GP 'posted my query online for info'

[52andblue]

I've been on Evorel sequii (50) for 9m.
(54, still menstruating reg but 'v peri')
I asked my GP if I could take a stronger dose as peri symptoms coming back.

Its taken GP 3m to reply & I was told she 'didn't know so got a colleague to post on a menopause site online'. I've been given a copy of that reply. It refs to my 'being overweight' (I was but had bariatric surgery 4 yrs ago & not now).
I'm not thrilled about this. Obvs I'm posting online for info now but my decision & didn't expect GP to do same!

Anyway (sorry for rant!)

My choice is:

"Add an extra 25mcg patch to Everel
Oestrogen only at 75
OR 100 mcg plus utrogestan vaginally ONCC or 200 mg 2/4 weeks if sequential - if she's been on sequin a long time might be worth converting to CC now"

GP 'has no advice but you can choose'

Any thoughts please ?

Hmm.

Doctors are not trained in women's health. Obviously, in a profession that requires continual medical learning this is not an excuse, but there are many GPs who don't have a clue about menopause and I suppose they've at least made an attempt to find out for you.

Having said that, they should have done enough research to give you their opinion.

I would look up invidiual bios for GPs at local practices and see if any have a specialism in women's health / gynae etc. Then transfer to them.

I would also write to your gp practice and state that when over half the population of the UK is female (and you can probably find your local stats) it's unacceptable for a general practitioner not to ensure they're up to date and knowledgeable about a massive and integral part of women's health that will effect every single woman in the world (should they live long enough not be, you know, killed by a violent misogynist or something).

@Kat1953
Unfortunately I'm rural & this GP is the best of (v few) local options.

It makes me nervous as I did want to enquire about hysterectomy options. My Mother is dying of Ovarian cancer & I had a lot of IVF so I'd like to find out if I can be tested or have rue whole damn lot wrapped out (dont mean yo be facetious). Its another conversation but but I don't feel I can ask now.

How rural are you op?

Just wondering if (a) you can afford to go to a private gp or (b) your Internet is good enough to consult with an online gp

Sorry I accidentally hit post

I'm really sorry about your mum, that's truly awful. It seems like you're going through a hell of a lot even without menopause issues. How are you coping (or silly question)?

#Kat1953
That's kind: rhank you. I'm ok thanks. I'd put 'future ovarian cancer' concerns right to the back of my mind (kids are 17 & 14 now) but seeing my Mum die like this (pretty grim) has stirred it up.

My 1st decision is what to do re HRT. Just don't have much faith in GP. Am broke so online consultant is not really an option unless about £20 (which I don't suppose it is). I wondered about genetic testing (had some as part of ivf but don't know if it would have inc BRAC or whatever the can er causing gene is called)?

They didn’t put your name and other identifying details in the post, right? If so, I wouldn’t have a problem with it.

Re choosing between treatment options, I found some links which I hope might be helpful, including some to menopause forums. All the links are UK based, will add below.

I think you could also start a new thread referencing your decision in the title - should attract more traffic and hopefully you'll get some useful responses, maybe even from a gp reading MN.

www.themenopausecharity.org/

www.menopausematters.co.uk/forum/

thebms.org.uk/ (British menopause society)

www.chelwest.nhs.uk/professionals/gp-advice-and-troubleshooting-guide-for-hrt-in-primary-care

www.which.co.uk/reviews/menopause/article/menopause-advice/menopause-symptoms-and-treatments-including-hrt-aRl4f0e1iJ0c#treatment-options-for-common-menopause-symptoms-in-detail

www.rcog.org.uk/for-the-public/menopause-and-later-life/hrt-and-alternatives/

www.menopauseandme.co.uk/en-gb/treatment-and-me/hrt-explained
www.redonline.co.uk/health-self/self/a36553189/hrt/

You shouldn't be having to do this legwork yourself, but I really hope you find some answers easily through one of these links.

I can't think of much worse than watching my mum die from something like ovarian cancer and I wish I could do something for you. Your posts read as if you've very much in grit-your-teeth-and-carry-on-mode so I hope you have someone looking out for you. 💐

Your GP looked for information and advice from other doctors who know more about menopause than they do. Before we had the internet they may have picked up a book or made a phone. Now they ask on a forum. It's not the same as you asking for advice on Mumsnet.
I'm an AHP. I use online resources / forums to get advice about interventions when I have clients with problems that I don't have experience of. It's how I learn.
Maybe the GP was too honest with you, but in reality we can't expect GPS to know everything so I really don't see why this has bothered you so much.

@jimboandthejetset that's fair enough but they didn't do enough research to guide the op through the decision, which they should have done - especially when there's a family history of ovarian cancer. They also took 3 months to respond.

On balance, its pretty shoddy of the gp.

So sorry about your mum. Mine too is undergoing chemo for ovarian cancer - she has just been tested for the BRAC gene at the suggestion of her Macmillan nurse, so it may be worth chatting with them re testing? I talked it over with my GP (before mum got tested) and she would not put me forward for screening as there was no evidence that it was hereditary.

If the doctor doesn't know the answer (which doesn't surprise me, they are woefully under-trained on this), then they should refer you to someone who does know. Ideally in the gynaecology department at your local hospital. You need to push for a referral to a specialist, and don't be fobbed off.

@Chica10
@jimboandthejetset
Obvs I don't know what details were put online but I'm not sure why a 4 yr out of date weight issue was mentioned but family history of ovarian cancer wasn't.

@Kat1953
Thank you - thats hugely helpful xxx

@Tenpintonpin - I'm so sorry to hear about your Mum xxx its a horrible end.
I doubt mine could be tested for the BRAC gene now as she is end stage in 'Hospice at home' so I couldn't ask.
I appreciate that I may be no extra risk but IVF raises the risk too, so I want to make sure any HRT I take is OK too.