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Original poster

HRT refused a prescription

16 replies

Akiko · 31/03/2009 14:51

My GP has refused to prescribe me HRT after I asked for it. The reason given, is that I did not have hot flushes, although I suffer from anxiety, depression 9 I think it is the result of hormonal change) Doc prescribed antidepressants.
I want to get HRT, as I was advised that the hormon replacement is important for many other reasons. How can I go about getting a prescription?

OP posts:
scrooged · 31/03/2009 14:55

HRT is nasty stuff with side effects (osteoperosis for one), I'm not surprised he wouldn't prescribe it for you to be honest. Have a look at the side effects for yourself on the web and have a think. If used in the menopause then they can work wonders, you are not menopausal though.

marmon · 31/03/2009 18:21

My doctor has prescribed me HRT for PMT as i have very bad hormonal balance. I use a gel from the day of ovulation up until my period and i must admit it has worked wonders for my general moods. I was on anti-depressants for 2 years and they were great but i started to get nasty side effects because i had been on them for so long. I was so scared coming off the ADs as like you i suffer with anxiety, depression and general lethargy. Its fine for me and i have come to the conclusion that all drugs have side effects but if you want a better quality of life for yourself and those around you it sometimes means sacrifice.

Elibean · 31/03/2009 18:27

Um, I was prescribed HRT because I was at risk of osteoporosis, amongst other things (am pretty much menopausal). So although there are potential side effects, I don't think osteoporosis is one of them...

ThingOne · 31/03/2009 20:43

HRT protects against osteoporosis. That's one of its main jobs! My HRT has no side effects whatsoever and my life is immeasurably better with it. It does carry an increased risk of certain things for certain people. In my case those risks are outweighed by the increased risk of other conditions without it. But I wouldn't dream of taking it I didn't have to.

Have you had a blood test Akiko? Hormonal changes can be detected through these. My GP rang the next day to confirm my insti- ovarian failure.

Sidge · 31/03/2009 20:51

A GP isn't going to prescribe something that isn't clinically indicated. If you have no other signs of menopause then s/he would be professionally wrong to prescribe HRT just because you ask for it.

If you are menopausal, then that's a different matter but from what you've written I'm not sure if you are.

ummadam · 01/04/2009 09:47

menopause and HRT

www.patient.co.uk/showdoc/23068783/

ummadam · 01/04/2009 09:47

sorry forgot to link it.

ummadam · 01/04/2009 09:48

www.patient.co.uk/showdoc/23068783/

I need a coffee...

Original poster
Akiko · 01/04/2009 10:52

Thank you all for your advise.Sorry, I did not make it clearer for you: I am menopausal, the blood test has confirmed that. I am a a great risk of osteoporosis,a bone scan has already shown a decreased dencity on my spine, my mother had a very prominent hunchback in her late years and broke her hips, leaving her completely dependent which contributed to her untimely death. I am a single mother of a young child and horrified if something like that might happen to us. Previous GP had offered me the HRT, but left the practice. The new one prescribed Adcal D for the bones and Citalopram for my anxiety and depression and refused HRT. I feel HRT would be a better option. Most women on the continent take it at that age.

OP posts:
ThingOne · 01/04/2009 21:37

How old are you? What were the reasons for refusal? Is there pre-menopausal breast cancer in the family?

Did he explain why he was offering the drugs he did? Have you started taking them? Why don't you give them a couple of months to see how they work for you?

I was 41 and am expecting to take HRT for ten years despite the risks. It's made my life a lot better!

Original poster
Akiko · 01/04/2009 22:04

I am 51, entered the menopause last year. There is no history of brest cancer in our family, but very bad osteoporosis. Doctor refused on the grounds of the risks associated, although I am not that worried about them and more in favour of the benefits. I must admit,I am very much against AD,but since starting, it is doing me a lot of good, but my friend who is on HRT and had very bad anxiety attacks before, is now without the symptoms, without the need of going on AD.

OP posts:
DarrellRivers · 01/04/2009 22:09

See a different doctor
I think one always needs to discuss the full risk/benefit profile with a patient, but on balance, I would be happy to prescribe HRT for most women if that is what they decided they wanted to proceed with and had made an informed decision.
The onus should be more on a shorter treatment term though.

DarrellRivers · 01/04/2009 22:11

What about a bisphosphonate (fosamax etc) for your bone protection?

Ivykaty44 · 01/04/2009 22:13

I think one of the side effects they think is ovarian cancer, especially if you are over weight at all.

liath · 01/04/2009 22:16

If oyu have a well woman/family planning centre near you they might be more amenable. Your GP should explain to you the risks and benefits of HRT and let you make an informed decision whether to take it or not. I'd have thought it would be reasonable for you to trial it for, say 3 months to see if it improves your symptoms. The recommendations are that HRT isn't prescribed primarily to treat or prevent osteoporosis unless you have an early menopause.

DarrellRivers · 01/04/2009 22:18

All drugs have risks and side effects
With each case you need to weigh up the benefits that you will get from it, with the risks/side effects and make an informed decision as to which is the greater need.
Here is a good link for discussing this risk/benefit profile here

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