Just been refused HRT by really nice GP. So confused and disappointed.

[Badtasteflump]

So I've just been told I'm not suitable for HRT. I'm late 40's, irregular periods and horrible symptoms such as low moods, tiredness, loss of libido, weight gain, hot flushes and ever increasing crippling migraines. My (genuinely) lovely GP told me that because of a family history of ovarian and breast cancer, she is not comfortable prescribing HRT. She has offered to refer me to a Gynae at a local Menopause Clinic, but says I may well get the same response there. I asked about 'safer' body identical HRT and about the fact that genetic testing showed that I don't carry the breast cancer gene. She said that HRT is indeed safe for most women, but with my family history I'm not 'most women', whether or not I carry the cancer gene. I'm so disappointed. I've been feeling so crap lately I was pinning all my hopes on this appointment. Any advice very much appreciated.

@Mudday

Well Btf, all I can say is that your GP is saving your life. I only have my life experience to go by, but I've lost several friends to breast cancer and they were 'fine' before HRT. It was a direct cause of their death as far as I'm (and many doctors are) concerned. There are alternatives out there, you're lucky you have a GP who is caring enough to acknowledge the hidden dark side of HRT the so-called easy solution.

Oh DFOD with such scaremongering

I think thats the norm. But take up her offer of a specialist. And side effects like weight gain and bloating on HRT can be a big problem.

@RealhousewifeofBarnardCastle
I absolutely without question apologise for any 'scaremongering'. I am simply trying to say that what works for some can have the opposite effect for others. I really am sorry for not being more sensitive about this though. I am not a doctor but am a highly qualified insensitive arse.

@Mudday I’m sorry for being so rude and I’m sorry for the loss of your friends too. Totally fair enough, you’re entitled to your opinion. 🙂

Absolutely go to a menopause clinic. Your gp may be lovely, but gp's are tragically ignorant about HRT. Go privately if you can, best money you'll ever spend.

My 52 year old sister is dying of cancer thanks to HRT.

In retrospect she wishes she'd put up with those pesky menopause symptoms.

Again, thank you for all responses. I'm so sorry for those of you who have experienced cancer, directly and indirectly. If nothing else this thread shows that HRT is still a hugely divisive subject.

A new migraine treatment:

www.theguardian.com/society/2021/oct/09/can-migraines-be-untangled-by-new-medical-thinking

Kosher I am genuinely so sorry to hear about your sister. But believe me if my symptoms were just 'pesky' I would be sucking it up and not even considering anything remotely risky.

I'm not going to tell anyone here that they are wrong - but I am going to say that the increased risk of cancer has been shown to be minimal with modern HRT.

I am also going to say that many more women die from heart disease than breast cancer each year and HRT greatly reduces that particular risk.

I have also lost family members to cancer before I am accused of being uncaring and my mother had breast cancer twice before she died at 49.