I’m feeling very let down by my GP [General Practitioner]. Firstly, I am 47 so in the prime window for peri-menopausal symptoms, but each time I discuss what’s going on with my body I get very generic advice and feel like my concerns are being dismissed. Although my doctor is a woman, she’s younger and so hasn’t experienced the joys of aging and menopause yet. I think it’s time to switch, but want to know if I might run into the same problems elsewhere before going through the hassle. Is it just me or has this happened to others?
- Diane, Manchester
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Poppie6 years ago
Hi I have found the same problems with multiple doctors, both women and men! Sorry, I found these discussions and pages to be more helpful I found the doctors I have spoken to all prescribe anti depressants Don’t get me wrong I have tried quite a few! But unfortunately cannot cope with their side affects I have b12 injections every 3 months and take a sleeping aid , just to get me through this period I have tried multiple natural remedies too but didn’t feel any better Hope this helps Julie
Tam6 years ago
I’ve had a similar experience with my GP. For a woman in her late 50’s/early 60’s she’s surprisingly uninformed. When I asked her about body identical hormones she told me they weren’t available on the NHS, but I’ve since found out that some brands are. I’ve also found out that your GPS can refer you to a NHS Menopause Clinic - another thing she failed to mention. I appreciate that GPs are just that - GENERAL practitioners, but I’ve still been surprised and disappointed by the lack of support and knowledge. As soon as we’re through the Lockdown I am going to ask my GP to refer me to a specialist - if you’re in London I believe there are clinics at Guys and Queen Charlottes. Hope that helps.
LIMreplying to Tam6 years ago
I too have problems with GPs men and women. It’s either HRT or nothing. I was told the GP could NOT refer me to a menopause clinic. I will ask again.
Sabreplying to Tam6 years ago
+1 for the NHS Menopause Clinic - I got referred there shortly after surgical menopause and the two consultants I meet with regularly have an answer to every question I’ve asked. I have also managed to get prescriptions for body-identical HRT from the Clinic, and it’s made me feel closer to ‘normal’ than any other medication I’ve tried. Extremely helpful and very very well-informed. It’s an excellent service that GPs need to inform patients about a lot more.
Anonymousreplying to Sab6 years ago
can i ask you what hrt u take, as i too have had surgical menopause and take estrogel and utrogestan. i need progesterone to stabilize estrogen and i can’t tolerate it unopposed but the hair loss and sweating in groin and armpits really effecting my mental health. 2 yrs i battled with hrt and think i was better not on it.
Anonymousreplying to Tam6 years ago
They really don’t want to(or can’t due to commissioning restrictions) do anything to help us as far as I can see. I will research menopause specialists in my area and present the evidence to my Gp if there is. Many thanks for mentioning x
Alexandrareplying to Tam6 years ago
I live in the US and experienced the same problems as you did across the Atlantic. It’s almost as if no one wants to talk about it (my GP) and even the OBGyn was oddly short and weird about it. Mind you, both are female physicians and I particularly picked the OBGyn because she’s a woman at my age, 50 yo because I thought she’d understand me better than a man would. Wrong! After a lifetime of having had wonderful male OBGyn’s I felt utterly disappointed in her disinterest of my symptoms, concerns & questions. Good luck to all of you finding a knowledgeable doc, regardless of gender, who’s able to make you feel understood, taken seriously & well taken care of.
Diane6 years ago
Hi Julie, thanks for responding. Sorry to hear about your struggles... I agree I've found discussions with other women so much more useful than doctors! Sad but true. Like you I'm also averse to go on anti-depressants so I'm just trying to figure out other options that are right for me. I wish you luck and thank you for sharing your experience!
Emso6 years ago
Hi. I am the same, also aged 47. My doctor keeps telling me I am too young, despite both my sister going on HRT at 47. He says there are only two defo signs of menopause and that’s hot flushes and pain during sex, neither of which I have. Very frustrating!!
