Appointment with specialist

[PercyMcPigface]

Hi,
I'm 47 and have felt perimenopausal for quite a while now. My GP has prescribed HRT (evovel 50 patches) which initially helped, but recently I've felt worse and worse including regular migraine type headaches.
I'm lucky that I have private medical insurance who will cover a consult with a menopause specialist and I've had confirmation that I can book an appointment. They've sent me a couple of names of consultants who I can see, who are both general gynaecologists. My question really is - what would you recommend I try and ask to happen? I am feeling really pretty lousy but is there anything specific I should ask for? Blood tests or similar? I just want to make the most of this opportunity. Thanks in advance.

It's good that your insurance covers menopause as many don't (mine doesn't but did cover something associated initially and other gynae stuff.)

Have your insurers suggested you use those two doctors? I know some do have a list and that's the only choice.

To be honest, it's best to do some research and find a specialist who covers menopause as their speciality. I've used private insurance for over 30 years, and what I've found is that they all have their specialisms.
Mine covers fertility, menopause, PCOS, and is also a surgeon.

Unless the 2 consultants list menopause as their area of interest, I'd be wary of seeing them.

The British Menopause Society has a list of approved specialists in each region on their website.

Back to your original questions - the ball is in their court! You don't need to set out what tests etc you think you need, that's their call. All you need to do is explain your symptoms. From what you have said, the migraines are possibly due to you not getting on with the type of progestin and it might be as simple as swapping to gel or estrogen only patch, and using micronised progesterone for half the month. (TBH your GP ought to know this- migraine on certain progestins is very common.)