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[jenny44244]

I started on Femoston 1/10 three months ago. I’m 45 peri. The doc initially tried to insert a mirena but my womb wouldn’t open. I’m suffering from side effects, slight visual auras and some dizziness. Blood pressure is fine. I asked my GP if I could try a different hrt but she said it will make no difference. Basically that all hrt is essentially the same. I either put up with any side effects or stop hrt. Is this right?

[PeriWhat?!]

Is there a medical reason why you can only have that type of HRT? Otherwise, you definitely have options, and as far as I can tell a lot of people on here have tried various HRT regimes before finding the one that works best for them.

I'm 46, peri and now on my fourth HRT regime. It has taken some fighting for though! At times, it has felt like it has taken over my life.

Could you ask your GP to refer you to a menopause clinic if you have one near you? Don't give up.

[jenny44244]

No reason at all. I have no history of any medical conditions etc. I was really surprised by her attitude. She just said changing hrt is pointless as it’s all the same. Either put up with side effects or stop completely. I’d read about women changing hrt to find one that suits, so I wasn’t sure what to make of it tbh

[pepperminty]

Hi, no your GP isn't , otherwise there would be only one type of HRT!

Look on Louise Newson website- get clued up watching her pod casts and look at the treatment options at the top of the page here. Wait for 3 months to see if each option suits or not. Also levels of estrogen can make a difference.

https://d2931px9t312xa.cloudfront.net/menopausedoctor/files/information/364/Menopause%20and%20migraine.pdf

The dizziness and aura's may not be HRT - stress and anxiety can play a big part sometimes. Transdermal HRT can be better for migraines symptoms I believe. I am sure ladies with migraine type symptoms/ knowledge  will come along soon to support.
Or put key words in the search box.


PMXX

[jenny44244]

I’m on the waiting list to be seen at Newson Health Clinic, just really hoped my own GP would be more informed. She was extremely dismissive, not rude, just matter of fact that there was no point in changing. Very confusing.

[PeriWhat?!]

I'm no expert at all, I'm relatively early on in all this myself, but even I know the GP is wrong. Not only are there many different types and combinations of HRT, there are different dosages, and different ways of ways of getting the oestrogen and progesterone you need. This website is an absolute godsend. Do your own research if you can and ask questions on here - people will help you.
I've seen numerous GPs and (eventually) only one specialist menopause nurse at an NHS menopause clinic and honestly, I wanted to cry/scream/shout/hug her when I finally met the specialist who knew what she was talking about.
It's disgraceful and baffling, but it seems an awful lot of GPs don't have much knowledge of menopause or HRT.

[sheila99]

Stories like this make me so cross. Some GPs know absolutely nothing about meno, apparently it isn't even compulsory to attend the course at med school. If you feel up to it suggest she finds out what she's talking about before talking rubbish.

[jenny44244]

It’s outrageous really. I’m quite intimidated by doctors though, so don’t feel able to demand to be given something different. Should I ask to see another doctor maybe?

[sheila99]

Have a word with reception, some surgeries have someone who knows a bit more about it. Getting educated yourself is a good strategy so can question why she has come to a particular decision and argue against it. You could start by asking why she has prescribed oral hrt when transdermal is safer.

[Gilla999]

Awful! Agree on Sheila's strategy of educating yourself. I have had to do so, so much self education since all this started for me a year ago. I am so grateful to sites like Dr Newsom and of course this forum, through which I have learnt so much.

Like many other people I didn't just try one form of HRT and find it worked straight away. I tried Estradot at first and couldn't get on with that - it didn't seem to relieve my symptoms - but Lenzetto right from pretty much day one was a literal lifesaver for me. It may not be the case for you, but I think the attitude that it's all the same product and not worth trying is so unhelpful. It might all be the same ingredient when it comes to the Estrogen, but the method of delivery and absorption is different. Some people just do better with one than another.

Don't give up! xx

[CLKD]

The Surgery web-site may inform patients of the GPs with various interests. 

Some ladies find that keeping a mood/food/symptom diary useful to chart progress.  Which symptom would you like to ease first?

Let us know so that we can direct you to the threads offering experiences.  GPs sadly don't get the education that we require eventually, it's too far 'ahead' to even think about menopause!  MayB her time will
arrive ;-).

Ask away! We don't have to 'put up with anything'.  There is often an HRT regime to suit though it can be Trial and Error.  Some GPs recommend ADs for anxiety which can increase during perimenopause.  Some ADs might help.

Let us know how you get on.  U could ring the Clinic and ask how long you will have to wait, could you take an appt. if someone cancels?

[jenny44244]

Thanks so much for replying. The doctor is actually in her late 60s, but she’s very old school I think, and I’m guessing some of her knowledge is outdated really. The funny thing is I’m really well informed, I’ve read all about the diff types of hrt etc, but the doctor was so dismissive and clear that I was wasting my time switching, that it made me wonder if she was right. An appointment has come up for The Newson Clinic, which costs quite a lot, but hopefully will be worth it. I think my main difficulties are dizziness and night waking really.

[sheila99]

Can I suggest you speak with the practice manager after your appointment? You're fortunate you're in a position to access private health care but many women can't and your intervention could help them. Menopause treatment needs to have a much higher priority anf GP training needs to keep up.
 Hope your appointment goes well.

[CLKD]

Is there a long waiting list?  Let us know how you get on.

[jenny44244]

I think I’ve waited for about three months  for an app to come up. I’m really disappointed that my GP was so unhelpful, and I will def contact her again in the hope that it may help other women under her care.