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[JS79]

Evening, I've had enough of going to my GP, the last 3 or 4 conversations I have brought up the possibility of perimenopause and although they acknowledge this they won't discuss any further. I was offered sertraline to try for 6months but after seeing side effects mirrored my symptoms I thought it wasn't for me plus with having some health anxiety I don't think it's the right medication for me.
I take lansoprazole and gaviscon advanced for my acid reflux which only started when all these symptoms started 3yrs ago(although they settled but came back with vengeance 7months ago). I also started a vit d supplement of 1000iu in March as level was 27. At the time the GP suggested a b12 supplement as my level was 250 so at the low end of normal but then another GP told me to stop as I'm in the normal range.
I'm fed up not getting to have a discussion about HRT, after I talk about it and do some research of what is available to me I may decide it isn't right for me but surely my choice and not up to GP to restrict me.
This week I went and bought Health & Her Perimenopause supplement and also an omega oil 3,6 and 9 capsule to take. Only day 3 and currently on period so will update in a couple of weeks.
I also enquired to a local acupuncture centre and explained my situation. They feel acupuncture may help ease some symptoms but I don't know anyone who has used this treatment. Any advice would be great.
She has also recommended I take a magnesium supplement as it isn't a big dose in the perimenopause supplement.

[bombsh3ll]

If you are in a position to look at self funded options such as acupuncture and buying commercial supplements, why not just save up the £200-£300 that it typically costs to see a menopause specialist and get the treatment that you really feel would benefit you and that you deserve.

In most cases after the initial consultation they will write to your GP with a prescribing recommendation, and the NHS continues your treatment thereafter.

Sometimes GPs are just a bit scared of initiating HRT because of now outdated research which grossly overstated the risks whilst minimising the benefits, and also pressure from health boards to keep prescribing down - funnily enough this doesn't seem to apply with antidepressants, however most people stop these due to side effects and/or lack of efficacy after a few months, whereas most women want to continue hormone therapy long term.

[sheila99]

You need a different gp imo.

[JS79]

Bombshell, I did look into Newson Health and also naomi Potter work both of which would need to be video calls due to my location in North of Scotland. I guess I feel let down and ignored by medical professionals at the minute so trying some self help to see if that helps. I haven't looked that much into hrt again because I think I'm a bit scared of previous misinformation given, especially as my mum has had breast cancer.
Unfortunately Sheila I live in a small town and we only have one GP surgery that has about 6 GPs and I think I have made contact with most of them since symptoms got worse in Dec 2023.

[CLKD]

Morning JS79.  It's about Quality of Life as well as remembering that many GPs and gynaecologists have little or no idea about peri-menopause.  We shouldn't have to push for treatment .........

Browse round the Forum.  Make notes.  Decide which symptom you would like to ease first and keeping a mood/food/symptom diary may be useful. 

I believe that Scotland and Wales have different health 'ideas' [not the word I'm looking for  ]. 

Let us know how you get on?

[Tracy t]

I have health anxiety also so I feel you regarding taking anything I don't take anything either and yes my doctor is well your not helping yourself but actually I am because it would create even worse aniexty taking something lol but wat we have to remember is everyone has there own ways of dealing with things I don't think docters are up for taking your indivuality into consideration rather prescribe and see you later these days there lots of people on here with good advise I'm glad I joined you can feel quite isolated sometimes I do meditate and try to go on walks I eat dairy free and gluten free that's helped sounds weird but helped with bloating and stopped me eating has much then feeling crappy and helped keep my weight in control because I'm more aware of wat I eat now 🤗

[bombsh3ll]

There's a massive difference between an NHS GP who's allotted 8 minutes per patient and may not have had any training on perimenopause/menopause care, and an individualised consultation with a private specialist who gathers all the information that's important to you beforehand on their intake questionnaire, and then spends an hour discussing your needs and concerns.

Please don't be put off by a bad experience, sometimes the NHS just doesn't quite deliver on women's health due to resources and structural issues - it has to focus on sick-care for the acutely unwell.

