NHS or private menopause specialist?

[PerriDowton]

Hi all.
I went to my GP surgery this week and asked the receptionist about seeing a meno specialist. She told me it would take weeks to get an appointment with the nurse or doctor.

For those who use the NHS.
Are there differences between being seen by a nurse and a doctor? Do they offer the same advice and suggestions? Were you prescribed HRT straight away?

How can you find a private specialist?
If you have used one, were you satisfied with the consultation?

I hope this can help with my intermittent insomnia, brain fog, hot flushes, word difficulties, and health anxiety etc..
Some symptoms come and go.

I apologise for asking too many questions.

I don't think it is unreasonable for them to check your bloods. They might be worried about blood cancer etc if you are having sweats. Starting HRT after 60 doesn't help cardiac risk, but that is not the issue. You are looking for symptomatic relief.
I would book a review now with the most (menopause) experienced clinician in the building to discuss your blood results. If they are still reluctant, suggest a 3 month trial and you will stop it if it doesn't help. Don't lose hope!

Thanks for your helpful comments. I'm thinking of having a private consultation, but not sure yet how I'd get the prescription going forward. That's the 2nd gp that has refused me. I did try questioning her, but she just shut me down. I'm not giving up yet!

That is ridiculous. I feel so angry for you.
I'm older than you by a long way and have used HRT for over 15 years privately with a superb gynaecologist. The fact is you still have symptoms. HRT is to deal with symptoms.

If I were you I'd go back, say you have menopause symptoms that affect your quality of life and THE GUIDELINES say there is no age limit on HRT.

Does she not know that some of the best menopause experts in the country have women aged 80 and 90 on HRT- clearly not!

You've got to stand your ground on this one. it might feel uncomfortable but your GP cannot get away with behaving like this and no doubt you will not be the only woman aged 60 who needs HRT.

You go in and say
'I want to go back onto HRT. I have xyz symptoms. I understand that the NICE and British Menopause Society say there is no age limit on using HRT if a woman still has symptoms.'

The fact is you allowed her to shut you down. I'm sure it's difficult but you have to stand your ground and not be dictated to and bullied when it's contrary to medical guidance.

https://thebms.org.uk/publications/consensus-statements/bms-whcs-2020-recommendations-on-hormone-replacement-therapy-in-menopausal-women/

Print this off and show it to your GP- half way down the page that if symptoms persist, the benefits outweigh the risks.

Thank you , you're right it is ridiculous. When I originally went on hrt, I went to see a private specialist. I think I'm going to do the same again. If I do that, can I still obtain my prescription through the NHS?

You would need to check with the consultant.