Can GP stop HRT

[Vlinty]

I am on oestrogel and the vaginal oestrogen pessaries.
These were both prescribed by private gynaecologists.
The gel was prescribed over 10 years ago as I had very bad pnd and saw a gynaecologist who treated it with oestrogen (my blood levels were super low).

My pharmacy normally requests the medication for me. This time they said there was a note on it saying last request.

No idea why so I called the GP. Receptionist didn't know either, then i get a message about a telephone appointment in 2 weeks time.

AFAIK they haven't issued this request.

Can they just abruptly stop the hrt overnight without any notice? Even a 2 week gap could really throw me off.... I have a EUPD which does not do well eith any changes in my body - eg. hormonal and hence the severe pnd.

I would have hoped they give me one month notice at least to say it will be stopping, and then in could make any appt with private gynae to talk about why I need to do.

Anyone know if GPs do this/can/should?

When similar happened with me, they just wanted me in for a review. Blood pressure check, weigh-in, chat about whether it is still working.

Makes sense if it’s 10 years since it was prescribed.

No they won't, itll be a review. If they do suggest stopping just point out NICE guidelines which state there isn't a limit to length of treatment.

Thanks. Review is actually in 2 weeks time so will they prescribe me enough for the interim?

Check your practice website, most have a HRT review link, complete this & your medication will be issued, hopefully

Yes itll still be on your repeats just put an order in online.

They should issue a prescription for enough to cover you until your review appointment.

Thanks, hope so.

You cant request hrt online with my GP as they class.it as an acute medication x

Most likely just a review, check BP etc often needed for rpt prescriptions

I understand that. The issue is the wait where I won't have the medication.

if you have a good pharmacist they will sometimes give you an emergency supply. This happened to me, not with HRT. I ended up needing 1 months supply until I had a review. Really bloody annoying. But worth asking the pharmacy

Just called and they said no. Because in case the GP changes the script she won't get paid back.

you have a review in 2 weeks? How much HRT do you have left?

No pessaries. Probably enough gel

How many pumps of gel do you normally use? Can you increase this to supplement not having the pessaries?
Also can you phone your GP on Tuesday for a telephone appt to discuss getting an urgent script until your review? Or do they have a practice pharmacist you can talk to?

You can buy the pessaries over the counter - brand name is Gina. Do not increase the gel for lack of pessaries as suggested above 🙄

In any case, call or email the surgery and request a supply to cover you until your booked review. No drama necessary.

Surgery seem to be being cunty about it - there are all new doctors there trying to make changes

Local boots has Gina so thank you for thst suggestion!

If you can't do it online just submit a repeat prescription request how you normally do, is it via paper? They must process a repeat if you've ran out. They really can't just stop stuff because of a review in a couple of weeks.

Once you're sorted then submit requests well in advance so you always have surplus.

No, no, no I didn’t think they could stop HRT just like that. When that Panorama programme was shown last October, I remember messages scrolling along the bottom of screen during the programme saying do not stop without medical supervision.

I say this as someone who did abruptly stop HRT (received a poor letter from the GP about need to change hrt which I also did not understand and thought sod it) and 13 days later was told a blood clot - pulmonary embolism could be heading for my lungs before I went to theatre. I was spoken to apparently after surgery about the HRT but I don’t actually recall the conversation.

I have one unopened box of Oestrogel (aqua colour) exp 03/27 if needed I can send if it comes to it, as PE, DVT, blood clots aren’t to be messed with.

That sounds awful for you stopping abruptly.

Kind offer, in have the gel tho.

Gp have had the request in the format they normally accept @Gloriia just refused to issue it yet. Totally unfair not to give any warning

Contact the surgery and Ask to speak to the Prescription clerk at the surgery. Explain you have a review in two weeks (they should be able to see this booked on your notes) but haven’t enough meds to last until then, and could you have 2-3 weeks to cover. The prescription clerk should be able to issue this prescription option (and get it signed off by the gp).

(Nb . Gps don’t actually produce repeat prescription s. Admin staff do, usually a dedicated prescription clerk, and tthen the prescription is signed off by the gp (or other prescriber). )

I wonder if this is at every surgery? I can picture the receptions going "Owww, I don't know anything about tha-a-a-at"