Doctors appointment in January

[MagentaRocks]

I previously had a doctors appointment earlier in the year as I was having symptoms but although they agreed it was likely the tests showed nothing and they sent me away because of my age. I’m 44. I have made another appointment as I cannot keep on like this. My symptoms are getting worse
Night sweats - I used to be a hot water bottle and 2 duvet person. Now I sleep with just a sheet.
Itching -I itch constantly I want to rip my skin off ansi am getting bruised from scratching so much.
Lack of sleep - probably mainly due to above. I am exhausted.
Irregular periods- have always been regular, now I can be a month late or 2 weeks early.
Palpitations - this is relatively new but made me panic when it first happened.
Memory problems - have always had a great memory but not so much now.
No sex drive -partly because it is uncomfortable sometimes.

Anyway, I could cope with some of it but the sweats, itching and lack of sleep is really getting to me now. Any tips on getting the doctor to take me seriously? I don’t want to feel fobbed off like last time but I really do need some help in dealing with this.

If your GP doesn't know that peri menopause is quite common at age 44, there is no hope! Flogging a dead horse.
Honestly, this is basic stuff. Menopause is anywhere from age 45-55 and symptoms start years before the final period.
You need to start thinking about changing GPs if yours can't see your symptoms are classic peri meno.

Thank you for you reply.

It’s a different doctor than the one I saw before so hoping that will make a difference. I think I will end up crying if they don’t help.

I don't know what the issue is with them!. what is their problem?

You need to be assertive when you see the dr.
List all your symptoms- print off if need be- and tell them they are classic peri meno.
Tell them that at 44 you know this is considered early. The answer of course is HRT unless you have medical conditions that prevent its use (very rarely.)

Presumably you want HRT which is why you are seeing the dr?

I want something to help ease the symptoms so I presume HRT is the only thing really. I will be forceful. Last time I took a list. The doctor agreed i had the symptoms but despite acknowledging it doesn’t always show up on tests didn’t do anything when the tests came back negative. Just said keep in touch! I will push for something to be done as i will go mad if I don’t get help.

You have to ask for HRT.
Just practise the conversation beforehand...
' I have symptoms that are affecting my quality of life, work, etc etc so i want to try HRT and see if it helps. I also understand I am on the young side for peri meno and HRT is recommended as protection for my bones, heart etc.'

Thank you. You have been a big help.

For night sweats this year I have found using a frozen hot water bottle to be really useful. Don't know why it's taken me so long to think of the concept - good on hot summer nights too! I take it out of the freezer at bedtime and just put it at foot of bed until the flushes come, then hug to chest & enjoy the relief. You'll need a cover on it though so as not to get frost burns!

Well, it was my doctors appointment today. She was lovely.

Some of the symptoms have got worse, the itching has been unbearable and I am bruising myself and breaking the skin when I scratch overnight. I did have a little cry but I think it was because I was so relieved she was listening to me.

Anyway, I have been given HRT. I just have to wait until the first day of my next period, which is currently over 2 weeks late so hoping that I can start it in the next day or 2. I have got Elleste duet which I have seen mentioned in here.

I have to go back in a month. I have had a TIA before so they want to keep a careful eye on me.

Nice to feel good! :)

Are you taking a daily anti histamine? Try that in the meantime as it'll potentially stop the itching

I tried anti histamine but it didn’t work. I feel better already just knowing that I was listened to and I can start taking something to help.