Diane6 years ago
Hi Emso - thanks for responding and sharing your experience. I'm sorry you've also had to deal with this frustration! "Too young"?? I've been shocked at how uninformed doctors can be about menopause. Out of curiosity, which symptoms have you experienced, if not hot flashes/painful sex? For me, trouble sleeping and anxiety have been my biggest issues recently..
Virginiareplying to Diane6 years ago
Hi Diane, Like you, my main culprit is anxiety and trouble staying asleep. I am 52, so I have been taking b12 over the years on an off when I am having anxious feelings. Sometimes the B-complex to get a balance of the B. I also take Vitamin E sometimes. Now I take multivitamin for Her+ 50, which is for women over 50. And I am taking a he B - complex again. Seems to work. But I also pay attention to what I eat. Less process foods and more foods that will help with this menopause stuff. Flaxseed, almond nuts, real chocolate, yogurt, more vegetables apricots, berries. Chamomile teas, sour sap tea, Passion flower tea.. Meditation, cognitive behavior this helps me to not over react to the body sensations. I acknowledge the feeling and relax with it, confirming this too will pass.. I think my symptoms was always there, they become more noticeable last two months because I am not so busy at home due to we got to stay home more now because of virus. As well as the stress of current circumstances in the world flares it up. Before I was so busy working and being tired from working all the symptoms was not noticeable. The only thing I noticed before was the hot flashes, and night sweats. At night I would become awake from the hot one minute, cold the next but I would fall right back to sleep. I guess I was tired enough to just go to sleep. Now we are more rested, not so tired from working.. google search or Pinterest has lost of information about menopause too.
Dianereplying to Virginia6 years ago
Thanks for sharing Virginia, and that's an interesting perspective! Makes a lot of sense that you've been sensing your symptoms more during the lockdown. I too have been trying to not get worked up about my symptoms as that only makes things worse. I'm going to take your advice about watching what I eat and cutting down on processed food. Thank you, i appreciate all the help!!
Anonymousreplying to Diane6 years ago
Anxiety started out of the blue 18 months ago. It’s constant everyday even when I’m feel happy etc I still get anxiety. Memory problems, my husband has even commented about how bad my memory is these days. Fatigue, constantly tired. Night sweats. I am taking Vitamins which are helping. Tc xxx
Anonymous6 years ago
Ask your GP to read the NICE guidelines for treatment of menopause. These provide all the guidance they need for effective treatment.
Anonymous4 years ago
Whaaat?! My sex life has improved. I realize that isn’t the norm, but it also doesn’t mean that I’m not experiencing peri-menopause. I’d think the wonky periods, further gaps between them, and shorter periods would be a symptom.
Gorda6 years ago
Hi Diane, Looks like we’re all in the same boat, I’ve had just the usual “advice” from GPs (yes, I wanted a second opinion and I’ve seen both female and male GPs). Talking to other women with the same symptoms helps a lot more. It took me months to finally get a 1 month prescription for “Tibicare” HRT tablets, because as you know certain celebrities swear by using HRT....well, that particular tablet did not work, it made symptoms so much worse. When I eventually got to see some so called specialist and I told her what had happened and could I maybe try gel or patches or just some different tablet she just told me “NO....you’re one of those women that just has to live with it,....NEXT!!!!”? Can I ask what your symptoms are? I’m in my 5th year of the menopause and I thought last year was horrific were insomnia, weight gain, depression and profuse sweating is concerned....I was wrong, it’s like having a running tap on my head!!!!? I’ve also tried some herbal menopause tablets, basically to calm you down during the day and help you sleep at night, once again a total waste of money, did not work at all. I know this probably won’t make you feel any better, but it does show you that you’re not alone.
