Struggling but can’t get HRT

[Elasticatedwaist]

I’ve had something show up on an ultrasound , possibly a polyp. GP says I can’t go on hrt until I’ve been to gynaecology and got it sorted. Trouble is, although she marked it urgent the wait is still around 12 months. I had been expecting an appointment within two weeks as that is what the gp said.
I have spoken to the gp again and she tried to find somewhere for me with a shorter waiting time to no avail.
so, I’m anxious about the polyp ❓and suffering terribly with pms , migraines , fatigue etc etc with no end in sight.
Any suggestions ?

I’ve had something show up on an ultrasound , possibly a polyp. GP says I can’t go on hrt until I’ve been to gynaecology and got it sorted.

I don't understand this.

Who scanned you?
Why is it 'possibly' a polyp?

Aren't they qualified to diagnose? Was it not a gynaecologist who did the scan?

Why were you referred for the scan?

A polyp is not a contraindication for HRT.
Your GP's response sounds ridiculous to be honest.

Polyps are only an issue of they are bleeding and could be cancerous in which case you'd be seen quickly and it would either be removed or monitored (depending on the size.)

If there is some doubt over the scan and what was seen, and it could be more serious, then you should be seen by a consultant soon not in 12 months!

I've never ever heard of anything like this.

This is the second time it’s happened. Irregular periods so sent for a scan at the medical centre. First time they said it was a polyp and referred me to gynaecology. They did a womb biopsy then a few months later a hysteroscopy where they found it had gone / detached of its own accord.
This time I was told that there was a red area ( I think) and it was most likely another polyp. Report sent back to gp who referred me to gynaecology.

I'm not clear who did the ultrasound.

Why was it not a gynaecologist in the first place?

Are you in the UK?

I'm a bit confused when you mention the 'medical centre'.

Referrals for scans are usually at a hospital. Who does the scans where you went? It sounds as if they can't diagnose if they simply said a red area and need another opinion. Scans aren't in colour - everything it black and white.

Why are you having scans for irregular periods if you're in peri?

That's what peri is.

Scans are usually only for women post meno who have bleeding or for women in peri perhaps with very heavy periods where something else is possible.

They won't prescribe HRT until a polyp is biopsied, I'm prone to them and they can't definitely tell if there is any risk of cancer from an ultrasound. My consultant will do a womb biopsy, if that's fine, he's OK for me to go back on HRT, although the safest option is to wait until after removal , but I don't. Usually they remove the polyp within a month.

i am in the uk. Northwest.
I’ve had a few scans and they’ve all been done by a sonographer that can’t really diagnose, I’m not actually sure what their official title is but it’s not a gynaecologist. They send the report back to the gp who then refers to the gynaecologist.
The medical centre isn’t a hospital but they do allsorts there, from endoscopy to ear syringing.
i don’t think the gp wanted to assume the suddenly irregular periods were due to peri without ruling out other causes first even though I almost certainly am as I’m 49. Being causations I think.

With respect, what you have said is not always the case. There are consultants who can tell if they are cancerous by ultrasound. But it needs to be a very experienced consultant who specialises in this. Usually, they remove polyps if they are over 1cm, if there is bleeding from them, and women are post menopausal.

If every woman with irregular periods in peri was sent for a scan the queue would be never ending. If something looks suspicious you should be seen within 2 weeks. Your wait of 12 months is ridiculous.

You asked for suggestions.
The only one that comes to mind is if it's within you means, to go and see a private menopause specialist.

I'm sorry you are going through this, but women in peri have irregular periods. They aren't sent for scans. Does your GP not know what peri includes?

Also, polyps are very common and many women have them. They can come and go. They aren't usually an issue unless they're found post-menopause and are larger. The problem with removing them in women in peri is that they can often come back and just disappear again.