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[Robin]

Body identical is regulated and made from yam plants in the form of patches eg: Evorel and gel eg: estrogel  That’s whats available on the NHS and is what Dr Newson and other menopause specialists prescribe.

Bio identical  is often compounded Oestrogen in the form of lozenges which is not regulated, it is not advised by NHS or menopause specialists, it’s quackery sold by expensive Private ‘clinics’ and often cause women problems.

If you look on my menopause doctors website there is a podcast by Dr Newson and investigative journalist Kate Muir who didn’t realise that it’s an inferior product and ran into problems after trying it. One of the reasons she made the documentary

[Wrensong]

Some great posts here.  Can't add much as others have said it so eloquently already, but as a past patient of NH I'm dismayed to hear what's happened to Dr Newson.  Such attitudes don't bode well for the wellbeing of women at menopause & beyond, but we can all do our bit to help bring about change by continuing to support & empower each other with the sharing of experience & knowledge, so we feel better informed & more confident in pushing for the treatment we need & upholding our right to it when that's challenged.

Robin, I'm saddened to know the detail you've posted here of what happened to you - my heart goes out to you for all you've been through.

[Robin]

They prescribe all the same progesterones and progestogen as NHS do. The only difference is they will prescribe androfemme testosterone cream which is for women whereas NHS only prescribe testosterone formulations made for men.

[Robin]

Thank you Wrensong that’s so kind. I’m so much better now I’ve finally got the treatment I needed from Dr Newson who saved my life as well as my sanity. I just wish all women could have the same and very much sooner than I did. Up until recently even after all I’d been through I just felt very lucky to be alive and back with my lovely family but I’m finding myself getting more and more frustrated and angry at the belligerent attitude of some medics who refuse to accept change is needed when women are crying out for help. As you say we can all play our part and this website is invaluable, allowing women to support each and empower each other

[racjen]

I agree, I've had worse treatment at the hands of female GPS than male. And in fact, I've had much better treatment from (mostly male) mental health professionals, who were quite adamant that my mental health crises were menopausal and I needed to see a menopause specialist. I too nearly lost my life (2 suicide attempts in the last 3 years) and I'm beginning to wonder if I'll ever work again - I'm 55 so that's quite a big deal .

[Robin]

I’ve often thought our menopause journeys sound very similar racjen. I had suicide attempts too. I do wonder if our very high SHBG levels have something to do with it but can’t see that ever being researched.I would never have imagined this could happen to me. The only red flags looking back were hormone sensitivities each month. I’m a little younger than you and although I’m vastly better than I was my experience was so bad too much damage was done from the treatments I had over such a long period that I don’t think my brain will ever recover enough to be able to do the job I loved.

[Robin]

So sorry you felt that way too Avalon. Have you found an HRT regime that works for you?

Kate Muir the journalist who wrote and produced the menopause documentary has written an excellent piece for the mail online today, there’s a link on My Menopause Doctors Twitter feed. More than 5000 doctors have signed up for Dr Newson's free training programme so far.  It’s well worth h a read.

[Passiongirl]

I watched this documentary and it's propelled me to go to my gp. Usual story.hot flushes etc etc but the worst thing is my bones.they ache so much I feel about 110 years old.my sister's and my mum suffered altho I only know about that recently as they never spoke about it.im the youngest and the thought of another few years of feeling like this is well. .unbearable.i have a telephone appointment on 17th June.i would prefer to actually see a doctor in person..i don't want to moan about it but he'll why shouldn't I??!! If this was happening to men it would be fixed by now.

[Robin]

Hi passiongirl, HRT made a big difference to my aches, pains and tendinitis. I hope your appointment goes well and you get the opportunity to try it. Good luck 🤞🏻X

[CLKD]

Passiongirl - make a note to have ready to speak to the GP.  Once he/she has spoken to you, you may well be offered a face2face appt.. Let us know?

[Kathleen]

Hello ladies.

Dr Newson has started a charity to support women and the menopause and research will be included. Donations from drug companies will not be allowed so money is being raised by crowd funding. Anyone wanting to learn more should go to Dr Newson's website.

Take care everyone.

K.

[KarineT]

Avalon, if you don't mind me asking, what health problems did the menopause cause?  What made you feel suicidal?  Did it start in peri and are still peri or post? Are you on HRT?

[KarineT]

Racjem, two suicide attempts seem extreme.  What they caused by depression?  I still cannot comprehend how just one hormone has the capacity to affect someone's mental health so much.  This is horrible and I often get scared that this could happen to me.

[Robin]

For me it wasn’t the situation I found myself in so much as the severe effect of lack of estrogen on my brain. Try not to worry because the most important thing is the awareness that it’s a  possibility for some women. If you’re aware of it you will be able to seek treatment if it happens to you or anyone around you x

Also over 5000 doctors/nurses have signed up to Dr Newson menopause course so hopefully there will soon be much more awareness and support 🤞🏻

[Gilla999]

Avalon, I just wanted to say I so empathised with your statement of "grieving for the loss of two years of my life." It's exactly how I feel and many times I have felt genuinely scared at what would have happened to me had I not been fortunate enough to be able to scrape together the pennies for a private appointment or two. A lot of women aren't in a situation where they can access that kind of healthcare and it's one of the biggest travesties of our generation that any treatment related to menopause is a blanket ban on private health insurance.

Disgusted but not at all surprised to hear the backlash that Louise Newsom is getting. A fantastic post from you Robin, I wish you could post it on twitter too!

I also agree that it's far from only male doctors - actually I've found the female GPs I saw to be worse if anything. Some women are lucky enough not to have too many problems with the menopause and therefore assume that that their experience is the benchmark and anyone saying differently is just "stuff and nonsense" or "anxiety" or *insert other generic hysterical women dialogue*.

All we can do is collectively continue to share our stories and not roll over and accept what we're dished out by any uneducated GPs!