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[Therese83]

The title says most of it! I'm 42 and had been getting more and more bothered by what I was sure were perimenopause symptoms but when I went to GP I was totally dismissed. They just said I was too young and had a busy stressful life (3 young kids). It felt particularly aggravating to be dismissed as several years ago I had problems conceiving my kids, was told I had severely low ovarian reserve and should expect early menopause. Obviously my GP has that all on record.

I absolutely knew I was not feeling myself so I went privately to a more knowledgeable GP who immediately said I was symptomatic and prescribed hormone replacement. Referred me for a Dexa scan also and I didn't think much of that. However I just got the results and I've got osteopenia. I feel really floored because I already do strength training and weight bearing exercise and have done for years. I can't help thinking about how if I'd accepted what my original GP said, I'd still be woefully lacking in oestrogen and none the wiser! Why are some GPs so behind the times and closed minded?

[bombsh3ll]

Nobody should experience this but sadly it remains all too common.

I am glad that you have managed to access the medical care that you needed and there is a good chance your bone health can be restored with appropriately dosed hormone therapy.

However it is unacceptable that you should have had to pay privately, and a real shame for all those who do not have either the knowledge or funds to do so.

Obviously the first priority is your wellbeing, and it is not your responsibility to educate medical professionals especially from a place of vulnerability, but if and when you feel able it would be worth communicating your experience in writing to both the GP practice and the local health board.

[Fianna]

So frustrating.  Big hugs x

[CLKD]

I would add writing to Dr Currie and the BMS.  This attitude from the medical profession is negligence.

Also, I would let your Practice know that there is no time limit for peri-menopause: some girls never menstruate [rare], some have a few periods then nowt ........ and we can begin feeling symptoms at any age.  This 'mean age' of 52 is rubbish! 

Why won't GPs go on symptoms, I'm sure that men wouldn't be similarly dismissed! 

[CLKD]

If any1 must GOOGLE use NHS sites!

[sheila99]

There are many, many GPs clueless about meno. Until recently it wasn't even a compulsory topic in their training. For a condition that 50% of their patients are guaranteed to have   . Make sure your gp and the practice manager know that the care you had from them was inadequate and perhaps suggest some training may be appropriate. My gp was unable to recognise my peri symptoms because I didn't have hot flushes, you'd think my age (56) might have given them a clue.

[Therese83]

I can't thank all of you enough for your replies. I almost stopped myself when I posted because I thought, what am I actually asking here?! But then I decided the need for a rant and to feel understood was enough reason.

I really appreciate the advice to put something in writing. It's not something I'd naturally have gone to because I'm a bit avoidant of confrontation! But you're all right. The GPs need to learn. The first one I saw said issues with memory and concentration (I do a job with a lot of high level thinking) wasn't a perimenopause symptom. Hello?! TBH you'd have thought she'd never heard of perimenopause because she asked if I was still having regular periods and when I said yes (although getting less regular) she said well there couldn't be hormonal issues until I was finished menstruation. I wish I was kidding! Also said no wonder I had no sex drive because I'm so busy and tired how could I feel like being intimate with my partner.

I had been feeling almost embarrassed about what I'd say when I go back to my regular surgery - like I was going to have to slink in and say "someone else has put me on HRT when you said no". But now I feel like going in and slapping the Dexa report on the desk! I'm in Ireland and the way it works here is you're registered with your own GP but you can also go to walk-in places. When I first approached the other Dr I had thought I was self-referring to a specialist but she's actually also a GP with specialist menopause knowledge. And her setup is kind of like a walk-in clinic. So she won't have sent any info to my own GP and I need them to continue managing my thyroid condition so I'll be back in with them shortly. I will give some thought to how and when I might go about communicating with them in writing.

[CLKD]

Quote this Forum for starters?  Don't go in with all guns blazing rather : I've been talking to other peri-menopausal women and found MM - is this a group that you have heard of?  MayB we can build a working relationship about menopause symptoms, learning along the way ......... good luck!

[Therese83]

Thank you CLKD, I like that idea! I do sometimes blow up despite being uncomfortable with confrontation most of the time, but then it never feels good afterwards. That would feel more constructive to me. I do like these GPs and I think they mean well so my aim is not to make them feel bad. It's to make them think differently so the next patient in my shoes isn't fobbed off.

[CLKD]

If U get a positive response, mayB suggest a few meetings for Nurse Practitioners, GPs and yourself with a view to beginning a monthly group in your area?  Let us know how you get on. Years ago Drug Companies would host buffet evenings to discuss the lastest drugs on the market, however, menopause won't have anything 'new' to offer.  It's getting what is available out to women without the lack of knowledge with GPs being willing to learn. 

[sheila99]

You can get your point across without being confrontational. It might be better to find medical source about early menopause rather than 'some randomer on a forum says ..'. Though perhaps this forum might help them understand just how many different symptoms there are and how things differ between individuals.

[Ayesha]

My little bit of advice is if you do mention this forum explain that its UK based created by Dr Heather Currie.
It will then not be assumed as some random forum that you googled from the USA for example. I made sure I explained this fact when fighting for topical oestrogen and my need to use a higher dose.

[sheila99]

I didn't mean this is some random forum, just that the people who contribute are not professionals. If Dr Currie says something they'll believe her, if you or I say it they might not.

[Therese83]

Thanks all again. I'll be honest, I know that this isn't something I'll be going on a crusade about. I don't have time or energy in my life right now to spare. But I definitely want to make them aware they missed signs because of an outdated rule of thumb.

I think my fear is that writing a letter is essentially a complaint, and while I often relish writing complaints where I think they're due, I don't usually know the people! I was dismissed by two GPs in the surgery, one was new but the other is my main GP who I've gone to for years. My plan is to keep going there (although not having them handle my HRT!). So that's the part I'm struggling with. Balancing the seriousness and importance of it with maintaining the relationship.

[Minusminnie]

I would go to the GP that you have seen for years and just give him/her your results from the private consultation straight up.

If you’ve no time for a crusade then concentrate on putting this right for yourself.

Put the ball back with your usual GP to now do something for you. Even if professional pride means another Dexa scan for you.