How did your first GP visit for menopause go?

[Mathsdebator]

I'm planning on trying to get an appointment to discuss menopause/ HRT when I get back from holiday.

I loathe going to the GP and am guilty of downplaying symptoms and doing the whole "it's probably nothing" thing. I feel like a burden and always think things will go away on their own - so I need a plan!

I'm 47. Last period was March, the one before that was September. I've been evey 28 days since my periods began!

I'm struggling with hot flushes, no sex drive, brain fog, dry vagina, irritability, insomnia...

Just wondering how your first appointment went. Did you take a list? Did you know what you wanted prescribing when you went in?

I had a telephone appointment with a female GP - I was 49, symptoms were mainly poor sleep, anxiety, overheating at nights. She was happy to prescribe HRT and suggested Mirena plus gel as the “gold standard”. I wasn’t keen on the idea of having the coil fitted so got patches, which didn’t stay on (I like boiling hot baths!) so a few months later I asked to switch.

The doctor who fitted the Mirena (outside the surgery) is chairperson of the regional menopause network - or something along those lines - and she suggested I start at a higher dose of gel than the GP had, plus prescribed me vaginal oestrogen.

I think I was quite lucky tbh. I am generally terrible with medical stuff despite being a capable professional woman and find it hard to advocate for myself. I’m fine at the dentist because I “have a long-term relationship with her”, but I wouldn’t recognise any of the doctors in my surgery if any of them turned up at my door right now. I always feel guilty about wasting their time when it’s so hard to get an appointment, and there might be someone who needs it more.

Anyway, that was three years ago. I think the coil needs to come out next year - ? - so we will see how I do with that.

Hi! Hoping to jump in on this one.

My GP was great. Despite the fact I'm only 39 she agreed I needed HRT. I just have to have an ultrasound and bloods first to rule out any fibroids or thyroid issues.

I did have a question for you all though. I've had to take the last two weeks off work due to how sever my symptoms are and wanted to know if anyone else has felt the same? Part of me feels a bit like a drama queen for taking time off and I feel so guilty about it. It's mainly the headaches, non existent sleep and emotional rollercoaster that's made me take the time off.

After some reassurance OR someone to tell me to get a grip and go back to work!