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[racjen]

just been to seem my oh-so-sympatheric GP who is now insisting she can't continue to prescribe estrogen at the high dose I'm on (Evorel 200) due to the increased risk of thrombosis. As far as I can see from this forum I'm not that unusual being on that high a dose,
 and my specialist Dr.Gray assures me (and her) that taken transdermally there's no more risk than taking the oral contraceptive pill, so small but acceptable under the circumstances. I really don't want to have to get into a protracted battle over this but neither do i want to have to get this on private prescription too. Anyone else had this problem?

[CLKD]

Ring your Specialist Pronto?

[Mary G]

Why can't Dr. Gray write to your GP with their recommended prescription so that you can still get it on the NHS?  S/he is the menopause specialist so what s/he says should go. 

[racjen]

she's already done that but my Gp refuses to comply. I'm seeing Dr. Gray privately so I don't know whether that's put her nose out of joint, but since she won't refer me to an NHS specialist what am I meant to do?

[Dotty]

Daisydot has had same problem.... Gp won't agree to what private consultant says.

Could you see a different GP?

[Hurdity]

Um.... has she provided you with evidence to substantiate this?

Also in your position it might be worth having a blood test done, if you haven't had one recently - because you have no ovaries - to see how much you are absorbing. If your serum levels remain consistently within the normal range (which is very large) then she cannot surely continue to refuse?

If she does - then I would insist on referral to an NHS menopause clinic - where at least you could take your private consultation info along too. There is one in Poole which I think still operate, according to their website - Tim Hillard. You could find out about referrals. Really it is your right to have the best treatment for your condition and based on the most up-to-date information and taking into account your particular circumstances.

Hurdity x

[racjen]

Hurdity, I'm having regular blood tests and the last one about 3 weeks ago was the first to show any substantial improvement - it had gone from 245pmol  to 1200 in just a couple of months, so Dr. Gray suspects this may have been a flawed test anyway. But even if it's accurate that's not outside the acceptable range, especially since I'm still having symptoms.

I get the impression my GP just doesn't really believe the menopause can cause all this mental health stuff - all she's really interested in is getting me onto ADs or anti-anxiety meds and then palming me off to the Depression and Anxiety Service. So far my request to be referred to a menopause specialist has been refused because there are none in our area, she suggested a referral to a psychiatrist instead which will just mean more drugs....I think I probably need to change GPs.

[Hurdity]

Hi - thanks yes I remember now... sorry I forgot! I'm wondering if you could write to Dr Currie (only £25) and give your history and private prescription, explain your problems re GP and refusal to refer even outside the area and ask her advice ie can you insist on a referral if your GP will not prescribe what the private specialist has recommended? I mean you should be entitled to individualised treatment on NHS. Obviously you don't want to sour the relationship with your own doctor or the practice but sounds like you do need to take it higher somehow? Yes another GP might be an idea - but I guess you would need to test the water first or whatever the phrase is!

Hurdity x

[racjen]

Thanks Hurdity, I might try Dr. Currie. Also I think I might try ringing round a few surgeries to see if I can find a menopause sympathetic GP. Mine just seems to be getting more and more obstructive....

[Mary G]

racjen, how are your HRT supplies?  Are you in danger of running out any time soon?  Your doctor is a disgrace.

[racjen]

Think I have another month of patches yet so not getting too worried, but given that I've not had any reply from her since forwarding the letter from my specialist on Monday I have no idea what she's thinking now about prescribing. Will have to brace myself and phone next week I think. Or shell out yet again for a private prescription.