What reaction am I likely to get from the gp based on your experiences?

[thebluehen]

I am seriously considering HRT and I've been doing some research.

I'm nearly 47, been suffering from hot flushes on and off (about 1 an hour) for a year. I get days of severe fatigue and I'm often struggling to recall some minor information from my brain. My periods have been irregular for many years and my last period was before Christmas. My libido has done a bunk, and I've suffered from stress incontinence for years - I had an operation last year. I get restless legs, get occasional headaches and I've got dry skin. My sleep has never been great to be honest despite me doing all the things I should.

I'm not anxious or depressed and I suspect it these two symptoms that push women to visit the gp which might explain why AD's are so often dished out.

Am I likely to get the oestrogel and progesterone that I'd like?

No other conditions or medication.

It might work better @thebluehen if you turn this round and decide what you want- and ask for it. :)

Say you want to try HRT, that you have read the NICE guidance, read online info such as Menopause Matters and My Menopause Dr (both sources of info by drs) and your preference is for X and Y type of HRT.

You can also say why you'd prefer those.

The whole point of the NICE guidance (it's pinned here so you can read it) is that drs and women work in partnership without the dr taking on a paternal/maternal attitude and telling women what to do.

Yes, thank you.

Years ago it used to be frowned upon to tell the doctor "his/her job" but I think it's ok to be a bit proactive now.

I will mention the NICE guidelines as well as the other sites I have been getting information from.

You aren't telling the dr their job. You're having a discussion about your health.
It's more about working in partnership and expressing your preferences and what you know.

Thank you @thebluehen,you've described my symptoms to a T,except I luckily don't get the flushes that frequently.Had a blood test 18 months ago to query peri and was told all fine but I have all the signs so will go back when covid hopefully calms down.

@Sunny4876

Out of interest, how old are you?

Update.

Spoke to the nurse practitioner today who listened to me, asked me what I'd like and has prescribed it ready for me to pick up tomorrow!

Very, very pleased!

Good news!

@Sunny4876 If you are over 45, you don't need blood tests. They aren't accurate for women in peri. NICE advises drs not to bother with doing them for this reason, but to prescribe based on symptoms. HTH.