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[Ellen May]

And I feel so happy!

I had my visit this morning and it was such a relief to finally be listened too. She was very thorough and happy for me to ask lots of questions which she answered completely.

Over the last 2 years, I have been in and out of gp surgery, a&e etc with no results or feeling better. In fact the doctors have made me feel as though I am wasting their time. Yes they have sent me for scans or tried to px antidepressants but apart from that, no advice or support with regards to my peri menopause symptoms.

This lady was fantastic. Firstly she listened to what I had to say, wanted to read my list of symptoms I took with me and asked lots of questions. She then did an internal exam. And finally told me that she really believed it was the menopause and gave me a very clear plan of action.

She explained why I am getting the symptoms I have and what I can do to help myself. She will write to my gp to ask them for px of hrt and pelvic physio for my prolapse.

My husband is also pleased as she says I need to have regular sex to stop it  disappearing. In her words “use it or lose it” 😀😀 She recommended a lubricant called Replens.

Sorry to be offloading to you all, but I needed to share it! Also, everyone on here was so helpful to me a few weeks ago that I hope this info may be of benefit to somebody else.

[Ladybt28]

That's so nice to hear Ellen May - now...where is she and can we all see her please!!  #
You must feel like a weight has been lifted and now you have a plan and a good one at that!
Good Luck going forward x

[BlueButterfly]

So wonderful to hear (read)!!

[jillydoll]

I keep telling my OH, use it or lose it.
But it makes no difference, we're just to knackered to even raise a smile at night.....lol

Good news Ellen May, she sounded so nice, that's just what we women need at this time of our lives...sad their few and far between.....

Thanx for sharing....good luck..xx

[nightmare]

Hi there,

My name is Dee and I am new to this site so I hope I am using the forum correctly.

I have been reading various posts regarding the ups and downs of menopause.  For me the worst part is the severe depression i have.  I am trying to book an appointment with Dr. Panay at Harley Street but his secretary says he is not taking on any new patients. So I wonder does anyone know of another Consultant that works alongside Dr. Panay.

I am really desperate now to sort this out as my life is at a standstill.  I did move from London to Ireland 3 years ago and I think a part of the depression is that I feel unsettled but then there are times here that I am ok so I am putting it down to the menopause.  I am taking ostrogen only HRT, 2 mg a day by tablet but the doctor I have seems to know very little about the menopause.  I am also on 300 mg of venafaxine per day and 50 mg of mirtazapine but nothing is shifting my low mood.  I am in tears most days and I cannot see a way out.  I have absolutely no interest in anything in my life.  I used to be so happy and healthy and I honestly feel like giving up.

Can anybody out there who has sought treatment from Dr. Panay's team please give me a recommendation.

Thank you.

[CLKD]

Hi both!

Ellen May - get yourself some treatment for vaginal atrophy.  REPLENS won't ease symptoms long term.  As oestrogen levels drop off the body may become dry: inside and out; did the GP explain that skin, scalp, deep in the ears, eyes, vagina  , elbows may all become dry? as well as muscles may become lax = aches and pains.

I suggest that you read our threads on vaginal atrophy.  Make notes  .  Appropriate localised HRT will make a difference and some ladies find that adding 'yes' or 'sylc' products of use.  The idea is that the treatment plumps up vaginal tissues which means less dryness and less opportunity to itch.  Nowt to lose.

Otherwise you have been listened to, given advice and do let us know how you get on!

nightmare  - if you put 'Dr Panay' in to the search box on the Forum you will see several threads - also, low mood can be caused by hormonal imbalance but if the medication isn't helping, then maybe a hike in HRT is the way to go.  Hopefully someone will be along with advice and might I suggest that you start a thread of your own so that you don't lose sight of any replies? 

Dee did you move to Ireland 4 work, alone, for any particular reason and how's the weather? 

