Can't take HRT - any Drs/practitioners that you have heard of that can help?

[ScottishStag]

i can't take HRT for medical reasons but am starting to have lots of perimenopausal symptoms. Does anyone know of a Dr or functional practitioner that can help guide me? I feel like i need pointing in the right direction for natural alternatives and support.

what symptoms would you like help with?

melatonin helps with difficulty sleeping, as does magnesium supplements.
lube helps with vaginal dryness and some topical creams may not "count" as HRT in some circumstances.
antidepressants can be helpful.
hot flashes can be triggered by certain foods and there are pillows/bedding and pj's that offer some relief as well as some life hacks (keeping a rice bag in the freezer for your forehead or neck for instance).
various tea's are also said to help, as does saying clear of caffein and alcohol.
exercise and keeping your weight in a healthy zone.

lots of info out there really.

Who has told you that you can’t take any form of HRT for “medical reasons”

i take soya isoflavin and also red clover tablets..works for me x

I have had estrogen dominant breast cancer x 2, so my consultant has told me that I can't take HRT for "medical reasons'"...
Thank you Little Mi55Nobody but I also can't tolerate soy, otherwise I would be all over that.
My medical situation can be complicated which is why i am looking for guidance from a professional.

Give Doctor Charlotte Gooding a follow on social media.
She is a GP who specialises in menopause and managing symptoms in breast cancer patients.
she has good advice and does offer private appointments too.

Thankyou, CowCat, that is really helpful.

Hi @ScottishStag - so sorry you have been having such a hard time. I work in this field and there is a lot that we can do to help symptoms without HRT. Go to the menopause and cancer website- it is amazing and full of advice and support with some podcasts and online groups. They also run a scheme where you can enter a ballot for appointments with some private specialists who work in this area. Check out Alison Macbeth on Instagram. She is a menopause specialist GP who works in a breast cancer unit who has just had breast cancer and is a very active campaigner for better treatment for women in your situation.

Thank you menopauseGP, that is exactly the kind of advice I am looking for. I really appreciate it.

also recommending Dr Wendy Sweet from New Zealand - she describes in detail the changes taking place in our bodies during this time and ways to alleviate symptoms.

edited to add that she’s on Instagram as My Menopause Transformation.

My suggestion is you contact Hormone Health (London) there is a website - where Prof Nick Panay is based. He is a top gynaecologist and involved in menopause research in the UK and internationally. He has a team of consultants who may be able to help with both prescribed drugs (not HRT) and also non-drug forms of treatment.

He used to head up an NHS menopause clinic at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital in London, where women with complex needs (like you) were referred from all over the UK. That is still there and I think your GP can refer you. If that's of interest I can add a link.

Thank you JinglingSpringbells and Madame Deveria - all great information and makes me feel better knowing there are people out there.