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Menopause

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Original poster

Going to se GP. How do I convince him to take me seriously?

38 replies

Ormirian · 11/02/2011 14:20

I gaven't had a period since before Xmas. Before that it was september. Before that.....I can't remember. Suffice to say I have about 3 or 4 periods a year. I go through phases of hot flushes and night sweats. I am piling on weight. i am exhausted and sleepy all the time. I generally feel like shite.

I last went to the GP about this 2 years ago and she say No! to my being menopausal because the blood test came back negative and I was only 43. But she admitted it was hard to get any significant results from a blood test because the hormones flucuate.

But I am sure I am. And I don't want to feel ao bloody awful anymore. I have to go back to get another prescription for citalopram as I've given up giving them up for now.

What do I say? I want HRT and I know there are risks but I can't go on like this for the next few years.

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Original poster
Ormirian · 11/02/2011 14:53

Anyone?

Going on Monday.

And will HRT address some of my problems?

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Original poster
Ormirian · 11/02/2011 15:52

TALK TO ME!!!! NOW!

Sorry. A bit moody these days. I blame the menopause.....

Wink
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3littlefrogs · 11/02/2011 15:59

You sound perimenopausal to me. Been there, done that. It is horrid and I can really empathise. Could you see a different GP?

Original poster
Ormirian · 11/02/2011 16:26

It will be a different one. You rarely get to see the same one twice at our practice. Thanks. I just want this one to listen to me and realise I know when things are wrong and that, in fact, they are wrong NOW!

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TheChewyToffeeMum · 11/02/2011 16:30

I agree with 3littlefrogs - you definitely sound perimenopausal. I would expect all of your symptoms to improve with HRT - if they don't they are caused by something else and should be investigated further.

I assume you have already had your thyroid function checked.

Original poster
Ormirian · 11/02/2011 16:36

Yes, well 2 years ago when i first went to the GP. I thought that was my problem in fact - I was losing weight fast and felt very anxious all the time so thought I had an overactive thyroid but nothing. Now I'm piling the weight on and almost wish I had the old problem Grin

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Original poster
Ormirian · 11/02/2011 16:37

Thanks btw chewy - I will press for HRT and see what he/she says. I can't be like this much longer.

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TheChewyToffeeMum · 11/02/2011 16:41

Do get your thyroid rechecked if things have changed since it was last tested. Sometimes people can go overactive for a short time before the gland burns out and stops producing throxine.

cabbageroses · 11/02/2011 17:01

Put it this way- if you are menopausal, HRT will sort ! If you take it and see no difference then it won't.

HRT won't sort out your periods-it depends on what kind you take. as you are still having periods, then youmay end up with more.

I didn't start HRT until i was almost 54. The type I take is 3-month cylce and gives me a "period" every 3 months. In between I did have the odd real period a few times too.

If you are not happy with your GP refer yourself to a meno clinic or ask to see a gynae- privately if you can afford to.
Most GPs know bugger all about hte meno and hormones.

cabbageroses · 11/02/2011 17:03

p.s- there is a very eminent gynae who believes that women all over are being put on ADs when what they need it estorgen- google Prof John Studd.

NarcolepsyQueen · 11/02/2011 17:07

the same symptoms as undersactive thyoid. Is your skind dry and is your hair thining too?

bigTillyMint · 11/02/2011 17:09

Orm I am going to see the GP on Monday too - I have been having irregular periods for about 5 years (am 46). At first the GP (always a different one for me too!) said I couldn't be because I was too young Hmm

My periods vary between once every 1 - 4 months and only 2-3 weeks apart, and are incredibly heavy for 2 days leaving me feeling wasted. Also I suffer with mood swings and night sweats....

I am also fighting a battle to remain (relatively) slim, despite loads of exercise.

I am also wondering if HRT would help.

cabbage your post is very helpful - I think I might ask to be referred to a specialist.

Original poster
Ormirian · 11/02/2011 20:55

We'll have to compare notes Tilly !

Cabbage-that's really useful. Thankyou. Isn't it odd that menopause just doesn't seem to be important Hmm. A woman's problem and at a time in her life when she is no longer able to make babies. Funny that...

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bigTillyMint · 12/02/2011 10:39

Orm yes, yes!

It's all the more of an important problem when your DD is starting to go through puberty as well!

Original poster
Ormirian · 12/02/2011 11:03

Ha ha![bitter laugh]

Yes!

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kazmus · 13/02/2011 16:00

iwent to the gp with all op symptoms at about 42 told it was age,by doctor who looked like could be my son! Went again few years later as still feeling rubbish, saw older gp and he prescribed anti depressants, went back 2 years ago toally unable to cope and saw woamn gp who diagnosed type 2 diabetes withi 2 minutes and said I had probably had it for over 10 years! Get them to do a sugar level test as well, nothing to lose and everything to gain.

kazmus · 13/02/2011 16:02

pity they cant prescribe anything for bad typing! sorry last post such a mess but half an eye on the rugby!

bigTillyMint · 14/02/2011 09:51

Well, just been to GP.

She took my blood pressure which was fine and has referred me for blood tests and an ultrasound. She also suggested transexcemic acid for the flooding periods, but I said I'd wait and see what the tests show.

How did you get on Orm?

Original poster
Ormirian · 14/02/2011 13:14

Bit odd really. GP (male) just nodded and said that sounds like the menopause, told me that there were different kind depending on my symptoms and sent me away with some literature to read. So.... will have a good think and go back next week

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bigTillyMint · 14/02/2011 17:18

How different to mine - I told her my symptoms and said I thought it was maybe the pre-menopause and she said it could be, but that she needs to rule other things out first, but not to worry. I wonder what your GP meant by "different kinds"?Hmm

I'm not worried, had been hoping for a response like your GP's, but actually, I guess that checking my blood and uterus is sensible.... Just hate trekking round for it all! Shouldn't complain as the hospital is only 10mins on the bus!

cabbageroses · 14/02/2011 18:49

I assume the Gp meant "different kinds of HRT".
sounds pretty useless TBH= he should be advising you, not giving you bloody leaflets!

Original poster
Ormirian · 15/02/2011 09:37

Yes he meant different kinds of HRT. He did advise me a little I guess but I wasn't really listening that hard TBH Blush. The leaflets were so that I could go away and make up my mind - he was more than happy for me to have the treatment.

The only thing that bothered me was that he didn't suggest any blood tests to see what the problem was but then again I did go in and say 'I am going through the menopause and I think I'd like to try HRT' so I suppose I didn't give him a lot of room for manoeuvre. I think when I go back I will ask about thyroid.

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Original poster
Ormirian · 15/02/2011 09:38

Oh and the other thing he told me was that my bloods two years ago did show something a change but not enough to be conclusive. I didn't know that.

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bigTillyMint · 15/02/2011 10:16

That's interesting - that your bloods did show a bit of a change previously, sounds quite likely then. But I think you are right to want to get them done again.

I am feeling really lethargic ATM - just been to the gym which has got me feeling a bit better, but I also feel like stuffing my face with comfort food. I am trying to be very good, but my weight is stubbornly staying the same. Could this be part of the menopause, or am I clutching at straws?!

Original poster
Ormirian · 15/02/2011 10:20

I am hoping weight gain is due to the menopause! I now have a BMI of 24 Shock 18m ago it was 21 Sad. I am back on my low-carb diet as of yesterday as while I'm OK with being a bit bigger, I can't keep putting it on. Secretly hoping HRT might help me lose a little but not expecting it.

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