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[Bodiesmum]

Hi ladies,

My name is Karen and I just turned 47 yesterday.

 I haven't given much thought to the menopause until recently. For a while I think I've been suffering with some symptoms, which I have only recently put together and come up with the conclusion I may be postmenopausal.

I won't bore you with the whole gamut of symptoms. But the one that bugs me the most is the fact that I'm quite often completely shattered and feel like I'm coming down with the flu.

I went to see a GP earlier this year and said I thought I was here. He said it sounded that way, that there are no tests they can do, that you get HRT after you've come out the other side of the menopause, that there is nothing they can do to help me and that I'm a woman and I need to just deal with it.

So how do I help myself? I take dong quai, ferroglobin,  work out 3-5 times per week, try to get rest, eat lots of fruit and veg. What else can I do or take to try to help?

Thanks,

Karen

[CLKD]

  was there  ?

  

Time that we named and shamed these GPs!  Obviously he has NO IDEA.  Change your GP; if possible, your Practice.

We go into peri-menopause as oestrogen levels drop off.  Do read 'hints for husbands' which tells some of the symptoms.  The body may become dry - inside and out.  Also, muscles may become lax = aches and pains.  So there are things that GPs can advice upon.  Do read our threads on bladder issues and vaginal atrophy.  Make notes ;-).

Menopause is literally the last monthly period.  One is said to be 'out the other side' once we haven't had a bleed for 12 months.  However, periods can wax and wane for several years B4 we realise that we haven't had a period.  It was 5 years B4 I stopped carrying protection  .

Is there a GP at your Practice with an interest in womens' health, or a Nurse who can do a well woman appt. where you can be weighted, measured and discuss your issues.  Make a list to take with you.  There are blood tests that can tell where a woman is but my Gynae won't do them as hormone levels alter all the while. 

Make a note of the symptoms you would like to ease. 

[sheila99]

This makes my blood boil.  if you're the type of person who doesn't get intimidated read up as much as you can, perhaps print off the Nice guidelines then go and tell him how incompetent he is and as 50% of his patients will go through it it's time he educates himself. If you don't want a fight change GP. Whether you are peri or meno if hrt will help your symptoms you need a gp who will help you with it.

[Jari]

Bodiesmum, welcome and happy birthday for yesterday!

Have your periods stopped yet?

If not, then you're still perimenopausal.

Great you're working out 3-5 times a week. Sounds like your bmi is in a good place? Do you know what it is?

I would start by looking at your lifestyle and see if there's anything you can or need to change. Fitness sounds great. Are you having a good balanced diet? If you're feeling shattered a lot, I think you should get your gp to run some blood tests. You may be low in something like B12?! Worth checking that first and see where you're at... xx

[Bobidy]

Ooooooo it's bs like this that makes my blood boil! I was the same as you 2 years ago but my gps had absolutely no concept of peri menopause, how to diagnose or prescribe.

Please try another gp / nurse or if all else fails self refer to a private meno specialist like I had to (there is a list on here, British Menopause Society, or The Menopause Doctor).

If Hrt is appropriate for you you can start taking it now in peri to help with the multitude of horrid symptoms, not after the flipping meno, which could be years away yet! Great that you are very active, that will really help. Lots of other lifestyle changes you can make which will also help and set you up for the future.

Print the Nice guidelines, Dr Newson has some prescribing guidelines on The Menopause Doctor too. Try and get as informed as possible and get back to your gp. You don't have to suffer. Xx

[jaypo]

Happy birthday and welcome,drs seem to know nothing about menopause and your one is no different from many out there,there IS a test for menopause and you DO get hrt at start of meno not after,makes no sense at all

[shrosphirelass]

Welcome! The doctor is misinformed. If you are having symptoms there are treatments available. HRT is for use in the peri as well as post menopause. I asked my doctor to refer me to a menopause clinic as my symptoms weren't considered typical and that was really useful. Don't be fobbed off. Some doctors and nurse practitioners have limited up to date knowledge. Good luck.