Diane6 years ago
Hi Gorda, i really appreciate your response and it makes a world of a difference knowing I'n not alone! Your experience with your specialist sounds incredibly frustrating, i believe no woman should just have to "live with it"!! We all deserve proper guidance from medical professionals. I share some of your symptoms, including insomnia, and lately anxiousness as well. I haven't tried any herbal products yet, they sound like a hit or miss depending on who you talk to. But based on others' advice here I'm starting to make changes to what I eat and manage my stress levels through things like and mindfulness and meditation and i'm going to monitor how that goes. I wish your luck in your journey! Thank you again for sharing ❤️
Tiny6886 years ago
Why the weight gain, why early menopause??? Last year I had a double lung transplant as I have alpha one As a result menopause began pretty soon afterwards. I was 44 when I had the operation and struggling with the weight gain. I am at a loss plus it doesn’t help with the anti rejection drugs as well as a daily dose of steroids. I am at such a turning point, I have put on 2. Stone since the op. Consultants say that I have to control my appetite but I don't eat loads ??? Then the menopause is another factor in this what can I do? I cannot have HRT as it effects the anti rejection drugs so it’s natural. How long will it last? Anyone ?
Diane6 years ago
I have so much much sympathy for what you're going through! I don't share the same issues as you but I still feel your pain. Is weight control your main concern, or are you also struggling with any other menopausal symptoms? Although I don't have much advice myself I truly hope you can find what's right for you! What kind of consultants have you spoken with?
Maureen6 years ago
It’s a sad fact that the medical profession the world over has chosen (I use that word deliberately) to basically ignore a condition that half the world’s population is going to experience at some point in their lives. I say this with absolutely no malice at all but you can be sure that if this was a men’s issue, it would have been subject to much more scrutiny and scientific research. We just have to look at the way in which Viagra has been developed, marketed and publicised as a case in point. I am 65 and some four years ago I was referred to a Gynaecologist as a result of bleeding after intimacy. I was told at the consultation that I had Vaginal Atrophy and sent home with not one other word of explanation, advice or discussion on what this would mean for me or on any treatment options. It wasn’t until my now peri-menopausal daughter started researching the topic for her own symptoms that she was able to inform me about my condition and available options. For anyone experiencing vaginal dryness, I would strongly recommend reading a revelationary book called Me and My Menopausal Vagina (https://www.mymenopausalvagina.co.uk/). What Jane Lewis has gone through has been criminal but she shines some light into that dark place and gives hope in a disconcerting yet amusing read. I’m afraid ladies, that until the medical world gets its act together we shall all have to do the research for ourselves and share with others the small victories we achieve. Overall, my menopause has been bearable but my poor daughter is suffering. However, it has motivated her to find out all she can before taking medical advice so that she goes armed with facts rather than fiction. I’d encourage you all to do the same. Good luck and stay safe in these challenging times.
Diane6 years ago
So much truth in what you've said! We really would be so much further along if men dealt with menopause too. I'm sorry you had such a poor experience with your doctor, and that your daughter is now facing challenges. I wholeheartedly agree with her/your approach of doing all our research before seeing professionals...so I'm grateful for all the input I get from women like yourself. Thank you for sharing your story, and for the book recommendation!
Anonymous6 years ago
Since menopause is not an illness or a pathological condition we cannot expect general practitioners to be experts. Doctors are there to treat the sick. Menopause is not a medical disease just part of ageing
Diane6 years ago
Hello, I agree with you completely that menopause is a natural part of life and not an "illness". However so many women including myself experience very real and challenging effects on our physical and mental health due to menopause so I believe we should get better guidance from professionals about our care options. If a certain doctor is not an expert, we should at least be pointed in the right direction rather than be dismissed and told to deal with it. it's very much a systemic problem and I don't blame the doctors alone. In general I believe there needs to be much better education about this issue, for both women and for medical professionals.
Jan6 years ago
This is so dismissive of multiple Symptoms that do impact on mind and body. Grin and bare it is not very supportive. Mental health is so important too and is affected by these physical and emotional symptoms. Empathy and advice signposting to others if they don’t themselves have the knowledge is crucial. Is dysfunction dismissed so readily ?
