, please could someone more knowledgeable help me and post a link to it ? Thanks

www.mumsnet.com/talk/menopause/4662429-peri-menopause-and-starting-hrt

It shouldn't be that difficult. I've just started on hrt and my GP was sympathetic and helpful. Can you try a different GP. Sorry can't help with the Nice Guidelines, but sure someone else will be along to help.

Can you find a different surgery? Or go private for the consultation? All I needed to access utrogestan (pills) and oestrogel (daily gel) was a phone appointment and a blood pressure check. The difference in attitude within GP's about hrt is appalling. Good luck, there are some very knowledgeable people on the menopause threads.

Thank you for reply’s, agree it shouldn’t be so hard but unfortunately for me it is. I’ve been referred to NHS menopause specialist because of previous health concerns so I don’t think changing gp would help at this point.

This ?

www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng23/chapter/Menopause-implementation-getting-started

I talked to my GP about some minor peri symptoms and he was very reluctant, explaining that there are as many reasons not to take HRT as there are to take it. He persuaded me anyway.

Genuinely, why do you want HRT without symptoms?

"Do not routinely use blood tests such as follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) measurements to diagnose perimenopause or menopause in otherwise healthy women (who are not using hormonal contraception) aged over 45 years, with typical menopausal symptoms. Diagnose the following without laboratory testing:

Perimenopause — if the woman has vasomotor symptoms and irregular periods.

Menopause — if the woman has not had a period for at least 12 months (and is not using hormonal contraception).

Menopause — based on symptoms in a woman without a uterus"

cks.nice.org.uk/topics/menopause/diagnosis/diagnosis-of-menopause-perimenopause/

It's WITH symptoms, as above ^

I think that’s a typo as op mentions upthread she has symptoms. I think - correct me if I’m wrong- she means getting HRT based on symptoms alone, no blood tests.

I know you shouldn't have to pay but sometimes it's worth it not to have the stress and hassle - it's about 350 to speak to a private GP and at your age they should just prescribe based on symptoms rather than needing blood tests - if you are 45 years old then sometimes causes confusion as its sometimes read as over 45 eg 46

OP says guidance is those over 45 without symptoms?

I was told by a consultant that blood tests are not indicated now as not reliable. Symptoms are what is needed to diagnose.

Incidentally I'm under 45 and get HRT for self-reported perimenopause symptoms despite 'normal' (on that day) blood test.

Same.

There’s a huge lack of consistency in prescribing.

Apologies if I’ve confused anyone, I DO have symptoms but questioned why I was having such trouble being prescribed them as I’d read on here (quite a few times!) that they should be prescribed to women over 45 irrespective of symptoms and I was told that wasn’t true.
I then read the guidelines and could only see what @ThreeLittleDots & @Xrays have kindly linked (thanks) so I posted here in case I was missing something.

My GP was happy to prescribe HRT but reluctant until I’d seen a specialist due to severe endometriosis in my pre menopause days. She referred me menopause clinic but there are just no appointments now or any time in the near future. so today I spent £300 seeing a private doctor from the Newson group and my drugs will be in the post in a few days. Hope you ge the help you need. If you can afford it it’s well worth a private appointment.