Cannot get a GP to take me seriously

[StresHed]

I had a hysterectomy 4 years ago when I was 40. I kept my ovaries at that time but was told they usually fail in 5 years

I have every symptom of perimenopause and I’ve been asking for a year if I can try some oestrogen gel to see if it helps.

I have no bleeding as no womb so I can’t go by periods. And can’t have any tests during a menstrual cycle as have no cycle.

My last FSH came back normal, so that’s that apparently! But I pointed out to GP that it can fluctuate that’s only one reading from one single day, so it can’t represent a complete definitive decision that I am not peri, right? Because I am not testing my FSH at any other time, and no one knows when I ovulate because I have no cycle

I am constantly sleep deprived as I am sweaty all night, tossing and turning which isn’t like me - I usually sleep great, and solidly

My vag is dry and itchy a lot
Lower libido
Grumpy and tired
More headaches than usual

I feel like FSH is such a pointless test for me but told I must have another one! Why?

I asked female GP today if she understood what I was saying or trying to explain about the risks to me of osteoporosis if leave this too late. I could go through my whole menopause and not know about it and under 45 has higher risks later on. Have some antidepressants or sleeping tablets she said

why on earth is your GP being so obstinate over this when you are almost 45? (the 'magic' age when no blood tests are done.)

Maybe you just need to be more assertive. I think it's ridiculous that you would need to take a man long to get what you want. No disrespect to posters saying this- this is on your GP for being so stubborn.

Ovaries usually fail within 2 years of a hysterotomy- not 5.
And you're at higher risk of osteoporosis because your Mum has it.

Stand your ground and repeat 'I'd like to try HRT as there appear to be no medical reasons to withhold it'. And keep saying it until the hears!

Women’s problems are often ignored as something that just happens. Yet males can experience their own version of menopause and they get HRT. I can’t remember what male menopause is called.

I had a very similar experience with my GP to the extent I was a basket case emotionally and my marriage was just about on the rocks. The root cause was actually an overactive thyroid (and endocrinologists are a breed apart 🙄)

Good luck, keep fighting. I hate it when 'women's problems' are so dismissed by health care professionals.

I am sorry your GPs are ignorant! Please ask if there is someone trained in menopause at your surgery. If not, I guess you need to ask for a referral to a NHS menopause clinic.

I did ask for someone else, who is specialist in women’s health so my next appt is with another GP. I am in fight mode now. I will be asking directly why I am being fobbed off.

As an update I got to see a different GP who gave me oestrogen gel straight away and I’m into my 2nd month on it

I’ve noticed that I had some adjustments to start with my skin went haywire and I had loads of terrible cystic acne appear but then after a few weeks

I can sleep properly
skin looks a lot better
I’m not tired and aching
I have less injuries from working out
my mood feels loads better

however my libido has not recovered 😞
is this a conversation about testosterone?
I have a lovely partner im very happy with him no issues so low libido is an issue. I really want to be enjoying it but I’m not even bothered about sorting myself out

Happy for you that you sorted this out OP, I just read your thread and got very cross on your behalf. I had the same experience with my GP and was only referred to the menopause clinic when I spoke to a locum.

Yes testosterone is probably the next step, though I think they like to know you’re on the optimal dose of oestrogen first.

I’m on testosterone for libido (I think that’s the only reason they will prescribe it) and it’s not made much of a difference, but it helps some women.

Thank you, yes it was frustrating but I am pleased I have got this far. I feel so much better!

I think I was hoping getting more sleep would improve my libido but it is is not. Also it’s really hard to ‘get there’ and takes ages. It is really frustrating. I might try natural supplements for now and discuss at my review.

Defo get on the testosterone, that’s my favourite one.

Testosterone!

@StresHed are you me?

I had a hysterectomy when I was 43 because of the most massive fibroid. I started to experience sypmtoms within 18 months - 2 years. In hindsight, that was my ovaries packing up. I had the most awful battle to get anyone to listen. Twice I was at the GPs with the most awful "depression and anxiety" which was nothing of the sort, I had repeated UTIs through vaginal atrophy, brain fog, you name it I had it. Two GPs prescribed anti-depressants, a third gave me folic acid (wtf?). All of these medical "professionals" could see I had had a hysterectomy,

All that worked was going to see yet another GP and just keeping repeating "I'd like to try HRT please" like a parrot. Eventually I got through to them.