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[GypsyRoseLee]

After a really horrible few days last week, I have decided to bite the bullet and try HRT. The gynaecologist at the menopause clinic offered me HRT less than 2 months ago, but I stupidly turned it down as I'd been feeling better.

Have just rang to get another appointment, and she can't see me until next July! I cannot wait that long. I feel fine again now, but I know the horror will be back next month 

Does anyone know if I can just go back to my own GP and ask them to prescribe HRT instead? I do know my gynaecologist wrote to my GP recently stating she had diagnosed me with early ovarian failure (even though my FSH levels were within normal range) and that I was suffering from a sensitivity to hormone levels and could benefit from HRT.

Would that letter be enough to convince my GP to prescribe HRT for me

[donnacrichton]

Hi sorry your having it rough I also have early ovarian failure. The consultant wrote to my doctor and he prescribed what consultant advised even although he didn't agree with diagnosis. Good luck x

[GypsyRoseLee]

Thanks DONNA. I don't quite understand my diagnosis, as my bloods all came back normal and my bone scan showed very good density levels. But, my gynaecologist still diagnosed me with early ovarian failure just based on my periods being much lighter, my clinical history and my current issues with mood swings and anxiety. Plus early menopause runs very strongly in my family.

I am really hoping that my gynaecologist can just instruct my GP to prescribe for me, and that I won't have to wait 7 months to see her personally.

[Briony]

Mine prescribed it on the basis of an estrogen test (previous FSHtest was normal). As far as I know, you don't need to see a gynaecologist to get HRT (that's often the next step if symptoms don't ease) but I stand to be corrected on this.

[GypsyRoseLee]

I don't think I have had an estrogen test? Just FSH tests, and a bone scan? Both came back very 'normal'.

I've asked the receptionist at the meno clinic to see if the gynaecologist can just direct my GP to give me a script for HRT, based on their recommendations. I can't wait until July, it's too long.

[Briony]

You shouldn't have to wait that long - that's crazy! A neurologist of all people suggested testing my estrogen as apparently this can show dips, even if FSH is normal. My GP reluctantly agreed, then looked a bit embarrassed when the results came back. Having said all this, I think I have read that blood tests are so unreliable when hormones are fluctuating (as they do in peri menopause) that HRT can be prescribed on the basis if symptoms and family history alone?

[GypsyRoseLee]

Yes, even before she had the results back from my blood tests my gynaecologist told me she would probably disregard the results anyway, and diagnose me purely on my family and clinical history.

I might ask my GP about an estrogen test. I would be very interested to see the results of that.

[honeybun]

I think you should go on symptoms alone.

I have never had blood tests done as my GP thinks they are a waste of time and money. Hormones results can vary by the hour never mind the day.
 You know your own body so ask your GP for HRT after you have explained what happened.

Have a look at the green menu on the left to see your choices and help you decide what you would want to try.


Honeyb
x

[GypsyRoseLee]

I totally agree with what you say HONEYBUN. I don't really see the point in a blood test, which only tells you what your levels were on that hour the blood was taken.

Last Saturday I felt so dreadfully low and anxious all day. Then in less than 15 minutes I felt my mood rise and rise, and felt perfectly normal and happy before I went to bed.

That just shows how fast your body can respond to changes in hormone levels. I intend seeing my GP next week and really, really hope they can prescribe HRT instead of having to wait to see the gynaecologist again.