Even if you ultimately don't feel that hormone therapy is for you, I think it is still worth seeing someone to get all the information and options so that you can make an empowered decision and have no regrets rather than resigning yourself to going without at least partially due to inadequate medical care.

[VioletAquarius]

Good advice and help here.

Regarding acupuncture, I have seen a few acupuncturists who advertise it can help with menopause symptoms.

An acupuncturist I went to last year acupunctured herself to stop her sweats/flushes.

[JS79]

Well I've bit the bullet and booked a consult at Newson Health. I'm not sure I want or need HRT but I feel I need that discussion and I'm not getting it from my GP and don't trust them enough to discuss such an important issue.

[CLKD]

Well done.  Make a list to take with you to the appt.. Any idea how long you will have to wait, do let us know how you get on?  Deciding on which symptom you would like to ease first can be helpful too.

[JS79]

Appt is next Tues at 4.30. I'm based in North Scotland so it will be a video call.
Main symptoms are fatigue and anxiety. These seem to be constant where as other issues like burning mouth, reflux, tingling, raynauds same to come and go.
I've asked my GP surgery to print out my recent full blood results( 2nd July). I'm sure it's not going to be the magic wand that I need but hopefully a step in the right direction.

[CLKD]

Raynaud's can be hereditary.  DH has 1 finger on 1 hand that goes white until his hands warm through.  His Dad had similar.

Burning mouth: after I changed my toothpaste to 1 with less/no SLS in the recipe that burning stopped.  It affected my mouth instantly when eating a banana, chocolate, butter on toast ......... SLS is in many products as well as many oils that aren't really necessary.

I was already on ADs and anti-anxiety medication when I went into peri., I did suffer intense nausea and knew where every bin was placed in shops that we regularly used!  Not required.  Fortunately. 

Has your thyroid function and VitD levels been tested recently?   Let us know how you get on.

[JS79]

Never had a problem with raynauds until Feb this year and again it doesn't happen regularly. It's like they come and go in waves. I week I could be experiencing stomach issues, then next week it's all in my chest and armpits then issues with my throat the following.
One minute I can be on 4 different meds for reflux and GP suspects hiatus hernia then at monent I can eat whatever I want and only take 1 lansoprazole a day. Reflux also started at same time as the rest of symptoms.
I was offered ADs a few yrs ago when I had close family deaths all at once and struggled but I didn't take them but did go to speak to their counselling team.
I had thyroid checked in Jan and it was just in the normal range. I asked for vit d and b12 in Feb as was convinced it was MS. Vit d was 27 so I got put on supplement of 1000 iu, my b12 was 252(normal is over 200) one GP said to take a supplement as low end of normal but Neurologist said it wasn't a concern and not to take.
I've had bloods taken again at start of July and GP said they all look fine. I've asked for a print out so I can tell Newson, should be ready for collection Monday and I will compare results to Feb.

[JS79]

Evening ladies, I've had a rough few days between the ward being busy and my dad being unwell so I've being staying there to help my mum.
Anyway, I just had my consult with Newson......I feel amazing. I feel listened too, I feel all my symptoms were acknowledged instead of GP just dealing with 1 symptom at a time. My OH came on call and she asked them questions and how they have seen a change in me etc. We laughed, I nearly cried once, it was very relaxing.
I'm starting in next couple of days of 2 pumps estrogen then 14days after my next period I'm taking 2 utrogestan(?). If after 6wks I'm seeing some improvement but not much I can go to 3 pumps. I'm getting 1st month from them, then she hopes my GP will take over prescription. I have a 3month review and we may discuss testosterone then but that would be after bloods etc.
I'm scared, I'm excited but at least I'm doing something to try and make myself better. Hopefully in a couple of months I may see some of the old me back.

[bombsh3ll]

That's great news 👍 thanks for sharing your experience - I would probably try Newson Health myself should I ever become unable to obtain the treatment I need.

I hope the hormone therapy helps you!