Where to start

[poppinpink]

I'm pretty sure I'm in Peri menopause, I've been to the doctors twice in the past year about it and am getting no where. My main symptoms which are really getting me down are weight gain- mainly around my tummy, really achy and stiff joints to the point I feel I can hardly walk at times and now crap sleep- I've been up since 4.30 this morning so have had no energy and a headache. I've got lots of other symptoms too but could deal with them if it wasn't for the main ones ive listed. I've just turned 40 and I think this is why my GP won't prescribe me HRT even though I specifically asked to try it. At the last appointment they were pushing me for the mirena coil or combined pill. There's so much information online and I'm just feeling lost with it all and wondering if HRT would even help since they seem so reluctant to give me it. Anyway I'm going to make another appointment at my GP, what should I say/ ask for this time? I need to do something about this.

I understood that if you have early menopause it's more important to have HRT

However I can understand if a doctor wants to rule other things out

Can you find out if early menopause is normal in your family ?

Get googling for the NICE guidelines on menopause treatment so you are armed with the recommendations, then ask the GP why they aren't following them.

I wrote to the practice manager in the end and it was then speedily resolved.

Thank you both for your replies. Yes they did ask if early menopause was in the family which it is not, but of course that doesn't mean that I can't be in peri menopause. I will look into the NICE guidelines, it's not something I'm familiar with and not sure they apply in Scotland.

Been looking for something like this chat!
I’m 42 and recently been to Doctors twice in the past 4 weeks. Mood swings, very sore boobs, few irregular bleeds & this horrible dryness :( had marina coil fitted which i think has helped loads and now on have vag estrogen.
Dr said today that even though my bloods came back fine doesn’t mean I’m not perimenopausal.
she thinks I am and my body doesn’t have enough estrogen..
would really love to hear some of your advice ladies 🙏🏻🫶🏻

That's interesting, I really feel like my estrogen is low, when I had my bloods checked they said everything was fine in normal range but I know this can vary so much day to day- if I'd have had them checked yesterday I'm sure they would of been really low!

Oh and for the sore boobs and pains, I have been taking star flower oil for the past couple of months and it honestly stopped the pain straight away! I was having extreme ovulation pains, period pains, sore boobs, pain down my legs and back and that's all pretty much gone. I do still have a bit of pain and ovulation and period though- I never used to have that at all until a few years ago! Maybe something to consider!