Print

Please login or register.
1 Hour 1 Day 1 Week 1 Month Forever
Login with username, password and session length

[LizzieS]

Hi, I'm after some advice please! I haven't had a cycle for 4 years, I didn't think much of it, have a few sweats but they have calmed down a lot. I went to see my GP earlier this year to basically see what happens next.

I am 49, I am a chronic migraine sufferer, and I have had breast lumps (2 biopsies but all normal)

The GP I saw said yes I was menopausal but did not recommend HRT due to breast lumps.

I said thankyou ok and left it at that.

A short time later I asked about anything to help with painful sex, and a different Dr prescribed ESTRIOL cream (I used it as directed for about 3 weeks and no improvement in sex so stopped, I appreciate I should continue)

I have recently been advised that I should reconsider as the benefits of HRT far outweigh the risks (protection against Dementia, Cardio-vascular disease and Osteo Porosis). I have also recent found out that my Mum was diagnosed with Osteo Porosis a few years ago. I was told that there are lots of different options available including implants.

I rang my surgery to see if there was a menopause specialist there, there is not. I have a telephone appt later next month with a different Dr. I asked about any referrals to specialists and the Receptionist told me that if both Drs don't recommend then that's it and I have the cream to use.

I've been mooching around on here and feel that there should be some options open to me, but don't have the energy to start arguing, and OK it might go really well with the Dr appt but any tips or advice would really be appreciated as right now I just want to cry

[Tinkerbell]

Why has he said no HRT if the breast lumps are benign?

[Joaniepat]

If you want a referral to a menopause clinic, just tell one of the GPs. It is not up to the receptionist. Of course you are absolutely right that the benefits outweigh any perceived risks, but GPs often lack education in this area, so you have the right to specialist advice. If they withhold treatment or referral, your next step is to write to the practice manager.

In the meantime, start the estriol cream again, as I'm sure you realise that VA is a chronic condition and will only deteriorate if not treated.

Best wishes,
JP x

[CLKD]

Your Receptionist is incorrect!  You can ask for a 'phone call from the Practice Nurse, have a list of questions ready.  Jot down the answers and ask for a referral to a menopause clinic: NOT a gynaecologist as they know about as much as GPs seem to. 

There are many ways of delivering HRT and if breast lumps are benign, I can't see what the problem would be. 

Do read the threads on vaginal atrophy and bladder issues.  You need to specifically request either 'vagifem' or 'ovestin' which is inserted into the vagina - initially for 3 weeks every night then as necessary; usually every 4th and 6/7th nights.  Some ladies need 'vagifem' every night as well as using KYJelly/Yes or Sylc products on the outer labia area to keep it moist enough not to itch.

   as the tissues may be thin and sore do continue with the cream ........ there are a lot of nerve endings down there!

Browse round.  Make notes ;-)

[LizzieS]

Thankyou!!!

I don't know why the 1st Dr said not recommended, and I didn't know to push it.

Yes I will start using the cream again (I suppose I just found it uncomfortable and messy etc, my bad!)

And thankyou for giving me the confidence to stand my ground! When I had some input from a Nurse last week I was nearly in tears when I realised that all the times I went to my GP feeling overwhelmed and emotional it would have been perimenopause, and all the times I was prescribed anti depressants, how many women have to go through this??

I suppose I just ignored the menopause, but I could live for another 40 years and I want to LIVE and enjoy them!

Fingers crossed I get a good result with the Dr, and again, thanyou all       

[CLKD]

Let us know how you get on!

If ladies go to a GP crying etc. they will be given ADs which can help, some do need these along with HRT.  In recent years GPs are supposed to be told to consider menopause regardless if a lady attends of a 'certain' age, as we don't always know ourselves.  Fortunately I've been lucky!

Get that cream up there, I never find it messy ;-).  Ease it in gently ........ every night. 

We can ignore menopause until symptoms become annoying.  Some find that keeping a mood/food/symptom diary of use too.

[sheila99]

It's scandalous just how ignorant many GPs are about menopause and sadly many women are treated inappropriately with ADs or just fobbed off. The best thing you can do is to educate yourself about it so you can argue your case. Look at the NICE guidelines that say menopause should be treated by hrt not ADs and ask your gp why he isn't following them. If your gp won't help do ask for a referral and complain.