Did people's GP's take them seriously?

[Diversion]

I havent spoken to my GP since Feb 2020, I rarely see my GP unless I really need to. The last time was for an ongoing knee issue due to a very old physical injury. I had registered with a new GP as my old one was too far away and I found him unsympathetic and unhelpful. I considered registering with a new local GP but due to lockdown have not done so as they required me to physically take in ID and I have been avoiding contact with people as much as possible. I have severe menopausal symptoms which were completely unexpected but which are now having a huge impact on me. I am scared to phone my GP on Monday to discuss this and ask for a sicknote in case he just tells me to get a grip or something similar.

I think you would be safe taking ID into a GP surgery. Most places are using social distancing, hand gel and wear masks. Surely all you would do is hand over some ID and they would look at it and return? Use hand gel.

Have you not been anywhere is the past 9 months- shops, hairdressers, travelling? All probably more dangerous than popping into the GP by appointment.

Maybe re-think your request for a sicknote- surely what you need to discuss are your symptoms and treatment? What are they?

The menopause can last for years and years, and you can't be off sick all the time. If you want to try HRT then that's something to talk to your dr about.

If you can afford it, there are plenty of good, private menopause consultants offering virtual appts at this time who would treat you as an option.
Is that something you might consider?