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[Lynda07]

Hi everyone

after months of thinking I'll never consider HRT because of my obsessive fear of drugs, I'm swiftly changing my mind. I am having hot sweats (day and night - not unusual I know but I'm sick of waking 4-6 times a night wet through), depression (never suffered this before, only anxiety) and generally feeling absolutley terrible. I wake up each day and despite having an amazing amount of things to be thankful for, I just feel dead inside.

I wondered if anyone had been to any of the specialist clinics? I've not been to my GP yet - my husband thinks I should go there first but I think they'll only half listen or not have a real understanding of my issues - so was thinking of spending money on an appointment at Cambridge to see Dr Imogen Shaw (my nearest clinic). Is this a mad idea? The problem is depsite reading loads on here, I don't feel informed enough to discuss with my GP whereas a specialist will be able to inform me? Does this make sense or am I mad and should I just to my GP.

I'd just be grateful for your thoughts.

Thanks.

[nearly50]

Hi Lynda, I think you should go to see your GP first - you could write down all your symptoms and hand them over. You don't have anything to lose by going to see them and maybe they will be far better than you expect, saving you money and time.

[peri]

Hi Lynda07

First of all hrt is not a drug it is simply replacing what your body isn't making anymore.  If you chose patches or gel they are biodentical anyway I.e., a molecule compatible with your own body and made from soya or yam.

Regarding your GP it all depends how good/informed they are.  Mine have been very good and I've got everything mentioned on the forum without any difficulty.  However, I know others on here have struggled.  Why don't you try going along and asking for what you want and if you don't get any joy you could then go private, but you won't know unless you try. 

Hope this helps and good luck, let us know how you get on x

[Lynda07]

Thank you nearly50 and Peri.

I think one of my worries is I don't know what I want in terms of HRT - I feel overwhelmed by information. Maybe I should just go along and see what they say first (GP) - thank you, also for the reassurance I wouldn't actually be taking a drug. I'd not thought of it like that.

[Dee46]

Hi Lynda07

I resulted in seeing Imogen at the end of Jan this year, I had put faith in my gp but then decided this dread, panic attacks everyday & generally feeling like I am dying that the gp was not taking this serious enough. Imogen sees women like us all the time, mine is still early days she put me on 2 pumps oestrogel & 14 days ustrogestan, I am 10 weeks on this regime & still have lots of symptoms mainly the deliberating anxiety. She did say anxiety is hard to treat in peri but I wish I went to see a specialist sooner, I am back to see her next week for my 3 month review, this meno is awful, i don't see why we should pay private but gps don't have a clue & Imogen is a gynecologist, I would say go for it & book that appointment she can see you normally within 1 to 2 weeks, at least she understands what we are going through as gps do not, message me if you want to

[Salad]

I think it really depends on your GP 

My GP has been amazing. When I first went to see her about my symptoms she not only listened but directed me to and printed off information from this site 
I've had some weird symptoms along the way but it's been made easier knowing she is supportive. If I did not feel I was getting good advice/treatment then I would feel quite happy asking for a referral to a specialist.

[Lynda07]

Thank you Dee and Salad for your replies.

I rang my GP today and asked the receptionist if there was anyone there who specialised in the menopause. To my surprise she said a new Dr had just started who does specialise in that! So - I am going to see her on Wednesday and will see how I feel about what she says and does but if I feel fobbed off I will make that private appointment. Thanks Dee - it's good to know you have seen Imogen and I may well be in touch.

Lynda
x

[Dee46]

Lynda07

I also called my gp last summer & saw an older lady gp but was told about the riskids of hrt & that am I sure I am not depressed with this crippling anxiety, i informed her I have never suffered deprespion & never anxiety like this, also was told by the nurse that ADs sort out hormones!! My surgery is not clued i was put on femoston whoch did nothing for the anxiety hence why I went to see Imogen, she said she works very closely with this forum & The British Menopause Society, I am hoping she will help tweak my regiem next week as I am exhausted with this anxiety & dread, you can book an appointment direct on the private doctors website at a date & time that suits you, prices are also online, hope all goes well at the doctors keep us posted x

[MicheleMaBelle]

Hi Lynda07- sounds as if you have a plan then. most GPs will start you off on certain combined pills and work their way through a list until they think they've hit the spot. it does help immensely if you have a GP that at least knows a bit about it ( or is willing to learn) You just want to be heard and not dismissed as some sort of time waster and handed out some anti depressants. Your GP may be great so go along and see what she says. couple of points-  the one size fits all standardised doses doesn't suit everyone, progesterone can be problematic for some women and it takes time and trial and error.
I wasted 16 months with my GP before going private. Consultant was great and I'm a few weeks into new regime. I thought it would be magic bullet but still struggling with side effects so need to keep going if I can until my follow up appointment.

So, see your GP, she may be great. If you have any doubts, go for your private consultation- I wish I had done it sooner. Let us know how you get on x

[GypsyRoseLee]

Dee - I also suffer horribly with these hormonal low moods + anxiety. I see Prof John Studd, who is probably one of the best known menopause specialists, and he advocates 3-4 pumps of estrogel to calm the anxiety and low moods. 

[Dee46]

GRL Thanks you did reply to one of my post a couple of weeks ago & i have noted down all you said & going to take to Imogen next week to see if I need to go up to 3-4 pumps as per Poff John Studd who thinks we need more oestrogen, I know you said you also took sertraline at the same time bit how long until you really felt the anxiety get less? I had a calmer day today then anxiety hit at teatime!! Could have screamed &;shouted when it reared up again 

[samweller161]

Hi there, I actually went to the clinic before my doc (but only about a week before).  I think their advice is invaluable.  She wrote me a prescription and then wrote to my GP detailing what we had discussed and what we had agreed.  It was pretty easy as when I saw the GP she had received the letter already.  It was Kathy Abernathy in New Malden if you are in the south east - and of course Prof Studd and Nick Panay are in London, lots of the ladies here have been to them.

Dont be scared or nervous - it's scary but these folk are great and can help?

Good luck
SP x

[Mary G]

Another Professor Studd patient here.  I had no luck with GP who opened stated she knew nothing about HRT, then I did my own thing for a while before finally reached breakthrough when I consulted Professor Studd.  The key to success for me was the very low dosage of progesterone in his preferred HRT regime i.e. 7 days of 100mg (vaginal) Utrogestan but I take less than that under supervision. 

It sounds like you have been suffering for years so if you can afford it, I would fast track to a menopause specialist.  Hopefully your GP will help but if you feel fobbed off, don't hang around, make that appointment.

Please let us know how you get on. 

[Lynda07]

Thanks for everyone who replied.

My GP this morning was very matter of fact, the hot sweats are taking away my quality of life, which is true. I have been prescribed  Elleste Duet 1mg. I'm trying to ignore the list of side effects and hoping I can be one of these women who say 'oooh `HRT makes me feel great - I will let you know x

[Dee46]

Lynda07 Great to hear your GP has listened to you & prescribed hrt, exactly do not look at any possible side effects & take it one day at a time, I have been impatient but have had to learn this is a long journey with trial & error, I am sure you will be fine, keep us posted as it is good hear how you are getting on