ExpertTickler6 years ago
My GP has been great, but it was comments made by a couple of friends that made me consider whether my anxiety & depression, insomnia & huge weight gain were actually symptoms of peri-menopause. Since I broached the topic my female GP has been v supportive, she suggested I could trial Oestrogen gel (It’s plant based & has been transformative). She also suggested other sources of info. Am v grateful for her, albeit I wish I/we had realised a couple of years ago so I might not have quite so much weight to lose now, but it’s all improving:-)
ExpertTickler6 years ago
I was also thrown off course by the fact that I was suffering from ‘chills’ not hot flushes... thankfully by reducing processed foods & sugar I’m hardly getting them now.
Dianereplying to ExpertTickler6 years ago
Great to hear someone has had a positive experience with their GP! And I've heard many people including yourself suggest reducing processed food & sugars so I'm going to try that! Thank you!
Wendy6 years ago
Diane I have very rarely gone to my GP surgery through the years but found that over the past 2 years I have visited the surgery more often and seen different doctors each time. I have always left feeling worse than when I walked in. Each time the Dr made little eye contact. Seemed unconcerned with my symptoms which were obviously peri menopausal symptoms and each time I left with the diagnosis of depression and my suggestion of being 46 years of age and peri menopause was brushed off. Advised to either take anti depressants or given websites to look at for coping strategies. Then when things came to a head whilst in work one day and I had a bit of a melt down I was asked to make an appointment with the GP again. I didn’t want to but this time I asked for a female doctor. I wrote down all my symptoms as my foggy brain and memory were awful by this time. The GP asked how she could help and I told her through my tears that I thought I was bi-polar and I was losing control of my life but I had written a list of my symptoms. She put her pen down and turned her chair round to face me and said “right read it out”. She fully listened and when I finished she said to me “my goodness you have text book symptoms of peri menopause and I’m so sorry you have not been diagnosed before now!” No one will know how I felt leaving the surgery that day. The relief I wasn’t going mad and that someone believed me was over whelming. I was so lucky that a new GP that had joined the surgery had an interest in the menopause and was also working a few hours in a menopause clinic to gain more knowledge in this area. Commenced now on HRT and the advice of phoning her any time I needed to speak to her has been my lifeline.
Diane6 years ago
Thank you for sharing Wendy. Your first experience sounds familiar. Lack of concern, little eye contact...I have seen that before! Your story just goes to show how vital it is for our doctors to be well-informed. I hope I can find someone like your second GP soon, many people here have suggested seeing a menopause specialist which I'm planning to.
D J6 years ago
About 3 years ago I went to the drs about my mood swings ect and asked for a menapause test. It was a male dr he said they didn’t really tell you much!!!!! Went again year or so later insisted on test came back I was peri menapausal nothing subscribed!!!! Went again saw a female dr she game me HRT patches after about 2-3 months felt much better. Still get symptoms worse since covid 19!!! At times I want to scream and find it hard to relax. Take care everyone.
Diane6 years ago
I'm so glad you eventually found treatment to help you feel a bit better! I totally understand it's been hard to relax since Covid-19. Take care of yourself DJ.
Gillian6 years ago
I’m 52 and I’ve been in peri for about 5 years now. My sisters and I have all agreed to go down the natural route with herbs, vitamins and anything we can get our hands on. I’m the family guinea pig, doing the research and trying new things. The best things I’ve tried are Black Cohosh and Macca Root. I have continually taken these where others have failed. Would highly recommend. I started Black Cohosh with 1 x 6.5mg tablet a day but increased to 2 as my symptoms progressed. I would consider taking 3 if I start with the unbearable hot flushes again. I’m not sure if I have had weight gain, I had a bout of Crohn’s and was put on steroids, went from size 10 to size 18. I’ve got down to a 14 but that size 10 really wants to come back. I’ve always been positive and upbeat so the few times I’ve had melt downs I’ve just ridden them out knowing this to will pass. I did have a period of nausea for 3 months but my doctor did not believe it was a menopause symptom. Still feel sick now and then. Starting this app and seeing it listed in the log has made me feel better when I do feel sick. Having my sisters and friends to talk to has been a lifeline. We are each other’s sounding boards. I pray everyone’s journey is as smooth as possible and that you all get the help you need when you need it in whatever form that might take.
