Hello everyone.
I'm 54 and suffering to the point of despair. I have most of the classic symptoms, hot flushes (double figures per day), night sweats which can require change of nightwear. Anxiety, brain fog, exhausted, muscle and joint pains etc. Still having a period every six months or so, very light and no pain, that's the only plus side! The symptoms have come and gone for probably the last 2 years but the last six months have been relentless. To the point I'm wondering what I'm waiting for.. they are not just going to stop on their own are they?
Finally I've had enough and have talked to my GP. Can only get telephone appointments at the moment so the GP (female) didn't let me complete my full list of symptoms, I had written it all down as well in preparation! She interrupted me and said "well before entertaining any HRT I will need full blood test and an up-to-date smear test result and I suggest a pregnancy test". The pregnancy test bit was because she asked if I was sexually active and when I said yes, she asked again to make sure! I'm putting on weight, especially around my middle but it's definitely not a baby. Great I thought, I'm now at least six weeks away from any form of help.
I've managed to book in for the blood test and smear, two weeks wait for that. I Knew I was due a smear but with covid restrictions last year and my Dad died, it got put to the back of my mind. The receptionist said smear test results are currently taking about three to four weeks at the moment. I can't book in for another appointment with the GP until all results are in, so it's probably two weeks after that for an appointment. I don't have any doubt that everything will come back 'normal'.
I read about the HRT prescribing guidance for GP's and there was no mention of needing blood test or smear results unless under 45 and possibility of something else being the problem. I'm disappointed with the GP, I thought being another woman in her late forties/early fifties she might be a little more understanding.
Tell me if you think I'm being unreasonable.