Gp appointment perimenopause, what to ask, do’s and don’ts?

[Nvr123]

I have a gp appointment on Monday, hoping to get a prescription for hrt. I’ve been battling perimenopause and am getting nowhere with otc, herbal meds etc. Any advice at what to ask, discuss, do’s don’ts at the appointment? Thank you.

In my case my nurse took bloods,then said they were normal! So I got no further forward in my appointment, however a friend at a different practice, she went to her doctor lastweek & as far as I'm aware they asked her what symptoms she was having.
Anxiety attacks, brainfog etc, (when I told her she was perimenapausal she was absolutely adamant no she wasn't! She is 50, but NO! was not having any of it!)
I reminded her of that when, after eventually seeing adverts & taking on board her symptoms, went to the doctor and got prescribed HRT immediately, so it's a hit miss situation.
Divina McCalls Menapusing book does say if 1 doctor does not listen then go to another that will, do not give up.

Are you 45 or over ?

Thanks! Much appreciated. I am also 50. Can’t think what else it would be😃. Wish me luck.

Take a look at this page OP and see how many symptoms you can tick and then take a look at the whole of the website, read it and get to a point where you feel you know what you're talking about. Then you can go into the discussion on Monday and speak from an informed point of view. You should not have to beg for HRT. I assume you're a woman at the age when many women experience unpleasant symptoms as a result of declining female hormones. You are consulting the doctor as a gatekeeper to the medication you wish to try you would like to try HRT and see if it helps to alleviate your symptoms. So explain the symptoms you're having and ask if you can try HRT to see if it helps. That's really all you have to say.

https://www.menopausematters.co.uk/greenescore.php

I went in with a list of symptoms, which I'd been tracking for quite a while. I was specific that I thought it could be perimenopause and if it was, why I thought HRT would benefit me because of specific medical history. Doctor listened (locum appointment by phone), agreed it sounded as if it was likely to be peri, but arranged bloods and an ultrasound to check there wasn't anything else underlying it. Soon as those results came back okay, I started on HRT, following an in-person appointment with regular GP. My local surgery have been great.

Honestly, based on my experience, I would hope for the best but be prepared for potential disappointment. If disappointed, find a GP that is known to be menopause informed.

Hi ladies, quick update: gp appointment went really well. Explained the issues and was no problem to get hrt! It helped soooo much to come well prepared and I can’t thank you guys enough for your help and advice 🙏 🙏 .