Good morning ladies
It was suggested to me by another fan of BHRT, that I should start a new thread on this topic.
Like most of us, I've explored many treatments for my own hormonal ups and downs. I've researched things thoroughly, and listened to other ladies experiences of BHRT.
Because the clinics that advise and treat people, using compounded (tailor made) hormone treatments are private, it can be quite an expensive journey, until you get things right... for you. Just like anything in life, the more successful a doctor becomes, the more their fees hike up. None of us want to throw money away but for me, I decided to go with my gut and with a clinic that was mid range, price wise, had a good reputation and longevity, and had experienced doctors for consultation.
The doctors tend to treat a range of problems that are hormonal, not just menopausal. They also treat men and younger people too.
A male friend of mine was treated at the Marion Gluck clinic. He is 60 and had been struggling enormously with exhaustion and low mood/libido. He is a new man now. And yet, he was very cynical about going there originally.
I'd just like to add at this point, that on all forums, there will be many different types of women. Some have very strong views based on what they have experienced. Some will have a prejudice with anything that is outside of the GP's surgery. I understand that, but all I am doing is sharing my own experience. I accept we are all different and are entitled to make choices that are good for us.
I'm a great believer in looking at things holistically, taking into account, not only physical symptoms, but also environment, relationships, stress, nutrition, sleep. It can become so confusing when you're exhausted to figure out what is causing symptoms. It can feel as if you're climbing a greasy pole, can't it?
I have the view that if someone has good results from a complementary or alternative treatment, then I'm very pleased for them. I have an open mind to most things.
I try my utmost not to give advice and it can be unwelcome when others do. Unless its requested of course.
The whole point i feel, is to share personal experiences. We are all intelligent adults and our bodies all react differently to others.
The Marion Gluck clinic is quite famous now. She is a doctor and specialised in obgyn, then went on to open her clinic around ten years ago. Her qualifications are on LinkedIn, for anyone who wishes to check her out. And there is the her website of course. She had worked for many years in Sydney and Germany, before coming to London.
I was going to try Prof Studd first of all, as I had read good things about him, but his fees are ridiculously high by comparison and personally, I felt I wanted to see a woman who had a more contemporary and holistic view of women's health. The MG Clinic are progressive and the consultation also may include looking at your diet and any possible auto immune conditions.
My experience with my GP's practice has been appalling and (apart from the fab Jan at Oxford Brooks, who is lovely), have taught me that they haven't a clue about menopause or any of the other associated conditions.
I may go back to the Gluck clinic if I hit a stone wall with NHS, as at least you're treated as an intelligent woman there, and not an idiot.
Just to add to this.. .but not to bring in another subject. I was diagnosed with CFS/Fibromyalgia a few years ago... by my GP. Interestingly, this is an umbrella term for a whole load of symptoms that are very common in post menopause. They tend to be triggered by stress, too much exercise and emotional trauma. I have met a few women with this nightmare condition who, since having their hormone levels sorted at a private clinic, have almost no Fibromyalgia/CFS symptoms. There is a strong link between low testosterone in a woman and CFS. They also have been advised to take certain good quality supplements that the condition requries.
Really, just another reason to look outside of the box of the limited, and sometimes outdated advice that the NHS is able to offer.
Because of my own experiences and belief system, I would love to work in this field. There's nothing more inspirational to other women who are struggling, than to speak to someone who has benefitted from things. It can be a very isolating place, menopause.