Menopause Matters Forum

Menopause Discussion => All things menopause => Topic started by: may13 on June 15, 2017, 08:25:16 AM

Title: Doctor research HRT in front of me
Post by: may13 on June 15, 2017, 08:25:16 AM
I went to my Dr yesterday as I'm fed up of feeling miserable no sex drive anxious about EVERYTHING. The options were anti depressant s or Hrt. I asked if their was a menopause clinic but there's not so I said I'd try hrt. She got a big book out and started looking up different options. I felt like she maybe didn't know what was best and I suggested she research it and then i go back for a prescription but now I feel like I probably know more than her?! I'm so anxious about Hrt but she said it would help but didn't seem to know what she would prescribe? I read on here some of the side effects and wonder if I will actually feel any better?   :-\
Title: Re: Doctor research HRT in front of me
Post by: may13 on June 15, 2017, 08:30:32 AM
Sorry I put this in the wrong place how do I move it
?
Title: Re: Doctor research HRT in front of me
Post by: Tempest on June 15, 2017, 10:40:43 AM
If I were you, I'd take a look in the drop down menu on this site of available HRT's. You can ask any questions you may have on the forum about anything you are unsure of.

Then print off the list, putting a tick beside the types of HRT you'd be interested in trying and take it with you to your GP.

Unfortunately, GP's receive very little training in HRT - some are more clued up than others. This will be a good starting point though if you take the list with you, and show that you've made an informed choice yourself that you'd like to give HRT a go.

Good luck! xxxxx
Title: Re: Doctor research HRT in front of me
Post by: Hurdity on June 15, 2017, 11:44:24 AM
It is so frustrating when this happens and your doc has no excuse when half the adult population will experience menopause! Try not to be anxious may13 - there are thousands of women taking it quite happily and as the others have said - research as much as you can and then ask for what you want. There are lots of us who know more about menopause and HRT than our doctors - because we are specialists in a sense ;).

The first thing (in terms of what to try) is where you are in menopause and how old you are. What are your periods doing and what have your cycle lengths been recently? Also whether you would prefer a patch or a pill - which may depend on whether you have digestive issues, or migraines for example. Tablet HRT may not be so good for libido - but hopefully someone might come along and say theirs is just fine - and it may be better at higher doses (I don't know about this). :)

Let us know what you decide and as Tempest says do ask lots of questions!

Hurdity x
Title: Re: Doctor research HRT in front of me
Post by: br350 on June 15, 2017, 12:11:16 PM
may13, whether you get on with HRT is a very individual thing.  It has its pluses and minuses.  You won't know unless you try it.  I tried for a while - have stopped - and feel the better for it.  Most of what drives people to try it is the severity of their symptoms.  It's sounds like you're having a rough time, so it's good you got a consult!  When you are suffering badly, any possible side effect or risk may seem to pale in comparison.  Good luck!  Most doctors only seem to spew out the standard one-size-fits-all dosing verbage and it's wise to do your own research.  Hope you find relief soon!
Title: Re: Doctor research HRT in front of me
Post by: Kathleen on June 15, 2017, 02:02:47 PM
Hello may13 and welcome to the forum.

The other ladies have given you some good advice  and you will find many kindred spirits here!

I sympathise with you feeling anxious about everything as that has been my worst symptom and I know it is often mentioned on the forum.

It's frustrating to discover how little GPs know about HRT but at least on MM we can educate and support each other. The sisterhood in action!

Take care and keep posting.

K.
Title: Re: Doctor research HRT in front of me
Post by: may13 on June 16, 2017, 06:51:22 AM
The dr has done me a prescription for elleste duet conti. Before i have researched! I will have a look on here now. I'm 53 and haven't had a period for 18 months.
Thanks for all your responses
X
Title: Re: Doctor research HRT in front of me
Post by: Tempest on June 16, 2017, 12:04:52 PM
May, the Elleste Duet Conti seems like a good starting point so why not give it a go? You can post any questions you have here and ladies who use it will be able to advise and give you support.

Good luck! xxxxx
Title: Re: Doctor research HRT in front of me
Post by: dazned on June 16, 2017, 12:07:34 PM
You have to start somewhere in hrt,it's all trial and error unfortunately.
Good luck and remember there's always plenty of support and empathy here for you . ;)
Title: Re: Doctor research HRT in front of me
Post by: Hurdity on June 16, 2017, 07:58:04 PM
I agree - give it a go - remember there are thousands of women happily using all the different HRT types that never visit the forums because they do not need help and all is well - let's hope you are one of these :)

Hurdity x
Title: Re: Doctor research HRT in front of me
Post by: may13 on June 16, 2017, 09:24:10 PM
Thank you all. Fingers crossed. Will collect prescription next week and give it a trial xxx  :)
Title: Re: Doctor research HRT in front of me
Post by: Taz2 on June 16, 2017, 11:28:15 PM
My previous doctor who was very knowledgeable and also runs a private women's health clinic always checked in the book before changing my HRT. I think it shows that she was caring and wanted to make sure she was prescribing the right one for me.

Good luck with Elleste - let us know how you get on!

Taz x
Title: Re: Doctor research HRT in front of me
Post by: Daisycat on June 18, 2017, 07:36:49 AM
Thank you all. Fingers crossed. Will collect prescription next week and give it a trial xxx  :)

Very best of luck - do let us know how you get on :)

xxx
Title: Re: Doctor research HRT in front of me
Post by: paisley on June 18, 2017, 09:54:43 AM
Good luck. Really hope it works xx