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Menopause

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Original poster

Perimenopause and abroad

25 replies

Leo2023 · 27/06/2023 15:01

Hello,
I am 46 years old and perimenopause has hit me like a car crash. Locally, in the Czech Republic, where I live, I have been to see the GP and a gynaec and they have told me that there is no way for me to get HRT until I hit menopause. This means that in 7-8 years, my brain will be entirely destroyed, the rate at which it's going. I am open to travelling to the UK to see a specialist, get a prescription and securing Utrogestan100 and/or whatever else I need, however, I am unsure of where to start, who to contact, where to get an appointment, etc. Would appreciate any guidance.
Thank you!

OP posts:
Original poster
Leo2023 · 27/06/2023 15:13

Thanks very much! Is there a particular one that comes recommended or does it not matter?

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Original poster
Leo2023 · 27/06/2023 15:36

Still struggling to see where they offer video consultations. Can someone please share a screenshot. Thanks!

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yipeeyiyay · 27/06/2023 16:50

Always puzzles me when doctors say you can't take HRT until after menopause when there is an actual specified protocol for taking HRT during peri menopause. That is why you have sequi patches and conti patches. Sequi or sequential for peri where progesterone is only included for half the month and conti or continuous for post menopause where progesterone is included in every patch fir every day of the month. How do they explain this?

Original poster
Leo2023 · 27/06/2023 19:40

It's insane and it's driving me nuts. The hormones are helping with this! :/

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Original poster
Leo2023 · 27/06/2023 19:42

OMG thanks!

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pjani · 27/06/2023 19:44

How frustrating! How is your Czech? Are you sure it’s country-wide and there aren’t any exceptions? Have you got contacts to ask, could you do a deep google (in Czech), any Czech mumsnetters on here who can help? Eg are there any academic gynaecologists publishing/teaching on menopause in a Czech uni? Surely they would be more up on the research. Is there the equivalent of the Royal College you could reach out to?

Will be much easier if you can get a service in the country where you live.

Original poster
Leo2023 · 27/06/2023 19:52

Thanks! All these seem to be private. Does the NHS not offer video or online consultation or does one always have to pay for it privately for HRT consultation? Thanks

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Original poster
Leo2023 · 27/06/2023 19:56

I am trying my best but it doesn't seem to be as 'evolved' as the UK, unfortunately. There is a 'Brits in the CR' group on Facebook where I could publish anonymously but not too keen to do that. I am also talking to my friends in Pharma who could check if Utrogestan100, for instance, is being prescribed in any form here. It is very frustrating. :( BTW I missed my workout yesterday because I couldn't keep up and then 'forgot' and then today went for my workout when none was booked. I am going MAD!

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lljkk · 27/06/2023 21:45

Most people who don't live in UK don't qualify for NHS care.
I don't know how it works for people who live abroad who can still get NHS care, presumably all military? Are you military?

Sidge · 27/06/2023 21:54

If you’re living in the Czech Republic you won’t be eligible for NHS care. Utrogestan is largely unavailable currently here in England, so you’d need alternative progesterone which would depend on what is available in your area in the CR.

It’s illogical to wait until a year after your periods stop for HRT, you can have it whilst you’re perimenopausal.

WTFAreYouForReal · 27/06/2023 22:11

Can you do a quick weekend elsewhere in Europe? Hrt is available over the counter without a prescription in Spain.

stayingcool · 28/06/2023 00:54

Thanks! All these seem to be private. Does the NHS not offer video or online consultation or does one always have to pay for it privately for HRT consultation? Thanks

You won't be entitled to NHS care if you live outwith the UK.

JinglingSpringbells · 28/06/2023 07:28

Thanks! All these seem to be private. Does the NHS not offer video or online consultation or does one always have to pay for it privately for HRT consultation? Thanks

I don't think the NHS offers video or online appts at all for anything (happy to be corrected.) Maybe they did some during the pandemic and lockdown but I don't know. The NHS is is such a state here now that many people are struggling to get any appt for anything.

