Just got back from the GPs to request HRT for my peri, mainly to try the Oestrogel with the mini-pill. I requested the Oestrogen/Utrogestan combination, as I knew they would have a problem combining the pill with the gel.
After checking with another GP, due to her lack of experience, she came back to say it wasn't a 'no' for HRT at my age (46) but that I would need to see the other GP to discuss further because HRT is strictly for post-menopause and that the new NICE guidelines were still not the regular route due to the 7 year rule - in case I used up the 7 years before I hit menopause when would need it more. I told her I wasn't convinced about the 5-10 year rule and mentioned Studd's views on it, she was very understanding but wasn't in a position to help so have booked to see the other GP next week.
However, she did say that if they say yes, which she was sure they would once they knew I understood the risks, that I am unlikely to get the meds I requested as Oestrogel and Utrogestan are not normally prescribed together as the Oestrogel licence is only for use by post-meno women to use 'as and when', so not everyday where there is a need to combine it with progesterone.
Does anyone know if this is correct? Also, are GPs strict about the 5-10 year rule for taking HRT, as it seems some of you have been on it for longer than this? Surely the pill they're happy for me to take is more risky than HRT?