Independent Advice

[Eliottsmam]

Could anyone tell me of a reliable website or forum for independent advice on treatments for the menopause. I'm talking of somewhere that offers information on different options, not just hrt. Also, not a site that's sponsored by drug companies!

Please don't say, Menopause Matters, because they aren't independent at all.

Not sure what you mean by independent..?

Menopause Matters does receive some sponsorship but I would assume this is connected with the list of HRT preparations on the site. The consultant who runs the site is NHS.

The forum has posts by 'ordinary' women and yes, many of them do discuss HRt but there is also a thread currently for alternative treatments and the site has information on these too.

I think if you want proper advice that is not on the web then you'd be looking at seeing a gynae who specialises in treatment of the menopause.

ps- when you say independent advice are you meaning a site set up by a doctor- or one that is run by women? I doubt you will find any because why would anyone want to give their time to that, unless they were a charity, and who would be funding it? Advertisers?

I'd like to find somewhere that offers unbiased information & advice. A more balanced viewpoint.

Maybe someone knows of such a place. Who runs it is not so important as how balanced it is.

Yes, Pinkfrocks, I didn't really want to discuss MM, but I did see the recent thread on MM regarding alternatives.

I also saw the thread where members wanted a dedicated section for alternatives to hrt, the moving & locking of the thread, and removal of 'ordinary women's' comments on it.

I know the consultant/managing director of the MM business also works for the NHS, but not all consultants share the same views.

I know sites make money from advertising, but they can do that and still provide unbiased information. That's what I'm looking for.

I'm not defending MM because I think their way of moderating is - let's say- a conundrum. I think that thread was closed down because they don't like 'public squabbling' .

I don't think that MM is a limited company- and as such does not have an MD. I may be wrong, but isn't it just a website set up by a dr to help women be better informed?

You won't find any advice that is 'unbiased' because - as you have already said yourself, all consultants have different views.

Why not start doing your own research? What is it that you are looking for exactly? If you can say what your symptoms are and whether you prefer a complementary approach or a more conventional one using prescribed medication then that would be a start to finding help.

MM site does have a whole section you know on alternative treatments. And Dr C doesn't have input on the forums- that's where women exchange infor on all kinds of things that have helped.

Maybe look around on Amazon for books as well as googling for the type of site you are looking for?

Apologies OP- I now see that MM is a limited company.
I still think that doing your own research and finding your own experts in real life to give you advice is the best option.

There is some information that might be helpful on this link regarding treatments, it was my GP who told me about this today. she had referred another of her patients there at her request (it's well out of our area). www.chelwest.nhs.uk/gps/find-a-service/womens-health-services/links/MenopausePMSclinicguidelinesGnRHA120310.pdf

www.chelwest.nhs.uk/gps/find-a-service/womens-health-services/links/MenopausePMSclinicguidelinesGnRHA120310.pdf

It's a bit depressing that the info you have linked to suggests oral HRT as 'first line treatment' because it's 'cheaper' when it is also known to carry more side effects.

It IS possible to ask for a private prescription if you want a product that your NHS provider won't pay for- and often it's not that much more expensive than the normal prescription charge. I pay for my HRT and it's around £12 a month compared to £8 for a prescription.

The guide may be helpful- it's a 'handbook for drs' to know the steps that patients go through once they are seen at the clinic.

Some info here with links to other websites which may be useful www.womenshealth.gov/menopause/menopause-basics/

THis site is excellent- the patient arm of the BMS and funded by the Lottery.

www.womens-health-concern.org/