At the end of my tether...

[sasparilla1]

I've literally had enough, and don't know which way to turn or what to do next. I'm constantly in tears, again now, and I'm sick of me never mind my amazing dh.

5 years ago I was diagnosed with earky menopause. Ive got through those early years with alternative therapies etc. Two years ago I developed IBS and monthly migraines.

I'm a mess at the moment... I can hardly eat (I force food down because I know I need it), constant nausea amongst other symptoms. And they still won't prescribe HRT.... last week I was prescribed prozac, which I'm refusing to take as I suspect it's going to make me feel worse.

What do I do?? Thank you if you've made it through this garbled post.

Sorry you are feeling so crap.
Why will they not prescribe HRT? I know naff all about it but thought it was quite often prescribed in early menopause to help prevent bone issues.
Have you tried ginger tablets/supplements for the nausea or ginger tea?
I supplement magnesium for migraines, co enzyme Q10 is also supposed to be good.

Thank you...

I literally couldn't tell you why they won't prescribe it. My FSH levels are high enough, but it's a constant round of a blood test to check them and then back to the doctors to be prescribed another "sonething else to try first". I currently take beta blockers for my hormone induced migraines, omeprazole to help with my IBS and reflux, probiotic supplement, a good multi-vitamin plus magnesium. I attend a boot camp 5 days a week, so have that covered too. Although I'm currently so poorly that I've missed most of this week.

Worryingly, my mother has just been diagnosed with osteoporosis so you would have thought I'm a prime candidate!

How old are you?

Change your GP or go back and insist on a referral to a menopause specialist.
This is a disgrace. You should report your GP .

The guidelines for early menopause are HRT up to age 51-52 at least to protect your bones and heart.

You could sue your GP/ practice if in future you find you have osteoporosis as this is medical negligence.

Sorry but I am SO angry for you.

Look online at the Daisy Network a charity led by drs for women with premature menopause. www.daisynetwork.org/about-poi/poi-guidelines/

Go back to your GP and throw the guidelines at them. They are not fit to be working if they don't know how to treat prem meno.

You need HRT and you need it now. You also need a DEXA scan to see what state your bones are in.

Do what jingling says, my advice is rather crap compared with her knowledgeable post.

I literally couldn't tell you why they won't prescribe it

So what do they say if you ask simple questions?
'I understand the guidelines for prem meno say use of HRT to age 50 at least. Can you explain why I am not being given this?'

I also understand that the NICE guidelines say anti depressants are not to be given for prem menopause or any menopausal symptoms and HRT is first line treatment. Can you say why you are not following the guidance?'

@Ihopeyourcakeisshit Your post said just the same but slightly shorter:)

Hi, I'd just like to second the use of ginger to see if it can help with your nausea/sickness. I've always suffered with travel sickness but found that sucking chunks of crystallised ginger can help. I also used it during morning sickness nausea many years ago. If you belief the nausea/sickness is linked to the migraines than buccastem can sometimes help too. I think mine is from the pharmacy, so you don't need a prescription.

Thank you!! You're making me feel like I'm not some moaning weirdo....

I've just turned 49, two days ago.

I'm not sure what the nausea is linked to, but it's not just the migraines as I don't have one at the moment. The beta blockers have controlled the migraines pretty well, although I have had the dose increased a couple of months ago.

I will ask the doctor outright next time, dh is coming with me as backup. He's very supportive, but angry about how low/poorly I'm feeling at the moment. It's ridiculous that I haven't asked tbh, I run a company operating in a predominantly male industry, so more than capable of speaking up. But I have definitely lost confidence.

5 years ago I was diagnosed with earky menopause.
So was this your current GP?
They didn't offer treatment with HRT then?

Early menopause is before 45, though some drs say 47, so at 44 you were just on the cusp of it.

Your periods had stopped completely at 44?

You don't need betablockers for migraine, which will most likely be due to loss of estrogen.

You also need to insist on a bone density scan as osteoporosis is hereditary in lots of women. So you have a right to a DEXA scan on that basis alone.
If your GP will not give you what is recommended as treatment you have to insist on a referral to a menopause consultant or if you can afford £250 for an appt, see someone privately who will treat your properly. There is a list of specialists on the British Menopause Society website. You don't need a GP referral- just ring up and book.

OP I'm so angry for you this is plain and simple medical negligence, you've spent 5 years feeling terrible because your doctor isn't doing their job properly it's so sad. I second everything Jingling said, print out a copy of the nice guidelines on menopause and demand to try HRT, you feel so awful because of lack of oestrogen. I would also write a strongly worded letter to you practice manager.

Don't give up find another gp if you have to you need to get your life back.