Disappointed in treatment from GP

[thebloodymenopause]

I'm a long-standing mums-netter with a different name. I really just need to let this out and ask my fellow netters on here if I'm being unreasonable.

I'm 50, haven't had a period since august last year. Started getting UTIs, I've just had my 5th one this year. Culture shows E Coli and nitrofurantoin clears it. I feel due to other symptoms it's menopause related so ask to go on HRT. I'm given Femoston - did not know you have a withdrawal bleed with it. I ask the GP if I can go on a different one so I don't bleed, they tell me it's only breakthrough bleeding and it'll settle down. I've explained that it's a whole weeks worth of period like bleeding as it's how Femoston works but they tell me to stick with it.

I ask about Ovestin but they have referred me to urology. Registrar says I should have cystoscopy and scan to check all ok. I again explain about vaginal atrophy and ask about Ovestin, but they want tests done instead.

FWIW I had recurrent UTIs in my 20s and ended up on a prophylactic dose of ABs which cleared it. I understand about hygiene, front to back wiping, voiding after sex etc. However this time around I'm not getting any burning pain when weeing, just pressure and discomfort that comes and goes.

I just feel I'm not listened to, that the profession has a lack of knowledge over menopause and that these tests are unnecessary. Plus I feel the cystoscope will bring on another UTI as a catheter during an epidural once did.

I'm just a bit fed up. AIBU in feeling like this?

YANBU. Are there any GPs in your surgery with a special interest in menopause? There is in mine. I didn't know this in advance and by chance picked the right one. GP was fantastic. She recommended a doctor-led website: www.menopausematters.co.uk/

I feel your frustration, I was in femostan for 18 Months and had continued issues with it. After trial and error and lack of supplies I was put on Kliofem. No bleeds and no issues. Speak to your surgery and ask to speak to a menopausal specialist within the surgery. You have to be really firm with the surgery and please don't let them brush you off . Good luck

@thebloodymenopause I think you have two options- see another GP who knows about menopause or pay to see someone privately.

Femoston is cyclical HRT so it's not breakthrough bleeding- are they really that dim???

I've left a new post about a video to watch- have a look at it and either go back to your GP or if you can afford it, pay £250 to see an expert and get proper help.

Thanks @acocadochocolate and @bert3400 I'm going to phone and ask on Tues. I've typed everything up so I can drop a letter in. Telephone consultations are all well and good but I don't remember to say everything I want to say at the time! I've read up on VA having had one of the many GPs I've spoken to suggest it. This is why I'm convinced it's more likely VA related than anything else but none of the other GPs have taken this suggestion on board.

@JinglingHellsBells thanks, will have a listen over the weekend