You mentioned coming to the UK. Your best course of action is to come to the UK for a private appt, then have follow up appts by video. Legally there is a requirement for an annual review of all meds, but initially women tend to have a 3-monthly then a 6-monthly review of HRT to assure the dose etc is working.

However I'd still look further afield where you live as it does seem odd that they are not able or willing to prescribe all the HRT types that are formulated for women in peri (with periods.)

Original poster
Leo2023 · 28/06/2023 10:52

Spain - really? That's promising.

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Original poster
Leo2023 · 28/06/2023 10:53

I see. Yes, it is illogical to wait.

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Original poster
Leo2023 · 28/06/2023 10:54

JinglingSpringbells · 28/06/2023 07:28

Thanks! All these seem to be private. Does the NHS not offer video or online consultation or does one always have to pay for it privately for HRT consultation? Thanks

I don't think the NHS offers video or online appts at all for anything (happy to be corrected.) Maybe they did some during the pandemic and lockdown but I don't know. The NHS is is such a state here now that many people are struggling to get any appt for anything.

You mentioned coming to the UK. Your best course of action is to come to the UK for a private appt, then have follow up appts by video. Legally there is a requirement for an annual review of all meds, but initially women tend to have a 3-monthly then a 6-monthly review of HRT to assure the dose etc is working.

However I'd still look further afield where you live as it does seem odd that they are not able or willing to prescribe all the HRT types that are formulated for women in peri (with periods.)

It is insane but it is true at least for the CR. I could get a private appointment and do it that way.

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Original poster
Leo2023 · 28/06/2023 10:55

lljkk · 27/06/2023 21:45

Most people who don't live in UK don't qualify for NHS care.
I don't know how it works for people who live abroad who can still get NHS care, presumably all military? Are you military?

It should be OK for our circumstances.

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JinglingSpringbells · 28/06/2023 12:04

Are you from the UK and living overseas temporarily @Leo2023 ?

If you want NHS menopause treatment in the UK, you'd need to register with a GP as a temporary resident.

It's unlikely they would give you HRT because it needs reviewing within 3 months and unless you are willing and able to keep coming to the UK, it's not going to work, is it? At the moment, owing to shortages of some HRT you can only get 3 months, or two months of some types.

Since you have moved to the CR have you ever accessed NHS care ?

If you can get HRT privately in the CR then that's the solution.

Original poster
Leo2023 · 28/06/2023 14:50

JinglingSpringbells · 28/06/2023 12:04

Are you from the UK and living overseas temporarily @Leo2023 ?

If you want NHS menopause treatment in the UK, you'd need to register with a GP as a temporary resident.

It's unlikely they would give you HRT because it needs reviewing within 3 months and unless you are willing and able to keep coming to the UK, it's not going to work, is it? At the moment, owing to shortages of some HRT you can only get 3 months, or two months of some types.

Since you have moved to the CR have you ever accessed NHS care ?

If you can get HRT privately in the CR then that's the solution.

Thanks, we have tried all options here in the CR. Haven't had to access the NHS because everything is available here apart from HRT for perimenopause.

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JinglingSpringbells · 28/06/2023 16:01

It is insane but it is true at least for the CR. I could get a private appointment and do it that way.

Sorry I misunderstood. I thought you meant you could get HRT privately in the CR.

The issue however is- how will you manage to get the prescription filled in the CR?

If they don't supply HRT for peri menopause how will that work?

One option is to use a type that can be used for peri or post meno, but use it in the dose for peri (ie that's on a cycle.)

Original poster
Leo2023 · 01/07/2023 09:06

Ok will look into it, thanks. So far have not found anyone who would do this.

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JinglingSpringbells · 01/07/2023 09:20

I don't really understand. Is this just the drs you have seen who don't prescribe HRT in peri meno or are those types of hrt not available in the CR?

You see there are women in the UK having the same issues at times where drs simply refuse to give them HRT until they are post menopausal but they find another dr who is more up to date.

Have to approached a pharmacy or asked a pharmacist what is available?

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