Off to chat to Dr. about starting HTR..what should l expect, ask?

[Artyfarty555]

Sorry this is a very basic question but after being told by one Doctor 18 months ago l needed to wait for a clear year with no periods and wanted me to take antidepressants rather than HRT..l as a bit despondent.
l have plucked up the courage to go back to see another Dr tomorrow and feel a bit over whelmed in what to say, ask..
My symptoms aren’t too bad and l feel l will talk my way out of getting HRT.. but also would like to see if would help the symptoms l do have.
Hot flushes at night.. snappy moods, then tearful..getting so upset and inconsolable when l can’t work things out first time.
Will the Dr suggest the best type of HRT for me.?.Im worried I’ll put weight on with it especially since I’ve not had the energy or the inclination to do any exercise..usually I walk or cycle but l just say I’m rubbish now and have lost my mojo so l struggle to make the effort.
Blimey, l sound a right wet blanket..and waffling! Sorry. Hopefully the Dr will guide me..l don’t want to come home and think..l should have asked …?
Does anyone understand this?!😀😍

Following with interest, feeling very similar.

Write down all the symptoms you have and also how they are impacting on your life eg work/relationships. It will help you to focus on things when you're in the consultation.

They'll ask about any family history of breast cancer, strokes, clots, so ask your family in advance if you're not sure.

You do not need to wait until your periods have finished to have hrt. Make a list of your symptoms and just say you want hrt and don’t go until you get it! They shouldn’t withhold it and if your symptoms are hormonal then antidepressants will do sweet fa

I would go in determined . I too was fobbed off at my first appt - was offered the coil. I then made an appt with another GP and listed the symptoms and said I wanted to try HRT. I let her prescribe what type but it’s made a huge difference so good luck

I was you last week. I had a phone appointment with a GP at my surgery and was really worried I would be fobbed off. In fact she was really supportive and couldn’t have been nicer.

I had a list of my symptoms and dates of my last few periods ready, and after I’d listed my symptoms I said something like ‘in summary I’m not coping, this has got worse over the last 12 months and I would like HRT please’. So not aggressive but equally I made it a statement rather than a question.

I was inspired to make the appointment following a menopause webinar run by my surgery, during which the doctor said something like ‘why should you put up with these symptoms?’ which is an excellent question! I think as women we are just used to coping and getting on with it, and therefore minimise the impact it has.

Obviously there are health risks as well as benefits which you need to weigh up for yourself, and the GP went through all this during the call.

I still have periods at random times and it definitely wasn’t a barrier to being prescribed HRT.

Good luck tomorrow!

Still having periods means you haven't reached the. menopause and need to use contraception ( for 1 period free year if you are over 50 2 period free years if you are under)
Your symptoms certainly could be the perimenopause. Your Dr should discuss pros and cons of HRT , your contraception requirement, your periods and whether you have any irregular bleeding and questions about your background health . You may come away with patches or gel for oestrogen and utrogestan or sometimes patches for progesterone with some discussion of a mirena. You will need contraception.

Ahh, thanks so much for your very kind and understanding replies.
l haven’t had a period for a year and a half. I first went to the doctors when l hadn’t had a period for 10 months and he said it was too soon for HRT, which l know now isn’t the case. But l waited a year ,which is now gone to 18 months ..l phoned the surgery and a female Dr called back and said she would send some information and make me an appointment. The Balance App and a menopausal matters website, which I’ve briefly looked at.
So, I’m menopausal not peri. I’m 54.
I’m going to sit and write a list of symptoms and how it affects me and also my husband…in the morning . Thanks for reminding me about family health history.
l can post an update tomorrow afternoon.
thanks again x

You need to take control at GP appointments imo.

If you have decided you want to try hrt (read this board for other women's experiences) then say to your gp 'I am post menopause, last period over a year ago. I'm struggling with the effects of depleted hormones and want to try body identical hrt thankyou'. Trans dermal oestrogel or patches are the safest it seems and you'll need utrogestan or the mirena to ensure the lining of the uterus doesn't thicken.

Keep it simple, don't try to persuade them about how bad your symptoms are just list them and say you want to try hrt. It is easily available on the nhs and women shouldn't need to have to pay at private clinics.

HRT update.
Initially, l had phoned the surgery on who would be best to chat to regarding HRT after my negative experience 18 months ago with an older male doctor who offered me antidepressants.
so, this morning I’d arranged to speak to a female doctor who was young and had an interest in HRT.
Such a different experience…l read out my page of symptoms and she listened asked about my health history and that of close family.
she explained the negative…risks involved but also showed me some images to put this is context…ie if you smoke, drink are overweight ( not applicable to me)
She explained about the different options available..the pros and cons as she saw them.
l decided to go for the pump and a nightly tablet..sorry haven’t got them here to name. .. a three month supply.
She said l could always contact her if l had any questions or issues via the doctors website.
She listened, understood my issues and gave me great advice.
l have just been back to take her a small box of chocolates and a Thankyou card.
I came away happy and confident in my choice and l just wanted to say a Thankyou to her. Often we are keen to complain when we’re not happy with a service but not to thank!
So, I’m hoping she continues to help many middle aged menopausal ladies!