Diane6 years ago
I really appreciate all your advice! Thank you! You're so lucky to have sisters and friends who understand, we do need to support each other when it seems like no one else does. Wishing you a healthy journey through it all,
Gina6 years ago
Key words you mentioned: “General Practicioner”. Skip the GP and go straight to the Specialist, if your insurance allows. Even then, you might find you have to shop around before you find a specialist who is compassionate, up on all the latest, etc. We cannot give up advocating for ourselves. Read everything you can about it and come here and other groups for support (Facebook has some good ones, but sometimes they get catty, lol!).
Diane6 years ago
Thanks for the advice! The support here has been amazing!
Susan6 years ago
Hi Ladies, I have recently found out I was wrongly diagnosed - have been going through peri menopause for seven years so far - a lady doctor said I couldn’t possibly be going through it as I was only 42. Then my own doctor prescribed anti depressants because I wasn’t sleeping properly - never had anxiety before and wasn’t even unhappy at the time.
Diane6 years ago
Hi Susan, how frustrating. How can doctors not be informed that perimenopause can start in your early 40s? ?I hope you've been able to find the help you need!
Jackie6 years ago
Hi! I’m 40 years old and have endometriosis. The medication I have been taking for the last 10 months causes menopause but I was getting symptoms of menopause before that. My doctor said I wasn’t menopausal because my periods hadn’t stopped (they have now) and dismissed the hot flushes and emotional rollercoaster I felt I was on (he actually rolled his eyes at my husband when u said I felt emotionally all over the place!!!!!!). He ordered a blood test but it came back negative (the gynaecologist I saw after told me they hadn’t tested me correctly!). Neither the doctors or gynaecologist have offered any treatment so I take supplements which were helping but since lockdown I have noticed an increase in symptoms....or is it because I’m not focused on work that I’ve noticed it more? My last visit to the doctor was really good she put me on antidepressants to help with the hot flushes and lack of sleep (I’m getting about 5 hours a night) but I had a reaction to them so had to stop. She said she wasn’t comfortable putting me in HRT as my medication is also causing the menopause and I have to wait to see my gynaecologist (which is now put back to October due to the Covid-19). I have been exercising while on lockdown and trying to eat better and on the whole I feel good I’m just really frustrated that no one will can/will help me. Sorry this long needed to get that off my chest ?
Diane6 years ago
Jackie - your experience sounds incredibly frustrating. I'm so sorry you dealt with a doctor like that initially. I know what it feels like when they roll your eyes at you as you're talking! Fingers crossed your gynaecologist appointment goes well
Jackiereplying to Diane6 years ago
Thank you ? is nice to hear I’m not the only person going through this.....but heart goes out to all of you ❤️
Bee6 years ago
My GP retired at the end of March. Very inconsiderate of him. And due to terrible surgeries in the past I’ve lost my trust in medics. I don’t feel I have a GP to go to now after 35 years under his care. Really struggling right now but don’t know if it’s Fibro or menopause. The symptoms are the same. Brain fog, fatigue, lack of energy, terrible back and knee pains, fat stiff fingers to name a few things.. feeling broken and in agony. Thankfully no periods as I had a hysterectomy on 2009 but they did leave my ovaries. I’m bloated, fat and piling on the pounds. Hairs doing a runner strand by strand and I have spots! I’m 54 - not 14. I can’t sleep at night then can’t stay awake during the day. I have blurry vision and have ‘clouds’ in my eyes. I’ve got the attention span of a goldfish and forget what I was about to say. Any hope for me? ??
Nadia6 years ago
Oh gosh Bee, I have exactly the same symptoms as you. I’m glad you mentioned blurry vision! I honestly feel like a hypochondriac up to now, but now I think it’s all menopause . I never realised how many symptoms there were to menopause. Have to say, misery loves company, knowing I’m not the only one with all these problems, I’m feeling there may be hope out there somewhere .
