I have a GP appointment next week, what do I need?

[Heartytrousers]

To say?

I'm having some hot flushes, but the most trouble symptoms are low mood, tearfulness, lack of focus and brain fog, to the extent that I'm not performing at work.

I also lost DH 2.5 years ago and think they're likely to want me to try antidepressants first, but I honestly don't think that's what's troubling me.

So what do I need to say/ask/know?

Say what your symptoms are of course. Also how they're bothering you, affecting every day life, sleep, relationships with others, problems at work etc.

Tell them everything. If they don't know they can't help you. Write it down and take it with you so you don't forget anything.

I would write everything down before you go - your symptoms, when they’re worse, what you’ve tried before etc. and also what you want out of the appointment. It’s easy to get flustered or to forget something when you’re there so if you have a checklist with you, you’ll have all the information with you.

As PP said state your symptoms and say you would like to trial HRT. Have a think if you would prefer gel or spray which is used daily or patches which are changed twice weekly. When was your last period? If within 12 months you should be offered cyclical HRT which should give you a monthly withdrawal bleed or if period over 12 months continuous HRT with no withdrawal bleed. Have a look on the balance website and menopause matters for more info before you go.

I'm still having periods, but they're approx every 3 months now.

You will need sequential HRT then. You need progesterone aswell as oestrogen to keep womb lining thin. You take progesterone for 12-14 days of the month instead of everyday if post meno
Have a look at the balance website

https://www.balance-menopause.com/menopause-library/hrt-doses-explained/