Drs appointment today - what to say?

[JimJamJolly]

I've finally had the courage to get a doctor's appointment for my (what I believe to be) peri-menopause symptoms. I've read a few posts on here and want to get some advice on what to say as I'm terrified about being fobbed off with anti-depressants.

Do I just list my symptoms, or do I tell the doctor directly that I'm in peri-menopause and ask to be put on HRT?

It doesn't help that I've not been to the doctor in years so have no relationship with the doctor. It's also a phone appointment which I'll find harder than face-to-face.

I'm already a bag of nerves about the call, so would appreciate any advice.

My symptoms are stop/start periods, anxiety, brain fog, mood swings in week before period, sleep issues and reduced sex drive.

I went with explaining that I had a list of symptoms that I suspected point to prei and that I would like their thoughts on starting hrt for them. Then went from there. I am lucky though that my GP surgery tends to lean towards siding with patient views rather than challenging them. I guess you can only find out how they respond. Don't be afraid to say you want time to think about what they say before agreeing to anything - then you can reflect and come back for another conversation if you are not convinced.

If the doctor is not helpful ask if there is a doctor who has responsibility for menopause at the practice or even a referral to a menopause clinic.

Yes I would describe symptoms and how long you feel you have noticed them for and say you think it all points to perimenopause. That said, I would also ask if they could check other things such as iron level, thyroid function, b12 etc as these all have cross over symptoms with peri menopause.

Go onto balance menopause website. This is the link to the symptom tracker

www.balance-menopause.com/menopause-library/menopause-symptom-sheet/

Also search on it the fact sheets about peri menopause. Be firm but kind (GPs are real people and we get upset when we get shouted at - I'm sure you wouldn't that though) and insist on HRT and politely say that you don't think antidepressants are the right option and your research suggests that HRT is indicated.

I was you about a year ago!

I know what you mean about being fobbed off. I would take the approach of listing all your symptoms, say that because of your age you believe these symptoms are menopause linked, and that you would like to try HRT please.

In my experience GPs are quite grateful that you have done half of their job for them and have made a self-diagnosis, and that you know what you want the outcome to be. They can then jump straight into talking about patches or gel, and strengths rather than going round the houses and ruling out whether you're depressed or have any number of other conditions.

Good luck, let us know how you get on.

Just take control, be assertive but keep it simple. Don't list every ache and pain. Say you are whatever age I'm presuming late 40s, have erratic periods, you have sleep and wellbeing issues and think this is peri related and would like to try body identical hrt. Oestrogel and utrogestan (or patches, whichever).

It's really sad to read that people are nervous about GP appointments. They are there to prescribe it's their job. Yes if it's a dinosaur they may try fobbing you off but just ask them to read NICE guidelines and prescribe accordingly.

I really support women who don't use HRT as they don't need or want it, but for those who are struggling it really should be a straightforward process with your GP.

Thank you all so much. Your advice is really helpful. I feel a little better about my appointment now

Many gps are fabulous about menopause and hrt - mine have been fab.

"Im x years old, I have these symptoms blah blah blah, and I think it might be menopause. If it is I'm interested in hrt" should do the trick.

The GP may want some blood tests before committing to anything: that's reasonable. If they offer antidepressants then say no and come back here for links to what to do next.

Blood tests are not recommended, this is outdated advice. The current protocols is that when you have a woman over 45 who is complaining of menopause symptoms, then you treat as if it's the menopause. Blood tests only come into play at a later date when you are discussing things like absorption or going up a patch size.

Agree - concise, to the point and explicit that you think its peri/meno and you want to try HRT. Good luck!

I'd second asking for blood tests for iron etx though.

I went in to see GP who was super supportive about HRT but also got my bloods done and I found out I have v low iron and am now taking iron supplements.

Low iron can come at the same time as peri.

Thanks again everyone. Had my appointment.

He has asked me to have some blood tests - partly to check thyroid etc, but also as a general health check as it's been so long since I've been to the doctors.

When the results are back, we'll discuss HRT which he was very supportive about.

Feel more relaxed now, and glad I've made a start on getting some help.

Thank you.

Excellent news. Always worth having your thyroid checked as many of the symptoms of either an underactive or overactive thyroid can be confused with menopause.

Good to hear your GP is receptive to the idea of HRT too.