I've seen a fair bit of criticism leveled at GP's for sending women for investigative procedures, when ‘all they really needed was oestrogen'. Silly doctors didn't know as much as the women on a menopause forum.
Some symptoms can have a multiple of causes, and there's only one word that strikes more horror into a woman than the ‘M' word… the ‘C' word.
Unlike some, who would scare a suffering woman off a medical procedure because ‘they'd heard terrible stories about it', I'd say that I'm sure that doctors try to do what they think is best.
Most tests are done to ‘rule out' the cause as well as determine it.
Be honest, if in doubt - wouldn't you rather they ruled out the ‘C' word before blaming it on the ‘M' word?
Actually - if you read many posts on this forum, it is our experience over the years, that some doctors (GPs) do not know as much about menopause and HRT as some women on this and other forums! Not to say all by any means, but enough to know that this site, and forums such as this are an invaluable resource for many women.
The main point, as others have said is that many doctors fail to recognise menopause. Of course no-one on here would dream of suggesting that procedures to rule out anything sinister, should not be carried out! Far from it - and of course doctors are right in erring on the side of caution. It is the lack of recognition of menopause in the face of multiple symptoms and following tests (if appropriate) to rule out anything sinister - that is a concern as members have pointed out.
There are always tragic instances of cancer going undetected - but unfortunately this will always be the case due to some cancers being more "silent" than others, and some people (and in some cases doctors) ignoring symptoms until too late.
Fortunately most members on here give generously of their time and experience so that women are not scared off a medical procedure - but I feel sorry for those who do not have access to such support and advice and for whom, as you say, not having the procedure could have life-threatening consequences.
GypsyRoseLee - your unhelpful experience speaks volumes, but glad at least you are now getting help and understanding your treatment.
Hurdity x