Femoston 1/10 - heavy, painful periods and GP never seen me

[CJC261]

Hi everyone
When I was 36 my periods stopped. The GP I had at the time did no tests but told me it was perimenopause and to "keep an eye on your bones". I continued for years with no periods.
In December 2021, aged 54, I was struggling with dry itchy skin, hot sweats etc and phoned my GP (my doctors are still only doing telephone consultations). I explained my symptoms and she asked if I wanted to try HRT so I said yes. She put me on Femoston 1/10.
Since starting it I have had heavy, painful periods every month. So, for the past 18 months I've had monthly bleeds lasting 4-5 days. Initially they were excrutiating but eased off. But this time I am in absolute agony. My GP surgery are still not seeing patients and I struggle to understand them over the phone. I'm also very concerned that theyjust keep issuing it as a repeat prescription.

Just wondering if anyone can give me any advice as I am really struggling with the pain and heaviness.

Thank you.

The sort of HRT you are using produces a withdrawal bleed each month.
It's not a period in the true sense.
Your dr should have explained all of this (but it will also be on the leaflet in the pack.)

Your GP has to see patients now face to face. If they aren't, think about reporting them or at least writing to the practice manager or your local MP.

You can be prescribed a different type of HRT that won't give a withdrawal bleed.

As you had a premature menopause at 36, has anyone suggested a bone density scan? They should have and if not you must ask for one. It's possible you could already have bone loss with a premature menopause and the sooner it's diagnosed, the better.

18 months is about 15 months too long to have tolerated this. Can you switch to a competent GP? Or at least one who you can understand over the phone? You have to get off the Femoston and on to some other HRT that will suit you. In the short term ask them to prescribe tranexamic acid to stop the bleeding and mefenamic acid for the pain. You're going to end up severely anaemic, if you're not already, if you allow this to continue.

You should also complain about that incompetent GP you saw at 36. How were you supposed to 'keep an eye on your bones' unless you have X-ray vision? You were in early menopause and should have been offered HRT and regular DEXA scans. Have you had a DEXA scan now? If not, demand one. Get it privately if you have to/can manage it.

Thanks for your reply. I've never had a bone density scan or any other scan. I am not able to change GP as nobody else in my area are taking new patients. When I try to book an appointment it's telephone consultation only - in 10 days time.

Thanks.

Can you afford to see a private GP if that's a thing in the UK? It's really horrific to see how bad your health system has become in the UK. Ireland is headed in the same direction but we haven't quite reached your level of dysfunction yet when it comes to GPs. Our hospitals are probably worse though.

Sorry you’ve had to put up with this for so long. At your next appointment do make clear that as your periods stopped early that you feel a continuous HRT regime would be more appropriate. An example would be Evorel Conti patches which will give you a consistent dose of both estrogen and progestogen with no breaks for bleeds. Transdermal HRT has a slightly lower risk profile than oral.

As mentioned you could also ask that since your periods stopped at 36 and you didn’t start HRT sooner which would now be recommended if you should be referred for a DEXA scan as you understand you are at higher risk of bone issues.