Luce6 years ago
My surgery doesn’t have anyone that deals with menopause at all. I went to see one dr who just said the symptoms were temporary and ‘would pass’, like I was making a fuss about something that would be gone in a week. I booked another appointment for March but it was moved to phone because of the virus and again, a waste of time. I actually don’t know where to turn for advice, have had two DVTs (pill and pregnancy) so HRT is unlikely! So frustrating!
Snapdragon4 years ago
I agree, GPs seem to be unimformed re. menopause - apparently during medic training very little time is allocated to this subject. A bit outrageous considering 50% of the population go through it. As i understand it, they often prescribe anti depressants as these drugs act on the sympathetic nervous system which can calm hot flushes. However, I have read that anti depressants are extremely addictive and have severe side effects at withdrawal. Some friends have had more luck by asking for an appointment with a GP who has an interest or a specialism in menopause & then they may be referred to an NHS menopause clinic if initial treatment is unsuccessful. The Davina McCall documentary suggested perimenopause symptoms could be alleviated starting mid 40s with HRT, which was a surprise to me. My friends seem pleased with the hormone patches as the most popular relief treatment. I just suffered through the migraines and bloating / heavy periods etc. It seems rediculous that all women do not have automatic access to menopause advice and treatment options!
Anonymous4 years ago
So, how do we find a good dr?
Gina Z4 years ago
My experience is the farther I stayed away from my doctor the better I felt. Acupuncture helped me immensely!!! Essential oils & progesterone cream were also amazing in helping. Exercise for sanity, low impact for me. Making me a priority was critical so I got enough sleep especially.
Amanda4 years ago
This happens with many doctors. I happen to have 2 oncologists that have listened and helped, one female and one male. My general doctor had no clue. My gynecologist was nice to talk to too.
Andrea4 years ago
There’s a site I came across awhile ago called Gennev. They have doctors and nutritionists that are menopause experts. They made me feel more normal about my symptoms even thought my GP seemed “concerned” about my relatively young age. (44 currently. 41 when periods started getting erratic)
Kat4 years ago
I have no idea how long ago this question was asked, but I found a GYN that is a menopause specialist through a website for the North American Menopause Society (https://portal.menopause.org/NAMS/NAMS/Directory/Menopause-Practitioner.aspx). I am not sure if where you live in the world has the same kind of society, but perhaps it’s worth a look? Good luck.
Anonymous4 years ago
Same here. They are not working together. I still cannot get into my gyno. I’m looking for a new one.
Anonymous4 years ago
Hi
Sharron4 years ago
Hi from Canada, I had better luck with my GP than my OBGyn. My GP was more interested in running some test to rule out other possibilities for my symptoms and offer advice on how to deal with the changes. My OBGyn seemed more interested in pushing new medications that really caused more problems so I only followed through with them for about 2 months. I don’t think she tied the heavy flow to peri-menopause. That was 4 years ago. My GP follows up with my symptoms at every appointment.
Anonymous4 years ago
I don’t understand why as a female that we get treated this way. They put so many demands on us then it’s not the right treatment and they rule it as something else.
lulu4 years ago
i luckily have a great female GP, who has been real helpful. hopefully will continue to be??☺️
Anonymous4 years ago
I’ve been feeling the same way about this for years!! In my eyes it’s all about Big Pharma and money. I have taken into helping myself with some of my own issues. I’m a big believer of natural life and I herbal supplements,in fact I even put 1/8 tspoon of cayenne pepper in my morning coffee and I also am a believer in micro-dosing for my depression because of my husband introducing me to it and it’s helped me out tremendously!!!
Emma4 years ago
I was first prescribed anti depressant by my female doctor, same age as me, did not even suggest symptoms could be menopause. I had to come off it due to side effects, and decided to see my obgyn. She was also quite dismissive of all symptoms apart from hot flashes, which was surprising. She did prescribe hrt and a few weeks in it is taking the edge off symptoms. No hot flashes, aching joints hardly ache, and anxiety is less intense.
