GP appointment - what's my wishlist?

[BonnesVacances]

I'm 47 and peri menopausal. I've suffered from really low mood for 6 months or so, plus fatigue, apathy, and general unwellness, but I put this down to my life's struggles as it's pretty difficult at the moment. Had I gone to the GP before Christmas I'd have left with ADs. But then the hot flushes and night sweats started...

So I've printed off the questionnaire from the Menopause doctor and have made a GP appointment to get whatever HRT meds I need. I think it'd be easier to go with a good idea of what I want to come out with.

My motivation is to improve my mood and start to feel happier again. Ironically even just knowing that the way I feel is hormonal and not depression has already made a difference, but I've read there are health benefits to going on HRT as early as possible, and I wouldn't mind losing the hot flushes.

I currently have the Mirena coil so don't get periods and I understand that this gives me the progesterone I need. So I'm assuming I just need an oestrogen substitute. Is that right?

I Could have wrote this post myself. My appt is next week. I'm struggling so so much. Feel like crying x

You are totally within you rights to request HRT dont let them fob you off. With aMirena in place you already have the progesterone part you just need oestrogen either through a patch, pill or gel. Transdermal is considered safer as it has no clotting risk like pills Do. At the moment there's a shortage of patches so you may have trouble getting a prescription filled but gel is readily available and is preferred by many women as you can alter your dose accordingly.
The health benefits of starting HRT when your in peri are protection for your bones and heart, there is also research coming to light that it can prevent dementia and Alzheimer's.

Thanks Rosie. My grandmother has both dementia and osteoporosis so I think that's a good argument for starting HRT straightaway. I'll stick to my guns and try to make sure I get it. The gel sounds like a good plan.

Just to update that the GP gave me the oestrogen gel, dosage 2 pumps a day. She preferred to give me the patch, not sure why, but was happy to give me the gel instead.

After two days of it, I have a banging headache and nausea. Not sure if the two are connected, ie if it's migraine nausea or the morning sickness kind. Either way I feel rotten.

Do I plough on? I realise it's early days, but it's going to be hard putting the gel on today knowing it's making me feel so ill.

Can you try one pump?

Thanks. Yes that's what I'm doing now, on the advice of a friend. I feel a bit better now. I'll give it a week and try increasing to 2.