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[Nabs]

Hi
Long story short. Was on hrt but new quack (he is) took me off as "women managed 30 years ago. It's part of life". Knew there was  no way I'd be getting a new script, so agreed.Nothing like going cold turkey . That was 6 months ago. Since then my emotions are everywhere. I feel lost, alone, tearful, anxious, neurotic and thats a good day. I have changed docs but do not want to see them about it. Don't want to be treated in the same dismissive way. Am taking vitimns and taking menopace but still feeling bad.
How do I get over the prob I have with docs?

[Freckles]

Hi Nabs
Sadly crap ill informed treatment/opinions  by GP's on the NHS is all too common.
I had the same experiences with my GP.
I'd suggest spending some time  reading old posts/threads on here to get more informed.
I think it does seem overwhelming information at first  but once you get your head round the issues (seems to be rigidly adhering to NHS guidelines versus  private treatment as well as more effective  treatment options, it does become clear
There is,  as you'd expect, a wide  range of views, but I was so appalled regarding my GP I went privately to Professor Studd's clinic in London.  It's not that expensive (my dentist charges more per minute).
Doubt if Menopace will be effective if you have hormonal imbalances- might appear to help if you are peri menopausal but only because your hormones will fluctuate so any improvements in psychological/physical health are due to varying hormone levels not Menopause.
I ended up seeing Professor Studd  because my 12 yr old GP was crap and had no knowledge of current NICE HRT guidelines, no interest in the menopause and thought anti-depressants were the only option in my 50's.
Seeing Studd was life changing and for me, well worth the £300 consolation fee and his prescription. 
I certainly couldn't handle the NHS "guidelines" for progesterone use for 2 weeks each month without becoming mentally unwell as I am progesterone sensitive/intolerant and can get severe PMS type symptoms
So read around on here and make some informed decisions!
Good luck!  Freckles x

[Taz2]

Hi Nabs - have you got a different doctor in the practice you could see. This view is very outdated and it is also wrong as my mum was on HRT in the late sixties!

How old are you?

Taz x

[Salad]

Sorry your GP is out dated and not supportive.

Is there another GP you could see who is more interested in Women's Health?
If not, ask for a referral to a Menopause Specialist to discuss your options.

Do you research on here and go with a Specialist in mind. I have just received an appointment to see a Specialist in London as there is no one local for me. It's an NHS referral so I'm not paying for the service.

Maybe print out the NICE guidelines to discuss with your GP - Good luck 

[Kathleen]

Hello Nabs and welcome to the forum.

Ah, ignorant and dismissive GPs, the world is full of 'em but good guys do exist, you just have to seek them out.

The first time I mentioned HRT to my previous doctor I assumed he'd be against it but he was all in favour. I learned later that his wife had had a terrible time and he'd struggled to get her HRT right. It seems there's nothing like first hand experience to really educate a fellow.

Wishing you well.

K.

[Hurdity]

Hi Nabs

 

Sorry to hear once more about another unhelpful GP - but we can change this little bit by little bit! You have taken the first step by changing GPs which is great. I agree with Salad, can you check with reception whether your new doc is a menopause specialist (and if not who is) - or does your practice have a website where you can see which docs have done any training in gynae issues? In our practice we don't have to see our own GP - I never do as I don't like her - she would have had me off HRT as soon as I turned 60.

You certainly do not need to go to a private consultant to go back on HRT....you haven't said how old you are but if you have only been off it for 6 months it should be very easy to restart.

As the others have said do lots of reading (info on this website - top tabs) and ask lots of questions and if you cannot get anywhere with your practice - before you even ask for a referral - pay for a £25 consultation (by e-mail) with Dr Currie (gynaecologist who founded and manages this website) to take to your doctor (info on home page). Also the websites of the British Menopause Society  and Women's Health Concern - both of which have fact sheets, and My Menopause Doctor (Louise Newson).

What type of HRT were you on before?

All the best and come back to us with any more questions and to update us with how you get on

Hurdity x

[CLKD]

Crikey!  Another 1 I can't believe it 

Do go to your Pharmacist and ask which GP Surgeries support menopause.  Also, see if your Practice has a Nurse with an interest in female problems.  Keep a list of your symptoms/moods/diet to take along.

Six months is a long while to wait and put up with symptoms, you deserve better!  Browse round.  Make notes.