Anonymous3 years ago
Don’t give up on doctors but do go to one that you feel comfortable with. Unfortunately, it’s a process and they won’t be able to fix “all the problems” at one visit. Perimenopause is systemic meaning it affects the whole body, multiple systems, so there won’t be “one” solution. It’s a major natural life transition so it will require a lot of discussion and counseling. Also, some people want their lives to be like it use to be but that isn’t possible so there’s a grieving process (denial, anger, negotiation, depression, then finally acceptance) that has to happen. Sounds like a lot of you may be still in the angry portion of the process being angry w the doctor. That’s very understandable…or in the negotiation portion (I don’t want to take HRT but I want to feel normal again). I get it, I understand, I’m on this crazy ride w you and along side you. How many women have gone through divorces, or major conflicts in their relationships, because they unknowingly were going through perimenopause? So many things need to be done and things we need to know… if we had a supportive village of women to go to, that would help, but in this first world country, we are more lonely then ever. Life is not fair, but let’s not be victims. Read, but don’t over analyze, seek medical care, unfortunately, good mental health care practitioners are not covered by insurance, but your mental health is extremely important so prioritize this, mindset is everything! All the usual things, good nutrition and exercise. Some may find it hard to find the time, with work etc. Examine your life and prioritize what is really important to you…..some things are not important, let those things go. Aging is normal, it must be accepted and be kind to yourself that you are doing the best you can do in this moment with what you know. Everybody else is, too.
Anonymous3 years ago
My old doctor retired and I haven't discussed with my new doctor. I felt the same way with my old doctor. He kept telling me I was too young. I’m hopefully that my discussion will go much better during my annual visit.
Brigitte3 years ago
I had the same issue with my gynecologist. She was younger and dismissed my concerns. I recommend an older female functional endocrinologist. Personal experience plus scientific knowledge of hormones taking a whole body approach.
Anonymous3 years ago
I have the experience, that doctors rarely have time to really listen. What they cannot measure in facts, they don't see. I look for help from health practitioners or friends. Never really trusted a doctor.
Anonymous2 years ago
I’m 47 too, on the last 20 June I’ve had a surgical total hysterectomy and oophorectomy and the menopause from one day to the next. My doctor is a male. The best person I’ve never encountered. I’m always feel supported and understood, now e e’ve searching the best way to reduce my hard symptoms, my life is changed totally, but please, search a doctor that understood you. It’s so important!
Anonymous2 years ago
I too was disappointed with my doctor. I purposely sought out a Black female doctor because I had fibroids and I wanted someone who understood how impactful that can be given fibroids and excessive bleeding happens more to Black women. My doctor quickly jumped to recommending a hysterectomy. As the first option. Maybe because I was of a certain age, not sure, but she didn’t seem interested in my quality of life and what a surgery like that would mean for me. I was so disappointed. The surgery I agreed on, which was needed to stop an active fibroid, might have kicked me into menopause. Not sure. Maybe I was close anyway. Her follow up with me was non existent. I would email and get a one word answer. She told me I didn’t need to see her for a year which was strange after a surgery. And I found myself having to constantly reach out to her about my medication, was I on too long, my side effects. I finally decided to find another doctor who specialized in fibroids and it’s been night and day. My new doctor asks questions, explains the impact of medications and what to look out for, and does routine follow ups. My new doctor is not a woman or Black and it’s a trek to his office but he cares about my health. That’s the takeaway for me. Finding someone who actually cares. It’s not easy but it’s worth the work.
Anonymous2 years ago
I’m hoping I don’t have that same experience. I have been tracking symptoms and plan to bring it up during my annual appointment in a couple of weeks. I’m definitely hoping for some relief and am also very grateful for these message boards and insights.
Aniseday2 years ago
I am post menopausal now (at 54) and HRT was just suggested by my GP for my symptoms that linger. Back in 2015 I began having what I now believe to be perimenopause symptoms but was labeled with anxiety disorder because there was “no medical reason” for what I was experiencing. 😒 I see every single complaint on the symptom tracker. I declined the HRT. Hoping to feel different at the end of this program.
Anonymous2 years ago
I have lost faith in the health care system. Not just from what I have been going through, but how I have seen the do my husband and my mother.
