first HRT appointment - advice needed

[jackdawdawn]

Hi. I am due to see the doctor in three weeks (no other available appts) and I am really keen to start HRT. I am 47+9 and have been suffering hot flushes, mood swings, sleep problems, fatigue, aching joints, brain fog, sore eyes for well over two years now. Tried natural remedies and they just don't work. However, my cycle is fairly regular (every five weeks, lighter than normal bleeds).

My question is, is the GP likely to agree to HRT? Do they only prescribe it if your cycles are erratic? Should I insist on a trial/a second opinion?

Also, the HRT shortage - are the sequential HRT products badly affected? Are there alternatives?

Sorry about the long post, I am in N Ireland and really our menopause care is rubbish, the GP is the first and usually last port of call, and there is no-one else to turn to with these queries.

I think all GPs are different but if you describe your symptoms and ask to try the HRT I don't see how they can refuse.

It's more a case of you saying you want HRT and a dr chipping in if you have medical reasons why not to use it.

You have many symptoms of peri meno and that ought to be enough.

NICE says that the role of the dr is to discuss risks so you are aware of them and leave the choice to you.

Thanks for replies. But have just found out that my surgery has cancelled all appts and is only doing phone triages for urgent stuff. Oh Covid 19, I hate you...