Frustrated at meno appointment.

[OHVanessaShanessaJenkins]

Finally conceded that it’s time to get advice and treatment for menopause symptoms after about 3 years of symptoms.

So, I made an appointment at my GP practice with the advanced nurse practitioner who runs the meno clinic. 1st ever appointment.

My expectation was to be able to have a discussion with an expert and be guided and advised.
Unfortunately, it was very much a “get them in, get them out” kind of appointment.
12 minutes flat.
Description of about 3 symptoms including torrential bleeding during periods that are irratic.
Straight to writing a prescription for patches.
Quick (not proper) BP check. Cuff was loose throughout the check.

That was it. Follow up in 3 months.

So just as I thought. I don’t feel listened to at all.

Is this about right?

I think this is not unusual (the NHS is on its knees and this is just one casualty of it). It may not be ideal, but IME we need to educate ourselves. Then you can go to your appointment armed with information and understand why you are being prescribed whatever you were given. (Combination patches? You shouldn’t have estrogen only patches without some form of progesterone (mirena or utrogestan typically) if you have a uterus).

I get 15 minutes max for my menopause/HRT appointments.

I need my patients to be concise, clear and have already done some research! It’s not ideal but it is what it is.