HRT-doctors refuse to prescribe

[Akiko]

I have been menopausal for a year. Kept asking at my surgery for an HRT prescription, but was refused twice. I did not have hot flushes in the beginning and that was the reason for refusal. Now I have them, but the second doctor I saw, still talked me out of it. I do not fear the side effects, they exagerate about it. What I fear is osteoporosis. Has anyone had a similar experience? What do you think of HRT?

My aunt was on HRT for a few years and developed breast cancer.She was told HRT increases the risks of getting breast cancer.
holland and Barratt apparently do natural HRT which doesnt cause the cancer but not sure if it works as well. After going thru this with my aunt, i dont think i would take HRT. hope u make the right decision for u.

I am on HRT after an early menopause.
The GP had no qualms... I was suffering from severe and prolonged mood swings/irritability (interesting word, meaning I was ready to murder anyone within reach!)

I went to my GP with severe hot flushes, she suggested a few things (which were rubbish in my opinion) and they didn't work so she then offered to refer me to the menopause clinic locally to discuss my options. They prescribed me HRT with hardly any discussion which cured the flushes instantly. (I have to say I do not have the 'high risk' factors for breast cancer etc btw.) When I went back to a different GP to get a repeat prescription she kept me in her office for half an hour trying to persuade me to go off HRT! I must say I was very surprised as the risks did not seem tha high to me in relation to the benefits in my circumstances. She told me GPs do NOT like prescribing HRT because they are the ones who deal with patients with cancer etc. Anyway I am loking to come off HRT because she has persauded me that if I can get my stress levels down the hot flushes will not be so severe. (I am V stressed).

Sorry, a bit long winded but can you ask for a referral to a menopause clinic to 'discuss your options'? I'm not sure if they would be allowed to refuse that

I see a top gynae privately and he was happy to let me try HRT.
The stats show an increase in cancer after 5 years or more of use- but the actual risk is about 4 more cases per 10000 women. As he said, I have much more chance of dying in a car crash but he is NOT an HRT evangelist- just being realistic.

You cansee any dr of your choice privately- the guy Isee is happy for patients to self-refer- or you can self-refer to meno clinics I think.

Your GP sounds a bit biased, TBH.

p.s. I have low bone density and hope it will help. I know the risks of HRT but there are also benefits- it's a persoanl choice.