Mum struggling with menopause symptoms - asking for opinions from other menopausal women

[menopauseHRT]

I am posting on behalf of my mum. She is 56. She rarely goes online despite me trying to persuade her to use the internet many times over the years. She has told me she is struggling with menopausal symptoms, and has said she feels her GP hasn't been offering her enough support. In particular, she has mentioned that she has been turned down for HRT despite asking for it more than once. She is struggling with poor sleep, hot flashes, poor concentration and irritability during the day. I am wondering if it would be worth her going private and trying to get HRT prescribed that way. Has anyone been able to get it on the NHS? Do you recall having to push really hard to have it prescribed or was it as simple as just asking for it?

Is there more than one GP at her practice? It might be worth her returning with a long list of symptoms and speaking to another doctor. Maybe ask her if you could go with her for moral support? Doctors are less likely to fobb people off if they have someone with them.

I agree, I would ask to see somebody else. They sound rubbish to deny her HRT.

I was prescribed HRT on my first appointment (by a young, male GP) with no fuss, and I’m only very early 40s.

Definitely ask to see somebody else.

It worth looking at Dr Louise Newson on insta etc for really good info on this

It was only when I went private that I was listened to, tested properly and prescribed the correct dosage. It's a bit of a lottery to get someone knowledgeable and caring on the NHS.

Why was she refused HRT?

I hope there's a very good reason she's been turned down for HRT, as she's a prime candidate for it, all other things being well.

I had to go private to deal with my symptoms, like so many others. It is ridiculous that we are not only not heard, but that menopause is an optional component of a medical degree. It's infuriating!

Nice guidelines are helpful. Nobody should be refused hrt unless there are specific clinical reasons www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng23/chapter/Recommendations

Does she have a smartphone, OP?

This. I had to write to the practice manager in the end asking why they were ignoring the guidelines. A prescription was issued next day. GPs are often resistant, even the female ones.

Like someone else has advised, try to see another G.P if possible. Or as already advised, write to the practice manager, it’s absolutely disgusting.

My surgery was very hit and miss so I sought private advice. I requested testosterone at the surgery and they just didn’t know how to prescribe it as it’s off license. My private specialist prescribed it and the surgery agreed to carry on with the prescriptions. I then had one of the G.Ps contact me to discuss my testosterone usage, dose and how I felt on it. This has now opened the doors for other ladies to access it as they are now prescribing. They still ask me occasionally on updates. This is brilliant for any ladies out there suffering like I did. Although it cost me hundreds to see the menopause specialist 🤷‍♀️