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[onion relish]

Hi,

I'm new here, but have introduced myself on the New board where Peri has suggested I search by inputing my postcode.

I've tried my postcode and even a Cardiff postcode, but no luck.

Does anyone know of any clinics in South Wales (Cardiff/Swansea/Carmarthen/Abergavenny)?

Thanks.

ETA: I'm trying to find a NHS clinic, though I may be able to sort out something for a private referral.

[CLKD]

Maybe have a look-see at the web-sites for your local Hospital/s to see if there is information there, then ring the Secretary of the Obs and Gina Consultant/s to see what menopause support they offer. 

[onion relish]

Hi CKLD

Thank you for replying - and your good idea. I've had a look and their info is on there (surprised me!). Will the secretaries mind me ringing up out of the blue?

I find it quite shocking and very depressing that there are no services in Wales for struggling menopausals. Though I'm the only one in my circle who has been willing to try HRT, so maybe the bad press years back really did take hold.

All my friends and acquaintances are suffering, but they're ALL trying naturals or anti-depressants. Results are interesting, though. Some are feeling worse on ADs, some are feeling no change on naturals - never ceases to amaze me how different we all are. One man's meat and all that. 

I spoke to a well-respected doctor at my local GUM clinic who told me that until last year she was totally against HRT and recommended natural therapies. After attending a conference, though, she's now recommending women in early menopause to speak to their GP about the benefits of HRT.

Which brings me to another point: for the last 20 years I've had a LOT of help from the GUM (formerly FPA) clinic services in my area. However, each time I've attended, another clinic has disappeared. Now, the largest local hospital to me only offers clinics on 1.5 days and local outreach clinics have virtually disappeared.

It seems as if changing the name from FPA to GUM has scared a lot of women off as I see more men in the waiting room these days (which is great that they're taking their health into their own hands). When it was the FPA I'd see a range of women of all ages and it was always packed.

Wouldn't it be nice if they could re-name the clinics as a kind of re-productive health clinic to umbrella FPA, GUM and menopause clinics? Offering both walk-in and appointments? Convenient especially to those who are nervous about using the services or don't have regular schedules?

I find it sad for young women today - well ALL women, really - that health services for us are being eroded. I've always gone to the GUM/FPA for my smear test as the nurse in our practice is male and a relative (which really puts me off). I've had to book my next smear 3 months ahead at the GUM, which will not be done if I'm bleeding. Which leaves me with another 3 month wait if I am.

Considering that I have no idea when my next period will be (like a lot of women with unpredictable cycles, though mine was always like clockwork), this leaves me in between a rock and a hard place as I have them every 6 months due to abnormalities.

I also don't know whether to be annoyed or depressed that the government is apparently spending over a billion pounds (I'm pretty sure I read this somewhere this week) on womens' services abroad. I would have hoped they'd have spent this money at home on services badly needed here first.

Okay, for anyone who read past the first line, thanks and rant now over. Bl**dy hormones!

[CLKD]

However much we rant, there is a World Wide agreement for 1st World Countries to support those in the 3rd World in the hope that it will help health care over all.  Also, by supporting different cultures the rest of the Medical Profession can all be more or less, on the same 'page' regarding what is required in those areas.  Unless the UK public agree to paying more tax in order to fund roads/mental health/old age care/public transport, the situation here is unlikely to change.

I doubt if the secretary will mind if you go in with "I am looking for advice and I hope that you can transfer me if you are unable to help initially but does your Consultant help ladies with menopause advice?"  There may be separate clinic arrangements for example.  Or you could ring the Appts. Office to see if there are specific Clinics and if so when they are held. 

I agree - Clinics need to be named in the easiest possible non-judgemental style possible but the powers that be, often not medically involved, sit round in the Pub probably to come up with new titles  .