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[gal]

Hello everyone, a newbie here.  Thank goodness I have found something to make me realise I'm not the only one having issues here !!!!   

I'm early 50s, last period just over 2 years ago.  Suffering with flushing, irritability, tiredness.  After months and months of debate, I decided to make an appt with a female GP from my practice. My first appt was quite quick and GP happy to prescribe oral Femoston-Conti 1mg.  Initially I bounced out feeling utter relief.  Then began to think about the form of HRT, worrying specifically about DVT, Strokes etc.  I hadn't been offered anything other than the FC.

Next step, read lots and lots, revisited GP, apologised profusely but asked would it be possible to try the gel first.  GP quite taken aback.  Said that there really wasn't any call for the gel and made it well known that this was going to 'cost', be 'expensive'.  I felt awful.  GP leafed through book and said there were sachets, (Sandena 1mg).  I suggested a pump may be cheaper, I felt awful by now.  Never heard of pump.  Said chemist will have to send out for the sachets as they are unusual.  The Prescribed Norethisterone 350 mic G and said I have to take one of these 3 times a day.  This does seem a lot of bother.  I've read many times that some people are having the pumped gel and a progesterone they just take at night or morning and night.  I feel so worried about returning to the GP again and asking for something else and I know she won't be aware of what it is, given previous visit.  I rarely visit the gp, have worked for 37 years and feel terrible to be asking for anything else.  I don't know what to do.  I am now in possession of the 2 prescriptions, too worried to take the Femoston and unsure about being able to manage 3 x a day with the Norethisterone.   Is it worth trying to go private ? there aren't any clinics near, nearest is Bristol.   Why doesn't my GP know about any of the other choices ?  I've never felt so disempowered before.

Thank you for listening.  Sorry for the whinging nature of the post.   

[Mini1]

Hi I can sympathise. I'm 53 and had my last period 3 years ago. I've just started taking Kliovance. I wasn't offered anything else.

I'm sure there will be someone along who is better to put your fears at rest, but I think the worries about taking HRT have been shown to be wrong. X

[rebel2]

I've never been offered anything other than the oral route and in fact had no idea there were alternatives until I came on here!    But I agree with Mini that risks are minimal if you're healthy? 

[Taz2]

Hi gal. I understand your anxiety. Lots of us worry before starting HRT especially after reading the information leaflet. Do you have any health problems which you feel would put you at risk from oral HRT?

Taz x   

[jennyp25]

hi I am new. i started Evorel25 patch on yesterday. I am only 44, I had a hysterectomy at 29. i have suffered with depression for years even before my hysterectomy. but the last year ive suffered with hot flushes and exhausted. then the last few weeks i am not sleeping,snappy tearful. so my GP says its likely that the its menopause that my ovary that was left in has stopped working, i am a bit worried about the risks. and also to hear the benefits too thank you

[Taz2]

Hi jenny

At your age you do need HRT in order to protect the furture health of your heart and bones. HRT before the age of 50 doesn't count in terms of risks as you are merely replacing what should have been yours naturally until what is considered the normal age of menopause which is 50/51.

You will find lots of help and friendship on here. You might like to introduce yourself under New Members.

Taz x 

[jennyp25]

thank you 

[CLKD]

OK - your GP has moaned about the cost: go back and tell him/her that the cost of medication isn't your problem.  That getting well is something you want sorted.  "Please may I have a referral to a Menopause Clinic so that I can get advice as to what exactly I require!" - then let us know.

Browse round.  Make notes!

[gal]

Thanks for the replies. My blood pressure has always been a little high, however, white coat syndrome may be a factor. A little tender in the gall bladder area if eating really fatty foods. I exercise 4 times a week, like my wine on Fri and Sat.   I am overweight by medical standards.

 It's just am reading so much about gels enabling a liver-free absorption  they seem ideal. I suppose I just want someone confidently up to date with the options and that supports me rather than makes me feel like a spoilt brat. She was trying to be nice so maybe my expectations are too high. Can I self refer for initial private consultation does anyone know ?

[Joaniepat]

Yes, you can self refer. Lots of menopause specialists have private practices. After consultation he or she would write to your GP with their recommendations.

[Hurdity]

Hi gal

 

Aaaagh - yet another ill-informed GP!! For heavens sake - all the information is readily available to lay people and meidcs should know better. Norethisterone will protect your womb but is not one of the progestogens licensed for HRT separately - although it is prescribed as part of combi HRTs so it is OK to take this. I see that 350 mcg x 3 is approx what is given with higher dose combi oral HRT types like Kliovfem or Elleste Duet conti 2 mg (1 mg norethisterone) - but it may well be too much depending on the amount of gel you have been prescribed (1 mg gel is not a high dose...). I wouldn't want to take it 3 times a day either! You might be fine with this preparation though - just the dose might be too much.

All the progestogens are listed here:https://www.menopausematters.co.uk/to_progestogens.php.

You certainly should not have to go privately and sounds like your GP is on the right track although should not be talking about cost. Your reasons for choosing transdermal oestrogen are valid. I adopted a nil-by-mouth approach to HRT from the start for the same reasons.

However at you age if you have no health risks then stroke risk from oral HRT is minimal and usually is only considered a factor post 60 since incidence of stroke below this age is low.

Re your weight - as you are still young - now is the time to address this through diet if you can, slowly but surely - sounds like you are doing the right things re exercise etc - and this will also help your blood pressure.

There are no NHS menopause clinics near Bristol - I think the nearest ones are Poole or Oxford - shocking isn't it? However maybe there is someone in your practice who is better informed?  Maybe your own doc will decide to better inform herself after the consultation with you?  I'm not even sure there is a private specialist in Bristol any more.

Hope this helps and let us know what you decide.

Hurdity x

[gal]

Thank you, very informative re options there.  I will happily pay for a private consultation, just no idea how to even begin to find somewhere reputable and knowledgeable.  I live in Wales not far from the bridge.  Anyone have any recommendations please ? I'm assuming I could have the consultation then take the knowledge back to my GP ? .............. or even buy my own meds if I have too. 

[CLKD]

You shouldn't need to pay.  Maybe have a look see at your Hospital over the Bridge and see what health support is offered?  Or ring the Secretary to the Obs and Gynae Consultant and ask if he/she covers menopausal support?  Have a look at Professor Studd's web-site for ideas too.

[robotwars]

Just wondered how you were getting on Gal, there is a private consultant in Bristol at Nuffield hospital?