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[Aubrey]

Good morning,

My surgery won't put HRT on repeat prescription so every time I need more I have to go through the long and lumpy process of getting in touch with the surgery, then waiting days for a GP to approve the request and then 2 more days for it to reach the chemist who may or may not have it in stock. etc.

A month ago I requested a new prescription for Evorel 100 patches and sandrena gel, I use both to manage symptoms. Weird but it works for me. The prescribing GP refused to issue the prescription until I'd come and explain what the absolute hell I thought I was doing!  It being the NHS, that appointment was a 3 week wait!

I saw this same GP this morning and he clearly had no specialist knowledge of HRT. Can you imagine witholding drugs from a patient with a condition you have no specialist knowledge of? That in itself is pretty bad practice.

I explained why I was using both patch and sandrena and he had no advice to give that might stream line my off books approach, and couldn't advise on options for continuous. I know there are other options, I've seen people on here use names of drugs I've never been offered.

He issued my prescription, thank you god, but what hubris!

[CLKD]

We shouldn't have to beg for treatment that works and GPs with no knowledge in any speciality should refer to the app Clinic! Did he suggest a menopause clinic, bet he isn't even aware that such options exist.

Well done.  I would ask for a referral to a dedicated clinic who will recommend a plan which your GP can then follow.

[Mary G]

We keep seeing this on here ie women being given a hard time trying to get repeat prescriptions for HRT.

There seems to be a secret NHS directive somewhere that is trying to force women to fund their own HRT.  They seem to be using wearing down tactics so that you lose the will to live and say "sod it, I'll get hold of it myself". 

To be honest, I've always funded my own HRT because I don't get free prescriptions but it's not expensive to buy in pharmacies and I like it that way because I have a lot of choice with different products. This means I'm in complete control of it which is far better but I'm not sure if it's as easy as that in the UK.  I'm not sure how easy it is to get hold of Oestrogel for example.

I do think the NHS should be honest if they can no longer afford to fund menopause care.  They should also make it easier to buy HRT over the counter.

[CLKD]

Agreed.  Some Pharmaceutical Companies have stopped trading with the UK due to various reasons, probably either not being paid or quibbling about the prices.  And many Oncologists still insist that women should not use HRT forgetting about quality of Life!

[Aubrey]

CLKD, asking for a referral to a specialist clinic is a good idea; I imagine the NHS are having problems funding HRT. I pay for my prescriptions but I wonder how much the NHS is subsidising it.

I like the idea of doing it all privately, Mary G, so much more choice and ease of access. I'll do my sums and see if I can go this route without remortgaging my house.

[CLKD]

U may find that once U have discussed your requirements privately, that the Consultant will recommend treatment 2 your GP on the NHS.  Whether that GP is agreeable may be another matter.

[Mary G]

Aubrey, I would add that NHS menopause clinics are very oversubscribed and women are often waiting for over a year for an appointment so I really wouldn't pursue that option unless you really don't have any other choice.