GP phone appointment

[Caaarrrl]

Hi ladies, I have a telephone appointment for GP to call me about peri menopause symptoms. I've learnt so much from these boards, but I'm also aware that some GPS are not keen to prescribe HRT so I'm a bit worried about the call.

My symptoms: brain fog, itching all over (but especially genital area), crying and overly emotional, insomnia and disturbed sleep, lack of energy and enthusiasm for anything, short tempered. The brain fog is so bad that I have worried that I have dementia. I sometimes feel that I cannot carry on working for much longer because I can't organise myself, remember words or make decisions. I am also anxious. None of this is like me at all.

I am 48 and have had mirena coil for over 10 years.

I hope that some one can help me to know what I need to ask/discuss with GP. Even asking on here is totally against my usual confidence and I feel totally inadequate all the time now. What if they ask me what I think I need? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

I am 44 and had a telephone appointment with my GP with the exact same symptoms. I told him exactly what my worst symptoms were, and as he had read the answers from the online questionnaire, he said you are clearly peri menopausal so I would like you to start HRT this is what I suggest.

So, I have just started my patch prescription. I have a follow up to check on side effects etc.

I think it just starts with the right GP sadly, from what I read on this thread. I really hope you get what you what from your consultation and ask to start HRT. The oy problems I had was availability of the patches so rather than a weekly patch I had to have one you change twice weekly. Just glad I spoke to such an understanding and informed GP, he did however give me the name of a different GP who specialises in this area, he just said I want to get you started on something to help you symptoms as soon as possible. Let us know how you get on.

It's best if you talk quite simply and say you want to try HRT. Don't ask 'what can you offer me?' - explain the reason for the call is that you feel you need and want HRT.

Say you have all the symptoms of peri- discuss some!- and also say you have read the NICE guidance and a lot of online medical information so you understand the small risks.

It might help- if they are 'difficult' to explain that NICE says drs should ensure women know the risks of HRT but the final decision is up to the woman (assuming there are no medical reasons not to use it.)

ALSO for you it's really easy- you just need estrogen as you have the Mirena already!

Thank you both for your replies. It's not fair that on top of going through the symptoms, we also have to worry that doctors won't prescribe what we need.

Ask for a vitamin D and B12 blood test too. Some if the symptoms of deficiency are similar ie the brain fog

From talking to friends it very much depends on your GP.

Mine was amazing, can't praise him more highly. He was very understanding, ordered a suite of blood tests and when they all came back normal discussed HRT options. Did a 3 month trial, then another call asking if I wanted to continue, then gave a 12 month prescription.

Couldn't have gone smoother so there is hope!

There is a very unfair anomaly in this.

GPs who usually know very little about menopause and HRT act as gate keepers to HRT and some women have to fight tooth and nail to get it.

Consultants (gynaecologists) who are experts (if it's one of their specialities) are usually more cooperative and have a more balanced view.

This is interesting about B12. I have crohn's disease and I am supposed to have B12 injections every 12wks for about 20 years - however I'm very bad at going for them and haven't had one for years.

Quick update if anyone is interested! GP was very helpful and knowledgeable. I said straight away that I wanted to discuss HRT options for my perimenopause symptoms. She asked what my symptoms were, went through the options and agreed that I could have HRT after I had been in for blood pressure check as it has been ages since I've had it done and I'm slightly over weight. Thanks, ladies!

Glad to hear this, it's such a relief.

Fab news!