Can’t have HRT, flipping heck, alternatives?

[KittenKong]

So after a whole long wait and blood tests, checks etc, my doctor says that I can’t take HRT because of a history of DVT. She basically shrugged (well it was a phone consultation but it sounded like she was shrugging) and rushed off the call.

So where do I from now? Thankfully my symptoms are just (‘just’ haha) feeling knackered all the time, bouts of anxiety and the blues, feeling 103 years old and looking like it to (probably not helped by insomnia), and my memory being awful.

It depends on your medical history but if it's complicated I'd suggest seeing a specialist in menopause ( a gynaecologist not a GP) privately.

You may find they give you a different answer (because most HRT now doesn't raise the clot risk about your own level.) A lot depends on when you had the DVT, maybe your blood results, etc. I can't comment on that but I know it's not black and white and possibly beyond a GP's training.

A specialist can also advise on any other prescribed drugs or alternative/lifestyle options that may help.

I've had a DVT and a pulmonary embolism, OP, and I'm on HRT gel sachets. (Oetrogen only as I've also had a hysterectomy.)

Was your DVT a one-off, like mine seems to have been? Did your blood tests show thrombophilia?

I have had one heck of a job arguing for HRT with my GP surgery but my gynae consultant helped with a recommendation letter, and @JinglingSpringbells - who is on this thread - helpfully pointed me toward the correct NICE guidelines to use, to ask for trans-dermal HRT.

I have started HRT with lowest dose of the patches following my massive PE. I am on permanent anticoagulants.
I just said why I needed it (brain fog, cyclic joint pain and anxiety which was not compatible with working) and the nice guidelines had suggested that I would be ok with the patch & tablet combo. My GP agreed.