I’m so over this. What can I say to my GP.

[blcakgaragedoor]

I can feel this dark fog descending on me now. It’s definitely cyclical. In the midst of it i feel alone lonely and
that everyone is against me. I feel low. Sad cry at anything. It lasts about 4-5 days. I can’t feel it coming on and I’m powerless to stop it.

tonight I feel apathetic. I am worn out.

I’ve been to the GP twice for HRT and I’m being fobbed off.

im 50 have irregular heavy and sometimes long periods.

smear is clear and bloods all fine except for low B12.

See another GP in the same practice

Why did they say no HRT?

I went to the doctor at 37 with lots of symptoms. They sent me for a scan to rule out pcos, suggested anti depressants. As soon as I said my mum started perimenopause at 37, they gave me hrt and fitted the coil, as I couldn't tolerate the tablets. Are they treating your b12 deficiency? That has numerous horrible side effects if not treated too.

Yes I’m having B12 supplements. They never said no straight away. The first time they said they wanted to do tests first so I had a smear and lots of blood tests. I went back again and they gave me the B12 supplements and said see if that helps. It’s 2 weeks in and no change but I can feel the cloud coming. I don’t want to wait. I’m too tired for this. I have so much going no I don’t have the band width to deal with this too.

Use the balance app that tracks menopause symptoms/experience.
It is a recognised clinical tool to evidence how problematic life is for you.
Present to GP and ask to be referred to the menopause service.

50 and they won't prescribe it? Unless there is a backstory like family / PMH then that is outrageous and I would most definitely be insisting on another GP that has an interest in Womens health.

I have no family history. It fees like they just don’t have the time to go through it all. I’m going to try again in the morning to get through. Then maybe be more forceful.

I would get hold of the Nice guidance which makes clear that HRT is a first line treatment for women over 45 with menopause symptoms, summarise your symptoms, be clear that you have informed yourself about the risks and benefits and would, as per the guidance, like a prescription for HRT and would be open to trying other options if that doesn't help.

You might get pushback if you don't have hot flushes or night sweats as these are a fairly unmistakable sign of impending menopause but everyone is different and it sounds like you have enough other symptoms to make it a sensible option.

You could try some supplements until then but definitely push for HRT

I got nowhere with my GP, after numerous blood tests I was told I was fine, apparently. 🙄I get mine from Boots online doctor. £22 for 3 months supply. I've been getting from there for over 2 years now.

I was fobbed off when I went in my late 40s. Gp was the same age as me and seemed to think HRT was a v risky option. 🤨
I then went again aged about 52 or 53 and spoke to a different GP who was quite happy to prescibe it without even seeing me in person.

My plan had been to print off the info from the NHS website (as in between the times the NHS seemed to have updated their thinking on hrt).

You can get a prepaid hrt prescription certificate to save on costs.

@CarrieLitehow did you get it from Boots?

There are some menopause clinics in the community - maybe under well women's clinics - also look on the menopause markers website.

Hello,

I am 36 and suspected I was menopausal but the doctors wouldn’t even entertain the idea. Until my friend told me that every doctors practice has a menopause specialist. At my GP is was a nurse practitioner. She was brilliant and diagnosed me in minutes.

I hope you get sorted, it really is life changing in so many ways

Mine took me five minutes. I went to the GP said I wanted HRT and she prescribed it. If they won’t put in a complaint.

And yes see if there is a nurse - I now see her and she is ON IT

That’s ridiculous, I’m 44 and my gp prescribed hrt straight away when I went to her with fatigue and loss of libido.
see a different gp!

may I ask if HRT helped with your libido? I’m on my 3rd month and I can’t even face the idea

The Balance website had a download able/ printable guide for GPs to make their lives easier when prescribing HRT - get this & take it with you.

I was fobbed off by my GP several times, even though I had hot flushes, night sweats and many other symptoms. He kept focusing on the anxiety and wanted to prescribe antidepressants. I didn't feel I needed them, as I was only having anxiety attacks occasionally. After being fobbed off yet again, I did my research and went back with a clear plan of what I wanted and he prescribed everything I requested.

I feel so much better since I started taking HRT, I hope you get it sorted.

Testosterone is the one for that I believe

Yes, testosterone is the only thing that helps libido and you have to specifically request it for that.
Oestrogen did nothing for my libido

Low b12 can make you feel like this. I hope you got offered injections?
I SI b12 every week. Buy from Germany at a £1 per ampule. Best thing ive ever done.

I filled in a questionnaire, had to provide ID and then it was approved by a doctor. I get my refill every 3 months.
https://onlinedoctor.boots.com/HRT-treatment-online