How to get gp to listen and take me seriously

[velmadinkly]

I've already been to the gp in about october/november last year about my periods, due to early arrival, but not feeling 'cleared out', then me having another about 10 days afterwards. The main symptom is that it takes about 3-4 days to get started now and i spot during this time. I'm early 40's.

In Oct/Nov, the GP did bloods for peri and they came back as normal. This last period took a full week to start properly, the worse yet and whilst this was happening I was having 'warm' moments, not full on flushes, but definate quick raises in temperature. I also had disturbed sleep and I felt really detached emotionally, especially from DH, to the point I was worried I had basically stopped loving him.

My period finally got going properly and it was literally like a switch had been flicked.

I'm planning on going to the doctors in the next few weeks and I just want advise on how I can get the gp to take me seriously. I honestly think i'm perimenopausal, but they diligently go by the results of the blood tests.

Why don't you write down a list of symptoms, when they happen, what happens etc? Then you will have evidence to show the gp.

Thank you for replying. I just don't want to be fobbed off. The last time they offered a merina coil to stop the periods altogether, but I don't want one and they just kept saying to me that the results show I'm not peri which doesn't surprise them because 'it's too early'.

I don't think they believe me when I tell them about the warm moments, sleeplessness, the emotions etc. I feel that if I turned up saying the symptoms as a 48 year old rather than a 42 year old they'd spring into action.

Can the GP precribe HRT without the blood test showing I'm fine?

You can't decide about the perimenopause in the basis of tests in one day only. It's a bit like relying on the MOT to tell you anything other than whether the car is sound that day only.

Are you registered at a group practice? Could you go back and see a different GP?

I would be honest and say 'I don't feel I have been entirely believed when I've spoken about my symptoms previously'. And sometimes it's enough just to say 'I want to come away feeling that I've been listened to'. Be clear about what you want and the doctor should then be clear back. I hope the next appointment feels like progression! X

Yes, I am registered at a group practice and it is luck of the draw who the receptionist offers you when you phone up for an appointment, so I could end up with somebody different to last time.

I'll just ask about HRT directly and see what they say. I'd like a silver bullet, but in all likelihood I'll not get it, but trying some form of medication might help. I don't want to go on like this. Just because I'm not dripping with sweat on an hourly basis, or having periods 5 months apart, ot gaining 2 stone in weight doesn't mean whay I feel isnt true or unreasonable to me.

In your early 40s you are having an early menopause (average age is 52.) You must get HRT or you will be without oestrogen for 10 years sooner than most women and you need it for long term heart and bone health. Don't be fobbed off. If you are, ask to see a consultant and / or read and print off the NICE guidelines which say treat symptoms not reply on blood tests.

*reply rely!