Anonymous2 years ago
There are clinicians out there that specialize in menopausal care. https://portal.menopause.org/NAMS/NAMS/Directory/Menopause-Practitioner.aspx Hopefully you can find one near you. I’m still needing to make an appointment for myself but haven’t gotten around to do so. Best of luck to all of us. I’m a RN and am working on my masters degree in hopes to specialize in women’s health focusing on the physical and mental health symptoms of woman hood and want to help women holistically. I just want to share a little experiment I’m Doing on myself. Drinking a cup of green tea daily or every other day, I like mine iced and I add a little soy to make it an iced latte. There may be some health benefits with glucose control, gut health and hormone balances it has helped me so far with my anxiety and mood, but it’s only been a short while. This is not medical advice, but again just sharing what I’m doing for myself that my providers have not helped me with. I don’t like pills and have been out on 2 anti- anxiety meds that made me so sick and more anxious so no meds for me. https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-green-tea
Anonymous2 years ago
I’m speechless at how little medical support and information GPs and even some gynos provide patients about menopause. This should be spoken of from the first gyno visit. Girls need to know, women need know, boys need to know, men need to know. AND be comfortable talking about it. EVERYONE knows what the little blue pill is for men…and it is not a big deal in our culture or society. Mention menstruation? Menopause? It’s too uncomfortable. THATS RIDICULOUS!
Anonymous2 years ago
100% my experience with every doctor and nurse. Its as though they were all given the same script. Perimenopause is not even in their vocabulary. The only symptom taken seriously is the one that affects a man’s pleasure aka “vaginal dryness “.
Latasha McG😌🙏1 year ago
SAME!!! Diane for almost an entire year, I went back-and-forth in between my primary doctor, my rheumatologist, and my hematologist, trying to figure out what was wrong. Each one had no clue. It wasn’t until I didn’t have a period for at least three months when I researched and figured out I am probably having “women problems”. I requested a referral to a women’s healthcare doctor who confirmed it was perimenopause based on estrogen levels. So there ya go. I hope you have already done that and if not, go see a gynecologist and hopefully they can help you. Blessings…
Anonymous1 year ago
I’ve had good and challenging docs. I’ve tried a naturopath and gyno. Both helped as best they could. At the end of the day I’m still miserable when the estrogen drops and take estrogen periodically to alleviate it. I was offered choices. It was overwhelming and I feel like my body is a science experiment. I honestly just want done with all of it.
Lynn1 year ago
I’m having the same issue. It’s so frustrating for one the lack of knowledge even from healthcare professionals. I learned more about perimenopause and menopause from social media . It even harder for me since I had a hysterectomy 8 years ago only my ovaries remained . The lack of knowledge of that is slim to none .
Anonymous1 year ago
I had a supportive experience from my older female Dr. she was hopeful my labs would be positive but I received a only a one line announcement in my portal that said you have prematurely started perimenopause and have POI. I was devastated. I loved her in person but I was undergoing IVF so this diagnosis was a nail in the coffin of ever having a child of my own dna. We are now looking at using a donor for eggs, but I’ve been suffering with symptoms I thought were from IVF and are actually my body not producing correctly. There is grief and if roles were reversed I would have handled this softer and more gentle if it was a patient of mine. I can give grace to myself and others and still hold the grief at the same time. It’s a lot of grieving.
Jacquie1 year ago
I have been lucky that my GPs were more willing to help than my OB. Unfortunately, the insurance companies are more elusive on helping with the medications that could help.
Anonymous9 months ago
My neurologist literally told me maybe you should just have a hysterectomy, when I met with him to talk about my increased migraines, brain fog, dizziness and nausea.
Anonymous7 months ago
Definitely! My doctor assured me I wasn’t in any part of menopause. A month later I go to a gyno and she walks into my room saying “welcome to perimenopause”! I don’t get how doctors can see it so differently.
Anonymous7 months ago
Both my former pcp and a physician in the menopause society have dismissed my persistent night sweats. I now have a much better pcp who is exploring several options with me.