normal to need smear before starting HRT?

[MyVisionsComeFromSoup]

For various reason I haven't had a smear for some time (I know, I know, there are a couple of good-ish reasons though). Spoke to GP today about HRT which she's happy to give me, but she wants a clear smear first. So, because I didn't go to the menopause clinic (which I didn't know existed ) I have to wait till mid June for a smear/remove implant/HRT prescription appointment.

Is it actually required to have a clear smear before starting HRT, or was this her way of making me have one? (she thinks one of my reasons is "just psychological" and I'll feel a "great sense of satisfaction" after I have it done . Actually, no I won't, I'll be in a snotty tearful mess, and in quite a lot of pain, but anyway)

I suppose I can kind of see her point, that if i'm putting a new lot of hormones into me, it makes sense to make sure there's no hormonal nasties around first, but if this next smear attempt doesn't go well (although she's giving me diazepam to take first this time, so maybe it might be ok) - can she refuse me HRT?

No.

Mad suggestion!

I think you need to throw the Nice guidelines at her (where there is no suggestion of this!) and also ask her to show you evidence that asks for a smear before HRT.

Sounds like blackmail.

See another dr maybe if you can? Anyone else in your practice?

Just as an extra- cervical cancer is caused by HPV - nothing at all to do with adding hormones.

She doesn't know what she's talking about.

It’s blackmail, you do not need to have a smear or mammogram before starting HRT.