Appointment tomorrow to discuss going on HRT - tips please!

[IHeartKingThistle]

OK I’ve been putting this off but I’ve finally bitten the bullet and am going to the GP tomorrow. But I’m nervous about what I’m asking for and if it’s a good idea and what happens if they say no, so any help gratefully accepted! Here’s what’s going on:

. I’m almost 46
. mum went through menopause at 48
. I have the Mirena coil so no periods - some months I get ovulation pain and a tiny bleed but some months I don’t
. lots and lots of joint aches and muscle pains including hip tendinopathy which my physio says has evidence of a link to low oestrogen
. slight scoliosis discovered last year that’s causing increasing discomfort - apparently menopause can accelerate this so I’m worried about that
. some hot flashes but not a lot
. frequently wake up with an instant wave of anxiety (cortisol?) and have to wait for it to calm down (I’m not an anxious person really, it feels chemical and my mum said she had the same)
. THE RAGE. Mood swings generally
. Dry eyes, itchy skin
. I feel like I smell different and sweat more and have had to start using a stronger deodorant - not a big sweater before!
. Not going to sleep until too late

. IBS has got worse (been pretty well managed for ages)
. spots!!!
. omg the restless legs. Magnesium helps most of the time
. Noises driving me insane
. Palpitations, though I’ve had these for years

I haven’t had more than one or two night sweats though and obviously I have progesterone as part of the Mirena, so do you think they’ll take me seriously? I’m also worried because when I was taking the pill it took ages to find one that didn’t make me throw up, so I know I’m sensitive to oestrogen anyway. Any recommendations on what would work well for me?

Sorry, that was long but I’m quite nervous about the appointment and I want to get it right! Thanks :)

Why don't you just show that post to the gp? You're going to them for advice so tell them all of that and see what they say. As for being taken seriously, when I went at 46 to ask whether they thought I was peri-m and ask for a test, I was told any symptoms over 45 and we don't test - we assume and treat as menopause/peri-m and I was offered her there and then! (I didn't take it as I'd only popped in to discuss it and got scared! If I'd have been prepped and ready for it , I would have gone for it. Not I'm waiting for another appointment to get on with it!)

Hi op, say exactly this to the doctor. What exactly do you want the doctor to do? You want them to give you HRT.

I’m a HCP and I work with many patients, so I always ask what do patients want/ expect from the appointment. You have your reasons and clear reasons. Our job as HCP is to work with the patient. If for whatever reason they say no, ask them what the reasons are, I doubt they will say they no but if they do, go and see another GP. This is your body not theirs. Good luck

I wrote it down and handed them the list. I’m 46. They were great until I told them my mum had breast cancer. Even though it wasn’t the brca gene they got spooked and I had to push to get it, I was very much made to feel like I was risking my life. But the reality was I felt about 80 years old and wanted something to change. This was with a doctor who specialises in women’s medicine.

I had a 10 minute call with a nurse- no problems - perscription is waiting for me in pharmacy, waiting for Dd to finish her A levels then going to give it a go.

If you meet the slightest resistance, you might (as gently as you care to be) suggest that you and the doc follow the latest NICE guidelines on the matter.

These would indicate that:

1. You should be prescribed oestrogen in a transdermal form (gel or patches)
2. A blood test is futile (age related - as pp says, you are 45+ yrs)
3. Antidepressants should not be offered instead of HRT
4. You consider a vaginal oestrogen cream also like Ovestin/Estriol (prescription strength, not OTC)

Best of luck today

Keep it simple- say you want to try HRT because you have many symptoms of peri menopause that are affecting your quality of life.

You don't need to list every single symptom - the ball is then in the GP's court to ask what they are and how you're feeling.

This is great, I feel more confident already. Thank you!

If you are sure you want hrt then go fully informed. Read up on it, tell the Dr you are peri menopausal and give a couple of examples but as Jingling says keep it simple don't give chapter and verse of every twinge. Say you want to try oestrogel (or patches) and have a review in 3 months.

If on second thoughts you decide against hrt then there are lots of things you can do to improve quality of life. Lots of activity to aid good sleep and good mood, vaginal oestrogen to fix vaginal atrophy which is very common and avoid caffeine and alcohol again to promote good sleep. Also try the basics like calming apps and yoga if you're feeling very fraught.

Very useful thanks. I'm going to request hrt shortly, mainly because of family history of stroke, I don't want to have to exaggerate symptoms to get it. Best of luck all.

I wanted HRT and got it by exaggerating my symptoms. I'd been having irregular periods since 2013. I was late 30s. I finally got it in 2021. Mood swings, crap sleep, fatigue and prevention for bones and heart made me want to try it. One blood test with FSH of 29 and telling them I was having hot flushes and I got it finally.

I've never had a hot flush ever thankfully but it's a classic meno symptom 🙂