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Menopause

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Original poster

Bleeding after menopause and no GP appointments

27 replies

FavouriteMug · 25/05/2022 16:52

I went through menopause around 3 years ago at age 47 but a week ago I started bleeding again.

Feels exactly like a period in terms of blood loss and cramps.

The only way to contact GP now is by filling out form which I did last Thursday and they promise to reply within 2 working days. On Monday I received a call to say I have a telephone appointment booked with GP in 3 weeks time.

Is this normal? Everything I've read about post menopausal bleeding seems to suggest I should be seen sooner but I literally have no way of getting through to GP other than by completing form again?

Just not sure how much I should be pushing this or whether I should sit tight and wait?

OP posts:
Original poster
FavouriteMug · 25/05/2022 16:53

I'm not on HRT by the way.

OP posts:
SilverGlassHare · 25/05/2022 16:59

If you can’t call them, I’d fill out the form again and note NICE guidelines recommend a referral onto the 2 week cancer pathway for unexplained vaginal bleeding post menopause: NICE

Say it’s urgent and you need a call back within 48 hours. And then if you don’t get one, I’d go to A&E, to be honest. I know posters will say ‘it’s not an accident and it’s not an emergency’ but actually it could well be an emergency.

Bleeding after menopause and no GP appointments
Lolllllllllllll · 25/05/2022 17:02

I know you shouldn't have to but If you can afford it how about seeing a private GP. We've had amazing experiences of private gps.

Mindymomo · 25/05/2022 17:03

Call 111 and they can arrange an earlier appointment if they think it’s necessary, it won’t be your GP, but they should be able to get you seen sooner.

Family143 · 25/05/2022 17:13

This happened to me and was taken really seriously. It was during lockdown and I was referred under the 2 week cancer pathway. All was fine but was properly investigated. Interestingly when I first phoned my GP because I was under 50 he said didn't need to be referred unless it was 2 years since my last period when it was about 14 months. I said that NHS guidelines don't say that and he phoned me back 2 minutes after ending the call telling me I was correct and needed referring.

Snog · 25/05/2022 17:18

I'd fill in the online form again and say you think it's a 2 week possible cancer pathway case.
My GP called me back within half an hour and referred me after the phone call. I think they have mis-triaged you by mistake.
My investigation didn't reveal anything sinister but you have a right to get checked out promptly OP.

Original poster
FavouriteMug · 25/05/2022 17:47

Thank you everyone, I will complete the form again and refer to the NICE guidelines. I didn't want to make a fuss, but googling is making me anxious enough to pursue it.

OP posts:
Crocky · 25/05/2022 17:50

I am currently on the two week cancer pathway. For the second time.
My original gp appointment was in three weeks but when I asked the receptionist to pass a message to the gp they called me back and I was seen the same day to do the referral.
Get back to them.

Topseyt123 · 25/05/2022 17:58

Phone them and try to insist. Use the NICE and NHS guidelines regarding the 2 week possibly cancer pathway. If no joy then phone 111 or PALS.

Some GP Surgeries are now hardly fit for purpose. We are lucky with ours, but my mother's is appalling.

JinglingHellsBells · 25/05/2022 19:08

Your age is on your side. It's not considered that risky to have another period if yours stopped a good while before 50-51. some women with earlier menopause do find their periods resume.

However, you ought to have a scan to check it out.

kitcat15 · 25/05/2022 19:14

Family143 · 25/05/2022 17:13

This happened to me and was taken really seriously. It was during lockdown and I was referred under the 2 week cancer pathway. All was fine but was properly investigated. Interestingly when I first phoned my GP because I was under 50 he said didn't need to be referred unless it was 2 years since my last period when it was about 14 months. I said that NHS guidelines don't say that and he phoned me back 2 minutes after ending the call telling me I was correct and needed referring.

I take it you've now changed GPs🙄

MrsMigginsCat · 25/05/2022 19:19

Definitely push OP. Three weeks is unacceptable. I was one of the unfortunate ones who had endometrial cancer at 48, although I wasn't post menopause at the time. Any unusual bleeding should at the very least warrant a referral for a scan, and post-menopause should be on the two week pathway.

Family143 · 25/05/2022 23:59

@kitcat15 It was a locum and our surgery was in the process of being taken over. The surgery is now excellent but it makes me wonder what happens when patients haven't read up on things and the GP's knowledge isn't up to date.

Original poster
FavouriteMug · 26/05/2022 12:25

I filled form again and was told I'd get a GP call today by midday which has now passed and no call!

They've now closed their econsult form down for the day and there's no way of calling them now. Form will open up again in morning.

Shit, now what?

OP posts:
Snog · 27/05/2022 07:07

Phone 111

Darhon · 27/05/2022 07:10

Phone 111. Also make a complaint to your practice manager. It really shouldn’t be like this.

GoldenPineapple88 · 27/05/2022 07:13

Find out who the practice manager is and complain in writing. I do this regularly (which should tell you something about the dire state of the NHS) and usually get a call back the same day, and a same day appointment magically appears!

SunshineCake · 27/05/2022 09:31

I am in a similar boat but have had a scan. It hasmshown things aren't right and I have been referred. I received a link to book for more through investigations and I have to wait four weeks for it. I'm wondering if I should ring to try and get seen sooner but will four weeks really make a negative difference ?

@FavouriteMug I would definitely keep ringing every day or just go to the surgery. I had to do that once when on hold for over forty minutes saying I was next in line.

Original poster
FavouriteMug · 27/05/2022 17:08

Thanks everyone- I finally managed to get through this morning and everything is starting to happen in terms of referrals. I wish things could happen more quickly but I feel reassured that things now 'in hand'.

sunshinecake I hope you get seen soon x

OP posts:
SunshineCake · 27/05/2022 17:18

Thank you and that's good you are being checked. I hope everything is okay.

TheDogsMother · 27/05/2022 18:16

I have the same and was fast tracked by my GP. 10 days to ultrasound, a further 7 for gynaecologist and 10 more for hysteroscopy. Slight frustrating as I thought the hysteroscopy would be part of todays appt but gynaecologist is pretty confident the symptoms have been caused by a polyp. I will breathe a sigh of relief when all the tests have been done but I was assured that in the vast number of cases it is really nothing to worry about.

TheDogsMother · 27/05/2022 18:19

@SunshineCake Fingers crossed for you too. I am being seen on the Two week pathway so could you push for that ? I understand that the NICE guidelines state that this should be the case.

SunshineCake · 27/05/2022 18:22

@TheDogsMother first time around I was seen within two weeks but it wasn't referred under that this time. I'm hoping that means the doctor knows it isn't cancer.

SunshineCake · 27/05/2022 18:23

Hoping all it well for you too @TheDogsMother

TheDogsMother · 27/05/2022 18:27

Thank you @SunshineCake. It's so worrying isn't it. I've been in a state the last two weeks with the anxiety of it all.