Sorry for essay. Am 44, not had a period in almost a year. Lots of peri signs for about 6 years altho I didn’t recognise them as such until periods stopped: mood swings (mostly just rageful all the time!), awful anxiety, joint aches, insomnia, night sweats, zero libido and a full blown panic attack which had never happened before. Went to GP few months ago, asked for her opinion on HRT particularly for the joint pain/aches as exercising is awful now, and I’ve read early menopause can increase risk of osteoporosis (family history of this) so HRT is important for bone protection. GP seemed full of praise for HRT, agrees re osteoporosis and also says it helps maintain active life, better sleep, better energy levels so helps maintain overall health and cardio fitness in that way.
But she then said I'm far too young for menopause and ordered bloods. All normal except FSH in 70s, GP says it’s not menopause, repeat 6weeks: FSH again in 70s, GP says rpt again and an abdo scan. FSH in 80s, scan normal.
GP says it’s probably menopause after all but HRT is only indicated for hot flushes and as I haven’t had these, GP now says HRT is not appropriate?? I referred to our first appointment and what she had said re osteoporosis and cardiac protection, healthy lifestyle etc. GP insists HRT is only for hot flushes and has no impact on any other menopause symptoms -this isn’t correct is it?? I said I don’t understand why the complete turnaround in her advice, she didn’t answer. Then she said fine, if you want it you can take it but it won’t do anything for you and it will put you at risk of breast cancer and blood clots.
So now I’m having a wobble whether to take it or not. I can carry on and manage most of the signs but I would love to sleep better and have less rage and anxiety, more energy. I avoid stairs as my knees hurt so much, my elbows, fingers all ache, I feel like an old woman. But I don’t understand why she has done a complete 360 in her advice. I definitely didn’t get the wrong end of the stick in either appointment, I questioned it and she just didn’t answer me. She has done a prescription for gel and tablets but been vague with the dose, said you might need to increase or decrease it, we’ll do a review in 6 months. She mentioned I should monitor my weight and blood pressure at home but she didn’t check either (I'm not overweight, am small and slim) or tell me what BP should be.
She’s the only doctor in the practice that will see “women’s health” appointments and I just don’t have any confidence in her now.
Anyone confirm that HRT is not going to kill me and it’s ok to try it and see if it makes me feel a bit more like my old self?