Hrt substitute any advice

[BlueSiamese]

So I think I am Peri menopausal not entirely certain, night sweats and hot flashes in the evening. Tried talking to Gp few months ago also told her my mum had an early menopause but she thinks I am just having a cycle change . So is Hrt available over the counter by any chance? Does it actually help?I did see some medicine in Holland and Barrots but not entirely sure. Would it help if I take estrogen or any specific supplements.

Would wording it differently to the Gp help? Any idea how to broach it or any other suggestions would be highly appreciated. Thanks

Find another GP or go back to the one you say and be a little more assertive that you are sure you are in peri and want to try HRT.

If you are under 45, you need two blood tests on days 2-5 of your cycle, on 2 months apart to see if your hormones are in the peri range.

Age of menopause is hereditary so push that again.

No, you can't buy it OTC.
And yes, it helps!

How old are you? A 'change of cycle' can be down to perimenopause.

Body identical HRT is the gold standard and available through prescription but often it seems via a massive fight with the GP.

Have a look at the 2015 NICE guidelines on HRT re patient choice and also consider listening to Dr Louise Newson's podcast on menopause and the perimenopause.

Good luck!

Oh and I also had night sweats. Was under 44 so had a raft of tests to rule out lymphoma (this should be done for you if you are U45). Estrogen patches have helped the night sweats no end and I have body identical progesterone capsules to have for the second half of the month to protect my womb.

Thank you....for your helpful replies. The thing is I just turned 40 but my mum had it when she was around 39ish. The Gp I have can be bit rude , she is very intimidating. Like she asks when was ur last cycle so if I way second week of October she will be like ....when exactly...in the second week😐. She gets offended easily too if take the exact dates with me 🤨 I will try to find another Gp ...does it have to be a female gp though or ur registered GP?

I recently read in a article that hrt is available and boots is the first pharmacy to supply them as otc . Just wondering if talking to the pharmacy might be faster.

Vaginal oestrogen for vaginal problems is available over the counter. It’s not HRT.
When I enquired at the GP I asked if any of the doctors had a specific interest in HRT, and I was sign posted to one. It might be worth finding one who has a specific interest in women’s health.

She gets offended if you take along helpful info like dates of your cycles? Why is she a dr if she treats you like this? It's terrible!

Find another dr- it doesn't have to be a woman and in fact some women drs are very unsympathetic. My consultant is male and absolutely lovely.

At 40l you need blood tests. read the NICE menopause guidance 2015 and be prepared to ask for what you want.

Yep, doesn't have to be a woman. Definitely ask for someone with training in the menopause.