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[JS79]

Evening, I've had enough of going to my GP, the last 3 or 4 conversations I have brought up the possibility of perimenopause and although they acknowledge this they won't discuss any further. I was offered sertraline to try for 6months but after seeing side effects mirrored my symptoms I thought it wasn't for me plus with having some health anxiety I don't think it's the right medication for me.
I take lansoprazole and gaviscon advanced for my acid reflux which only started when all these symptoms started 3yrs ago(although they settled but came back with vengeance 7months ago). I also started a vit d supplement of 1000iu in March as level was 27. At the time the GP suggested a b12 supplement as my level was 250 so at the low end of normal but then another GP told me to stop as I'm in the normal range.
I'm fed up not getting to have a discussion about HRT, after I talk about it and do some research of what is available to me I may decide it isn't right for me but surely my choice and not up to GP to restrict me.
This week I went and bought Health & Her Perimenopause supplement and also an omega oil 3,6 and 9 capsule to take. Only day 3 and currently on period so will update in a couple of weeks.
I also enquired to a local acupuncture centre and explained my situation. They feel acupuncture may help ease some symptoms but I don't know anyone who has used this treatment. Any advice would be great.
She has also recommended I take a magnesium supplement as it isn't a big dose in the perimenopause supplement.

[bombsh3ll]

If you are in a position to look at self funded options such as acupuncture and buying commercial supplements, why not just save up the £200-£300 that it typically costs to see a menopause specialist and get the treatment that you really feel would benefit you and that you deserve.

In most cases after the initial consultation they will write to your GP with a prescribing recommendation, and the NHS continues your treatment thereafter.

Sometimes GPs are just a bit scared of initiating HRT because of now outdated research which grossly overstated the risks whilst minimising the benefits, and also pressure from health boards to keep prescribing down - funnily enough this doesn't seem to apply with antidepressants, however most people stop these due to side effects and/or lack of efficacy after a few months, whereas most women want to continue hormone therapy long term.

[sheila99]

You need a different gp imo.

[JS79]

Bombshell, I did look into Newson Health and also naomi Potter work both of which would need to be video calls due to my location in North of Scotland. I guess I feel let down and ignored by medical professionals at the minute so trying some self help to see if that helps. I haven't looked that much into hrt again because I think I'm a bit scared of previous misinformation given, especially as my mum has had breast cancer.
Unfortunately Sheila I live in a small town and we only have one GP surgery that has about 6 GPs and I think I have made contact with most of them since symptoms got worse in Dec 2023.

[CLKD]

Morning JS79.  It's about Quality of Life as well as remembering that many GPs and gynaecologists have little or no idea about peri-menopause.  We shouldn't have to push for treatment .........

Browse round the Forum.  Make notes.  Decide which symptom you would like to ease first and keeping a mood/food/symptom diary may be useful. 

I believe that Scotland and Wales have different health 'ideas' [not the word I'm looking for  ]. 

Let us know how you get on?

[Tracy t]

I have health anxiety also so I feel you regarding taking anything I don't take anything either and yes my doctor is well your not helping yourself but actually I am because it would create even worse aniexty taking something lol but wat we have to remember is everyone has there own ways of dealing with things I don't think docters are up for taking your indivuality into consideration rather prescribe and see you later these days there lots of people on here with good advise I'm glad I joined you can feel quite isolated sometimes I do meditate and try to go on walks I eat dairy free and gluten free that's helped sounds weird but helped with bloating and stopped me eating has much then feeling crappy and helped keep my weight in control because I'm more aware of wat I eat now 🤗

[bombsh3ll]

There's a massive difference between an NHS GP who's allotted 8 minutes per patient and may not have had any training on perimenopause/menopause care, and an individualised consultation with a private specialist who gathers all the information that's important to you beforehand on their intake questionnaire, and then spends an hour discussing your needs and concerns.

Please don't be put off by a bad experience, sometimes the NHS just doesn't quite deliver on women's health due to resources and structural issues - it has to focus on sick-care for the acutely unwell.

Even if you ultimately don't feel that hormone therapy is for you, I think it is still worth seeing someone to get all the information and options so that you can make an empowered decision and have no regrets rather than resigning yourself to going without at least partially due to inadequate medical care.

[VioletAquarius]

Good advice and help here.

Regarding acupuncture, I have seen a few acupuncturists who advertise it can help with menopause symptoms.

An acupuncturist I went to last year acupunctured herself to stop her sweats/flushes.