How do you insist they stick to the NICE guidelines? Blood tests

[Summerhillsquare]

So I was diagnosed as likely perimenopausal in May, by the first GP I spoke to regarding worsening PMS. He put me on the combined pill, ordered blood tests, and I started reading up, and have done the work menopause awareness course.

Since then my symptoms (all the classics) have worsened, and 3 subsequent GPs have said I'm too young or using the wrong contraception and have ordered more blood tests. The first one showed post menopausal levels of FSH, but obviously now no tests available. I am over the age the NICE guidelines say that tests are unecessary... Have challenged repeatedly but no HRT til more tests and so we are at stalemate.

Of course I have been offered anti depressants of all shades at every appointment, even by the nurse! Oh and herbal remedies...

I hesitate to make a formal complaint in a pandemic but I'm at my wit's end. I can't sleep or work.

Hello again, my lovely HRT friends

I used to live round the corner from a Summerhill Square, @Summerhillsquare; happy days.

My latest saga was the most junior member of my Rheumatology team (male) telling me that HRT oestrogen (transdermal) will do nothing to help reduce the risk of osteoporosis. (I've had my ovaries and uterus removed, I've hit 60 and have a maternal family history of osteoporosis and arthritis.)

My GP (youngish female) told me categorically that HRT causes breast cancer. Never heard of the NICE guidelines, let alone read them. I had to be the most assertive I've been in years with her over the phone (she won't do f2f). It reminded me of dealing with a recalcitrant student at university.

But I feel like I can't afford to piss these doctors off. They hold all the cards when it comes to prescribing, testing and referrals, especially as I have other health conditions that need dealing with.

I may, however, when I can find the time and mental energy, write to my CCG and the Hospitals Trust and ask why their doctors seem so oblivious to women's health issues and the NICE guidelines that pertain to them. It's just not bloody good enough, really.

They hold all the cards- thats it exactly. I used to be a very firm sort of person but I have quailed in the face of their power over me for this, and I hate it. CCG is a great idea though.

For anyone interested check out burrell education 3rd age woman course.
As its meno awareness month they have free taster sessions they send you. Fucking amazing course.
Lara briden is also on fb as uberhealth i think and has a workshop coming up.

@ChoccyJules I'm afraid I've turned my PMs off as I was getting too many questions and it was becoming a full time job to reply! If we have PMd before I'm happy to swap a message with you again. (Otherwise ask me here?)

My latest saga was the most junior member of my Rheumatology team (male) telling me that HRT oestrogen (transdermal) will do nothing to help reduce the risk of osteoporosis

Even though it is licensed as a treatment? @SpindleWhirl
Unbelievable! It's a first line treatment and preventative medication for women who can't use other types of drugs for osteo.

If you can afford it, you can always see a consultant privately.

@JinglingHellsBells
Thanks, I was following up on your saying there were other experts available.
I wondered if you were aware of any private menopause consultants because the clinics I have considered all have GPs as their lead clinician and my insurance will only pay for me to see a MRCOG not a DRCOG.
This is of course to discuss testosterone as my GP and apparently the local CCG won‘t touch it.

[quote ChoccyJules]@JinglingHellsBells
Thanks, I was following up on your saying there were other experts available.
I wondered if you were aware of any private menopause consultants because the clinics I have considered all have GPs as their lead clinician and my insurance will only pay for me to see a MRCOG not a DRCOG.
This is of course to discuss testosterone as my GP and apparently the local CCG won‘t touch it.[/quote]
British Menopause Society has a list of specialists on its menu- search by a map/ location.

Thanks, I looked, only the two NHS clinics within the search area have consultants. All private clinics have Drs. So it looks as though I will be paying, although I am going to try writing to the CCG first.

@ChoccyJules

Thanks, I looked, only the two NHS clinics within the search area have consultants. All private clinics have Drs. So it looks as though I will be paying, although I am going to try writing to the CCG first.

I'm confused as to what you need.

I thought you meant that the insurance provider wanted the doctor to be a member of the ROGC, not just a GP with some gynae training.

Is that right?

You can still be called a consultant and a MRCOG and be a Dr.

Not all consultants use the title 'Mr' as that's only for drs who are also surgeons.

I'm confused. Sorry!

I should also add Ms, Miss or Mr (just used Mr for example)!

@JinglingHellsBells
This is from my insurance: the Practitioner you visit must hold Consultant status in either a Hospital NHS/Private, Registered Treatment Centre or hold one of the following qualifications:-
FRCS FRCP MRCOG MRCS MRCP

The clinics near me have specialist GPS whose qualifications are listed as DRCOG. I am unsure what the first part means re. Consultant status though.

@ChoccyJules I think the D stands for Diploma, so no, they are not consultants.
You might try looking at the gynaes at your local private hospitals.
Don't just focus on 'clinics' unless they are run by a consultant.
Also, many consultants are working remotely still, as well as face to face, so you may be able to do a video consultation.