Can GPs help with early 40s period and hormone management?

[StrongGirlsLift]

I’m trying to figure out what’s ‘normal’ to experience as an early 40s woman with my period. I requested an appointment with my GP via their online booking but still haven’t heard anything three weeks later. I’d appreciate feedback as I get my thoughts in order before trying again to book.

I have a Mirena (for 18 months) for heavy ish periods. My cycle is 20-25 days, spotting for up to four days followed by (now) light bleeding for 4ish days. So, I can be bleeding/spotting for 6-10 days, then maybe go 2 to 2.5 weeks before it begins again. I have cramping for several days which is alleviated by over the counter painkillers but not gone completely. I use a moon cup or period pants. I can occasionally have a cycle that is no more than spotting. I also have migraine and headache which seems to be hormonal, so I am usually more focused on handling the migraine. I would love to have longer between bleeding!

I have a few early peri/other symptoms: a bit of brain fog/overwhelm, worsening tinnitus and bruxism, libido has all but disappeared, occasional palpitations, dizziness on standing (20+ times a day in this heat). Dry skin, skin sensitivity. My osteopath is a few years older than me and has been encouraging me to pursue a GP appt. I rarely see the GP and like to be prepared so I don’t forget anything, but am not sure what’s relevant here!

BMI is <23 (after weight loss) and I exercise (cardio and weights) a lot, always have. I don’t smoke, rarely drink, have hypermobility syndrome, asthma, and a few allergies.

Will the GP be able to help with any of the above?

If you do one thing - look up the symptoms of genitourinary syndrome of the menopause and if you get any go and ask GP for vaginal estrogen.

Other than that I'd recommend paying to see a menopause specialist. GPs can be shit at this and you won't necessarily be able to tell if that is the case or not.

Thank you @MissMurgatroyd, I have read a bit on here advising the same, so that’s useful.

I will look up specialists too.

@StrongGirlsLift There is a Menopause section in Health where you can get more replies.

I suggest you decide what you want from a GP.
Is it HRT?

Because there is little point seeing a GP if you just want to sense-check your symptoms which are perfectly normal for perimeno.

Thanks @Dirtyrose. I would like to treat some of the symptoms I’m experiencing.

As you already have the Mirena coil, you only need the estrogen part of hrt as the Mirena covers the progesterone side of it.

As you're under 45, GPs may want to follow medical guidance which is to do blood tests just to ensure there is nothing else going on apart from peri menopause.

Some GPs are reluctant to prescribe to women under 45- this is not correct, but just alerting you to the fact.

It's pretty simple to add estrogen as you have the Mirena. You can choose different types- tablets, gel to apply to your skin, spray or a patch.

Have a read about it- the website of Dr Louise Newson . She's not the 'be all and end all' of menopause doctors but she has made the menopause and treatment more accessible to women.

She has created a practice with a team of drs but there are other private consultants available.

Start with your own GP and take it from there.

Thank you! A great place to start.

Are you me?? These are basically all my symptoms.

Im early 40s, have just been given HRT. I have really low ferritin too, which mimics a lot of the peri symptoms.

Feel free to PM any questions

Oh hey @ShouldIStaySelfIsolated, not fun symptoms, poor you! Will PM you.