Anyone in Italy?

Buttalapasta · 2023-02-10T06:52:50+00:00

Bit of a longshot but I wondered if anyone is on HRT in Italy? Finding it really hard to find a gynaecologist that will even consider it.

AlienatedChildGrown · 10/02/2023 15:33

<waves>

How good is your relationship with your local pharmacist?
Do you have access to an Italian who doesn’t fall to pieces when doing something “highly irregular” by British standards ?

😬

I’m still translating test and brand names for Italian equivalents, then I’m going Wild Wild West to HRT in me. Happy to share what I’ve collated so far.

Original poster

Buttalapasta · 10/02/2023 15:51

Interesting! Have you already been prescribed HRT elsewhere? I'm not sure where to start....

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JinglingSpringbells · 10/02/2023 17:38

@Buttalapasta The majority of good, private menopause specialists in the UK will offer virtual appts (by video.)

How that works out in regard to getting HRT prescribed by a UK dr when you hand it over in Italy, I have no idea.

The other option depending on your circs is to come to England, see a dr and get your HRT here, and have an annual check up in the UK (possibly by video but you'd have to ask the specialist.)

I have known women come from overseas to see private specialists here and who are able to make the trip to the UK as and when needed.

thesonicoscillator · 10/02/2023 22:07

ooh I've bookmarked this thread. I'm in Italy & recently went to a gyno (state one) asking for HRT, as have usual symptoms and somewhat spurred on by Uk friends of the same age who've got it off their GP. Male gyno was a useless arrogant so & so, and said I need to go to a specialist HRT clinic of which there are two in Milan where I live. In the end he gave me a natural hormone supplement called Flavia Luna which has actually helped a bit apart from the night sweats. A year ago I had a private visit with a gyno ( not for menopause) who I found on www.miodottore.it. she mentioned HRT to me after a long chat, so I've decided to go back to her & pay, hopefully my GP will then just give me a repeat ricetta once I know what I need. In general I can ask my GP for anything via email no questions asked. Have also had luck in the farmacia to get antibiotics without a ricetta, so maybe the same for HRT!

Original poster

Buttalapasta · 11/02/2023 06:35

@thesonicoscillator The only hrt clinics I've found were for trans patients! Maybe I'm googling wrong. I've been to both public and private gynaes and so far I haven't found anyone who is willing to prescribe it. Like you, I have lots of UK friends who are on it. It is particularly frustrating as I was diagnosed with osteopoenia 2 years ago and nobody seems bothered or thinks it should be treated.

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Original poster

Buttalapasta · 11/02/2023 06:42

@JinglingSpringbells That's an idea but I think if I have to pay, I'd rather pay here as there might be problems getting it prescribed with a UK prescription.

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JinglingSpringbells · 11/02/2023 08:33

Buttalapasta · 11/02/2023 06:35

@thesonicoscillator The only hrt clinics I've found were for trans patients! Maybe I'm googling wrong. I've been to both public and private gynaes and so far I haven't found anyone who is willing to prescribe it. Like you, I have lots of UK friends who are on it. It is particularly frustrating as I was diagnosed with osteopoenia 2 years ago and nobody seems bothered or thinks it should be treated.

Oh goodness, if you have osteopenia it needs attention.

thesonicoscillator · 11/02/2023 08:51

If any of you can get to Milano this is the gyno I saw who said to me " you need HRT" so I'm assuming she can prescribe it ( she didn't there and then as I was there for another reason)
I didn't know but she works in the International Health Centre too and speaks perfect English, which I found out at the end of my visit to her, but that's a bonus!
www.miodottore.it/stefania-panazza/ginecologo/milano#address-id=%5B155825%5D&filters%5Blanguages%5D%5B%5D=inglese&filters%5Bspecializations%5D%5B%5D=28

Original poster

Buttalapasta · 11/02/2023 11:51

thesonicoscillator · 11/02/2023 08:51

If any of you can get to Milano this is the gyno I saw who said to me " you need HRT" so I'm assuming she can prescribe it ( she didn't there and then as I was there for another reason)
I didn't know but she works in the International Health Centre too and speaks perfect English, which I found out at the end of my visit to her, but that's a bonus!
www.miodottore.it/stefania-panazza/ginecologo/milano#address-id=%5B155825%5D&filters%5Blanguages%5D%5B%5D=inglese&filters%5Bspecializations%5D%5B%5D=28

Thanks! It's about 2 hours away from me so not impossible.

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So1invictus · 14/02/2023 17:29

Puglia calling.
Both my GP and the private gynaecologist I went to for a smear and pelvic scan told me to get my aged arse onto HRT. (I first found my gynaecologist on miodottore as I was fed up with old blokes shining torches inside me and wanted a woman. Mine operates mainly in Catania but comes here to Puglia a couple of times a month)

Original poster

Buttalapasta · 14/02/2023 17:31

Interesting! But Puglia is just too far....

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thesonicoscillator · 31/03/2023 20:44

Hello thought I'd update here after recently seeing a private gyno in Milano for HRT. So in order to have it I need to have the following tests: Liver test & check up, up to date mammogram, cardiology check, hormone level blood tests, thyroid tests, Triglycerides, Cholesterol ( usual annual blood test usually covers this) MOC ( which is a bone density scan) on legs and spine. Then she'll decide if I'm suitable. Bit different then UK where everyone I know has got if off their GP with no tests. I'm not complaining though, better to be sure.