Peri symptoms - GP not listening

[Foodoverload]

I am after some advice. I am 45 and I think I have been going through peri menopause for a few years.

over the last 2 years my periods have been irregular in appearing and duration. I have now not had a period for 74 days. Not pregnant

I have had horrible night sweats. Achy joints. Waking up multiple times at night. Brain fog and really sore shoulders. Gaining weight round my middle. All classic signs.

Been to my GP 3 times. Told I am too young. Tiredness is down to my diabetes (well controlled type 2). Periods irregular and stopping due to being on the pill. I have been on this pill for 10 years with regular periods until a few years ago.

I am now really struggling. Feel a nuisance at the GPs. Was told HRT would not be an option due to my age.

I just want to feel normal again. Any suggestions

That’s totally untrue about HRT, I am a couple of years younger than you and went to the GP for something which may or may not be linked to perimenopause and was encouraged to go away, research HRT, and make a separate appointment if I’d like to discuss - “I’m just opening that conversation”. I was pretty impressed! Could you ask to see a GP who specialises in menopause?

That’s totally untrue about HRT, I am a couple of years younger than you and went to the GP for something which may or may not be linked to perimenopause and was encouraged to go away, research HRT, and make a separate appointment if I’d like to discuss - “I’m just opening that conversation”. I was pretty impressed! Could you ask to see a GP who specialises in menopause?

Well that’s just not true. Peri symptoms and need for her are symptoms led according to the NICE guidelines. I got the same shit 8 years ago, printed off the guidelines and said I wanted to be prescribed HRT.

she said no.

I showed her the guidelines, she said young people get cancer the earlier they start.

I said, that’s not true and you are not up to date with any of the studies (my GP was late 60’s). She then offered anti depressants. I said I’m not remotely depressed, I’m a psychotherapist, HRT please.

I told her I had all the symptoms and was going nowhere til I got it. She then just gave me it (and actually apologised and said she was totally out of date on all this when I returned 3 months later for a review). I’d told her to please read Dr Newsons site and all the info on HRT.

My symptoms literally left within 24 hours of taking HRT, yes I’ve had to do 3 increases and a change in it since I started but not uncommon

have a read of Louise newsons site to be armed to go back

https://www.newsonhealth.co.uk/services/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=text-ad&utm_campaign=HRT&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=20338496044&gbraid=0AAAAAp5RHJ6Vc2xuAy1e7UFD-jFAsxVxV&gclid=Cj0KCQjwj8jDBhD1ARIsACRV2TvV7IJDufDihxPjBYWtlbNNjHPEdQPqzzg-9VOoFOMB4g98OFHcn34aAndwEALw_wcB

Sorry, I have no idea why that posted twice 🤦‍♀️ although I do feel strongly that you shouldn’t be fobbed off!

When you say pill do you mean the birth control pill? Unless it is a very low dose pill it would be masking (treating) any peri symptoms except perhaps for when you are in the pill free week. That might be your gp’s hesitation to call your symptoms peri related, not your age so much.

Yes it’s birth control. But it’s progesterone which you would be prescribed with hrt.

Get a second opinion. The HRT thing is not true. Your GP is being an idiot. If you are registered to a medical centre see a different GP, hopefully there's a female one, and book a double appointment. Some parts of the medical profession are so clueless about women's health, it's ridiculous.

I trust you have been to the NHS page. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/menopause/symptoms/

For a giggle follow Melani Sanders (justbeingmelani) on Instagram. She started the We Do Not Care Club for peri, post and menopausal women.

It's a bugger of a time during summer for peri women right now. Drink plenty of water, put the fans in, open windows, wear natural fibres, keep you hair off your face, and try and find a supplement that aids you. I take a perimenopause multivitamin, Cod Liver Oil for brain fog and healthy joints, and magnesium biglycinate to aid sleep, but these might not work for you. You have to figure out what does.

I wish you well.