[Ladybt28]

Hi there Nightare (Dee) - sorry to hear you are feeling so rotten.  Can I ask what type of hrt you are taking and you say it is oestrogen only?  Can you tell us a bit more about your meno journey and we can put our collective heads together!  that's usually how it works and there will be others to come along and say hello in a bit.

Regarding Dr Panay I can't help with a and I am not surprised they are not taking on any more new clients they are one of the best known clinics and are always being talked about on the forum but that doesn't help you  .  Dr Louise Newsom is another big name and Dr Currie who is what I would call "the forum consultant" can be emailed for a fee for advice.  There is a list of men consultants around the country, if you to right to the top header under "professionals" or you can find someone under the British Menopause Society.  I don't go private although I thought about it (long story) but I am well looked after on the NHS.

Where about's in Ireland are you Dee?- I am in Northern Ireland.

[Dotty]

https://hormonehealth.co.uk/about-us/   Have a look at this website . This clinic was set up by Nick Panay. X

[Ellen May]

Thank you for that information CLKD, I will have a read up on vaginal atrophy.

The doctor didn't mention that at all, even after the internal examination so I will read up on it and go from there.

Dee, I am sorry you are going through such a rough time. Keep posting on here and try to find another doctor to see. I don't know much about who is good and who isn't as this is all very new to me, however there is a website called British Menopause Society which has a search function for specialists in your area. That may help.

[Maryjane]

I'm really pleased you felt comfortable with her 😊however sorry 🤦‍♀️ Replens isn't ideal for our vaginas it has a high osmosity which is not good.

Your vagina NEEDS local oestrogen nothing else can replace that other than oestrogen. A good quality moisturiser such as YES or SYLK along side is the best combination, replens has caused thrush for many ladies in my vaginal atrophy group.

Also use it or loose it 😡 don't get me started on that one, my own gynae hates the term and said it's actually incorrect.

My group is full of ladies told so flippantly to use it or loose it ( I have been also when I was speaking at a conference) with episiotomies about to split open, constant UTIs, burning, sore no. Get it healthy with local oestrogen/ HRT / dilators & in my case laser treatment before sex was even a thought.

Vaginal atrophy can't be cured only managed & the best thing to manage it is local oestrogen long term.

I have written a book called Me & My Menopausal Vagina, with many medics saying medics should read it, I think your gynae comes under that heading.

As you liked her so much perhaps you could do your own research & go to her with your plan. I'm afraid we have to educate ourselves & stand our own where necessary.

Is she an accredited menopause specialist? There are very few in the U.K. considering the amount of women. 🥴

[Karen max]

Hi nightmare
I have sent you a private message look in your inbox it's about the antidepressants your taking mirtztazpine

Karen x

[Ellen May]

Thank you for all the information, my joy of finding somebody who seems to be able to help were short lived it seems ☹️. She was a gynaecologist rather than menopause specialist. Think I am back at square one...

She didn't mention vaginal atrophy and only suggested the Replens when I said there doesn't seem to be as much lubrication at times. However, I will take on board all your advice and do my own research. I am going to an menopause open evening at hospital near me tomorrow with a friend so will see what happens there.

[Ladybt28]

The menopause open evening should be good.  I think a lot of us just learn what we think our bodies need and then we just come right out an ask for it - we are so frustrated pussyfooting around with people who should know but don't, that in the end we just say "well I think..." and "can I have because..."

Ask lots of questions at the open evening Ellen May and then you will have the ammo you need for a gp or a meno clinic.

[nightmare]

Hi Karen Max,

Thanks for your reply.  As a new member I am finding it impossible to navigate around the forum.  Probably a bit of brain fog with this menopause isnt helping.  I tried to go into my private email but canont.  I am happy to give you my email address if it is something I should know about mirtazapine.

Cheers

Deex

[CLKD]

nightmare - one has to have a certain amount of posts B4 one can access the private messages.  So browse round.  Make notes.

It's about education.  Discussion.  Making notes, seeing what experiences shared might be appropriate.  Then ask here again ;-).