Can anyone recommend a specialist who understands the complexity of menopause and endometriosis.

[KiwiGolden]

Despite suffering from gynae issues for decades I wasn't diagnosed with endometriosis (and Adenomyosis) until I was 50.

I'm 53 now and have suffered with perimenopausal symptoms since I was 45. I still have a cycle although I don't bleed due to an ablation.

I've struggled to find anyone at my local NHS hospital who can advise on the best HRT to take without exacerbating any endometriosis issues or my post ablation failure pain (which I only get if my uterus contracts/during my period). My endo gynae has freely admitted he has no interest in menopause or HRT and my GP says my issues are a bit too complex for her to advise. I spoke to a hospital menopause specialist but she just suggested I try venlafaxine which I don't want to take. I don't like the way antidepressants make me feel. I'm sure I just need my hormones adjusting/balancing.

I'd really to try HRT but I am apprehensive especially as my mum has hormone sensitive BC. I have so many perimenopause issues, my long term gut issues have gone crazy, I'm nauseous every single day with a very unsettled gut (all gastro tests clear), I cry every day, my mental health is rock bottom and I've started getting hot flushes and restless nights. I don't want to feel this way anymore. I won't lie, I'm under a lot of stress helping my lovely mum whilst she slowly dies from advanced Alzheimer's (8 years and counting). My life feels relentlessly depressing.

I have wondered if the Newson Clinic could help but I really don't know where to turn. I don't have a lot of money to throw at this but will do if I found someone who can offer the best advice for my issues and someone who understands my health problems.

So wondering if anyone could recommend a good specialist? Ideally video consultations so I could see anyone over the UK without too far to travel.

I’ve had friends use the newson clinic & they found it good.
different issues tho.
can you email them initially to see if suitable ?
also look at local spire or bupa hospitals for the private gyne if you can find the money to pay

I am sorry for what you are going through. Does your local NHS have a menopause service? If so, I think that would be your best option. Also you need to understand that you may need to try a few different doses/ formulations before you find the right fit for you. Even the experts may not be able to get it right straight away.

also read up on the free resources at Wonen’s health concern and BMS and arm yourself with information.

best wishes

I don't know any particular specialist, but Newson clinic and Dr Naomi Potter's clinic are the ones that come to mind. Also, have you tried the Balance app? There may be women in the community section who can recommend specialists for endo and menopause-related issues. I hope you find a specialist.

Since peri, I've had gut issues and other symptoms on and off. It's a long story..

Yes. I have emailed the Newson clinic to see if they can recommend anyone. The gynaes at my local private hospital all practice at my NHS one too and I haven't found them to be helpful.

My local NHS hospital does have a menopause specialist and the menopause gynae there has recommended that I don't take HRT but try venlafaxine instead but I don't want an antidepressant medication I want to try balancing out my hormones. She wants very helpful and would only consult with me via telephone appointment which I find very frustrating.

I do have the Balance all but I can't find anyone with my issues including a failed uterine ablation. It's that latter which makes things complicated for me atm because any enforced bleeding causes me a lot of pain which I want to avoid.

I am due a hysterectomy which I've deferred because I'm close to a breakdown mentally (long story) and I just can not face major surgery right now, I'm longing to try to balance out my hormones and stress levels which are sky high right now.

Sorry you're dealing with so many health issues. I can understand that you don't feel ready to face surgery right now, do what feels best for you. Also I hope you have supportive family and friends, so you are not alone.

I’m sorry you haven’t found anyone on the app with similar experiences. It's often is timing. Some ladies aren't on the app every day, so they may have missed your story.

I used to use Balance a lot, but now I only go on occasionally, because it's changed and some of my favourites have left.

I've just remembered a website that might help you- HealthUnlocked
It has an endo community where you may find info and support. I used it myself in the past.
Thinking of you , best wishes x

I am on HRT patches (75ml evorel) and mirena coil (progesterone) as well as 20ml citalopram and topical vaginal oestrogen. All of which seem to combine well to manage endometriosis alongside menopausal symptoms (or post menopausal at the age of 53). Is this a combination you’ve been offered? You get the benefits of the oestrogen systemically alongside the protective impact of the progesterone to the pelvic tissue so the endo isn’t reignited.
I wish you well. It can be trial and error to manage menopausal symptoms and even harder alongside tricky gynae conditions.

I’m on oestrogen gel, progesterone tablets plus a mirena which seems to be working well. The extra progesterone to try and keep the endo damped down

@KiwiGoldenwhile as can’t help you with your query can I ask about your failed uterine ablation? I am in the same situation 8 years post ablation, it was extremely successful but now Inhave some random bleeding which is followed by intense pain. Is that what yours is like?

I have been back to gynae who said no real issues, either live with it or hysterectomy (which I don’t really want) but I’ve not come across anyone with the same issue before.

Would you get a hysterectomy? It would at least take the progesterone side of things out of the hrt equation?

Thank you so much. I will try Health Unlocked x

Sadly I can’t have a coil because the ablation that I had 4 years ago has resulted in my cervix being scared over so they can’t get it in. I’ve tried pills and patches and utrogestan and oestrogel but I started to get pain but wasn’t sure if that was my uterus contracting or the endometriosis?

I wish I’d never had the ablation because I can’t have a Mirena now due to scarring at my cervix so they can’t insert a coil.

I had my ablation in April 2022, I still had a fairly heavy period every month after and when I saw my gyane he advised to give it at least 6 months and it would start to ease. He was right, as soon as the 6 post-op date came by that month’s period had no bleeding but the pain every month since has been awful, like labour pain and it also goes right up into my actual stomach area (I have been told this could be an inflammation issue?).

I had the same response from them, either take pain killers or a hysterectomy. After 3 years of putting up with the pain, hoping I’d go into menopause and it would lessen I opted for the hysterectomy which should have been at the beginning of this month but my mental health is at rock bottom and I just couldn’t go through with it so I’ve had to defer until next year.

I’m sorry you are experiencing issues too, I joined some ablation failure FB groups and it’s amazing how some gynaecologists are simply dismissing this issue.

I was scheduled to have a hysterectomy this month but due my very poor mental health atm I’ve had to defer until next year. I’ve been told even after hysterectomy I will still need progesterone because endometriosis is a life long condition and oestrogen alone can potentially exacerbate endo, even post menopause.