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[toffeecushion]

Can you refer yourself to a menopause clinic for an assessment or do you have to be referred by a gp?  I live in the London/Kent area, has anyone any experience of clinics in my area?

[Taz2]

If it's NHS you have to be referred by your GP toffeecushion. No experience of the ones in your area - sorry - I was referred to the Oxford one which was around 50 miles from me.

Taz x

[Salad]

I've been wondering about going to a menopause specialist so I'm interested to see this thread.

I've used this site to flag up some clinic locations and it looks like I'd need to travel to get to a NHS clinic - there's a private clinic pretty much up the road.

My GP has been really supportive and has been so willing to listen to what I've researched on the Internet, but sometimes I wish it was me being given the advice rather than me finding it

I'm struggling to get my symptoms under control with Oestrogel at the minute, although reading the high doses some people use here has given me more confidence- (yesterday I used 7 pumps and had a better day.)

If I'm still struggling in another month then I'll ask my GP to refer me - probably Oxford too Taz2.

[Dancinggirl]

Hi Salad
What symptoms are you trying to control? Flushes and night sweats or anxiety? If you are using 6-7 pumps of Oestrogel that is a very high dose and I'm wondering if there is something else going on e.g. thyroid problems?  If you are suffering with anxiety then an SSRI like Citalopram alongside HRT seems to help many women.
Have you had a blood test done to see what your oestrogen levels are on this high dose and also whether your thyroid is functioning normally?
I think it is a good idea to go to a Meno Clinic but my experience of a NHS Meno Clinic in Edgeware, North London was mixed because it depended on which doctor was on duty but I've found going privately was good.  DG x

[mmbecks]

Hi - I've been to see Jan Brockie at the Oxford meno clinic at the John Radcliffe hospital - she is lovely and I would definitely recommend seeing her (you do need to be referred to see her by your GP - an email is fine). Also I found that she will call you and speak to you - so perhaps try that first (her number is on this website under find a specialist) good luck!

[Salad]

Thank you for your reply Dancinggirl and mmbecks

I've gone into natural menopause at 51 and had a TAH aged 48. My main problem is severe joint pain waking me in the early hours - mainly hip, but elbow and finger too. Plus constant headache and generally feeling unwell/no energy. These are my usual low oestrogen symptoms.

I recently had lots of investigations done as I developed a raised temperature, tachycardia, dizziness and a painful calf two weeks following gynae surgery to divide pelvic adhesions. After ruling out infection, cardiac issues, clotting or thyroid problems it looks like these were yet more low oestrogen symptoms as they've gone now I've upped my dose.

I was using 4/5 pumps before my latest op and dropped it to 2/3 afterwards and the new symptoms appeared. My GP said to go back up to 4/5 which I've been using for the last two weeks - yesterday I felt a bit desperate and used 7 and had a much better day so today I'll use 6. Maybe I'm back on top of it all.

My last Oestrogen level on 4/5 pumps was 370 - that was done to rule out tachyphylaxis as my GP was not comfortable with me adding in the 5th pump as my previous level was 670.

Anxiety is one symptom I've not had yet- guess there's still time.

 My GP is reviewing me again in February, I'll ask for a referral if I'm still struggling.
Thanks again x