HRT: I'm 48, juggling various health/autoimmune-type symptoms, low iron, low energy. Was chatting to a GP today (different one from usual) about getting a sick note, and she suggested trying HRT even though I still have periods. She's written me a prescription, but I'm super wary as a) I don't trust doctors; b) have never had good experiences with hormone pills in past (contraception); c) have family history of breast cancer (sister); d) just don't know if HRT is the answer. This is very shot-in-the-dark prescribing over the phone when all the other health issue I have just seem to go under the radar. Any thoughts from anyone who has had similar would be appreciated. I don't actually have any of the classic menopause/peri-menopause symptoms, but am pretty flat tired with lack of oomph. Just very wary of starting HRT if I still have period. All thoughts welcome.
GP recommends HRT, but still have per... - Menopause and Per...
GP recommends HRT, but still have periods - is this advisable?
Hi there. Like you I'm not very keen on taking HRT . I'm reading Marilyn Glenville's book 'Natural Solutions To Menopause' . It's very good so far . I've also requested her book 'Natural Alternatives to HRT' from the library . Might be worth having a read before you decide.
Hi, many thanks for that. I haven't got a clue on any of this stuff, so finding my way, so thank you for those reading options. I don't like pill popping generally, so any alternative is welcome.
Me too. I'm going to look high & low for a natural solution 🙂
Hi doglover1973,
Hope you are well.
Have you heard of Purolabs? (purolabs.com). They do natural health supplements and they have one called Hormonal Balance, which is formulated for women specifically going through the Perimenopause.
I've not tried it myself, but they have excellent reviews. Worth checking out 
Hi MOLKO1972 I'm melting in the heat !!! How are you? No I've not heard of Purolabs but will check them out today. Thank you 😎
I'm good thanks...it's muggy where I am. No sunshine and we've had a bit of rain. I was able to take Teddy for a walk at lunchtime, which was an impossible task yesterday, due to the immense heat!!
Let me know what you think to Purolabs. They aren't the cheapest, but they do use good quality ingredients and all products are designed by women, for women
Very muggy here too. I'm dreading the next mini heatwave . Hard to sleep at night which pushes the T up. I've checked out Purolabs. It looks like a good quality product. I might give it a go. This book I'm reading makes the case for going down the natural route though it may not work for everyone. Glad you could go out with Teddy today 🐶
Hi
Has the GP tested your thyroid levels being TSH, T3 & T4?
I only ask as some symptoms can be related to thyroid issues. If you have, get the results (with ranges) and pop over to the thyroid forum with the results.
I have Hashimotos, (auto immune disease) and underactive thyroid. However, I’ve started peri menopause as I know my other symptoms aren’t thyroid. I’m still having periods but, they are getting even closer together and other symptoms.
I’ve started HRT and do feel so much better. However, I totally understand if you prefer not to. I have a few friends that are going the alternative route with vitamins, mindfulness, yoga etc.
Best wishes
Peanut31
Thank you. Yes, thyroid tested and it seems fine. It's the fatigue that is the worst at moment, and that may not necessarily be hormone-related, but GP access is limited to phone so that is not helping. I'm finding out more people start HRT when still having their period, so interesting to know you have also. Are you finding any side-effects to it?
Hi
Just a bit of advice when GP’s say results are fine, what they mean is in range. This means nothing. If you have access to your records including blood results then look at those and post on thyroid forum.
I’m on the gel, and starting the tablets soon. This was via my GP surgery, but I had a back up plan, if they refused to help or listen. My back up was an appointment with the Newson menopause clinic.
Anyway, I felt no improvement at all with the dosage that the NHS nurse told me to go on, In fact I was going down hill fast.
I kept my zoom call with the Newson clinic and what the NHS prescribed me wasn’t enough to have an effect on me. The doctor I spoke to was absolutely fantastic, we discussed all my symptoms and worries (I had some tears). What helped was I made a list of all my symptoms and other tests I had to rule things out.
I’m yet to start the tablets that accompany the gel, but I’m sticking with the clinic for advice as they have been absolutely wonderful and I’m starting to feel like my old self, I’m beginning to recognise me again. Something that I had lost along time ago and didn’t know why. From my understanding the tablets give some side effects, but will pass, as said I’m due to start those soon, but they offer support and advice and follow up appointments.
There is a waiting list for the clinic and you have the choice to speak with a nurse, or doctor. I paid £295 for my consultation with a GP, then I pay the private prescription and the medication is delivered to my door, as the GP will email there suppliers with the prescription, or they can write to your GP requesting the medication and prescription, but they may not agree to it.
The NHS prescription I struggled to get my hands on it as four pharmacies didn’t have it in.
I would really recommend you book a consultation with them, and talk about your concerns and alternative avenues. They have the knowledge and time to help. Although people may think it’s expensive, to me it’s about making the best of your life, and enjoying it.
Good luck
Peanut31
Thank you. I do not have the money for a private clinic, and I think since I joined this forum there seems to be a lot of people trying to sell services, but thank you for the info and recommendation.
Hi
Oh gosh, no I wasn’t trying to sell a service.
Its just from my own personal experience, and the struggles I’ve had in the past with my thyroid and auto immune disease that took years of unnecessary suffering.
I have to say it was HealthUnlocked that really helped with my thyroid journey from making diet changes to tweaking medication, and helping with my blood results.
Wishing you all the best.
Peanut31.
Brilliant, thank you, and apologies for mixing up the message.
Hi, has your GP also tested for things like iron, B12 and folate to see if there are any other reasons for you feeling so tired? Could you ask for a referral to a menopause clinic to talk through the best options for you given the family history and you not getting on with hormones in the past? I'm also trying the diet and lifestyle route at the moment as I've not got on with synthetic hormones in the past either. Good luck
Hi, thanks. My iron is low and has been since 2019, but a GP marked it as normal. I had to fight to get a supplement, and had an allergic reaction to that, and GP prescribed same one again, so I left that practice. Joined a new one, and GP refusing to give iron supplement as i had allergic reaction to one (probably the capsule, rather than pill, as it had various colourings). I'm on waiting list for various things. Hating NHS. Found my own iron supplement which seems to not give me reaction. I have coeliac, which complicates matters. I feel massively failed/negated/abused by NHS, and that is my reason for now being mega-wary of a GP pulling HRT prescription out of the ether, despite my notes stating I'm on various hospital waiting lists for other investigations. I'm of the firm opinion that the NHS will kill us all someday one way or the other! No one has mentioned such a thing as a menopause clinic, so not sure where that is - will that be within the NHS or primary care?
If you or somebody you know has been refused treatment you can find your nearest NHS menopause clinic by going to the British Menopause Society website. There are not nearly enough clinics and you may have to travel, but they are there. When searching make sure you tick the NHS box as your GP can’t refer you to private clinics.
menopausesupport.co.uk/?p=1...
***MAKE SURE YOU TICK THE NHS BOX***
Brilliant. That's really helpful. Many thanks.
Hi there are many symptoms that are associated with peri that many women don’t know about me included. I was suffering until my periods skipped 2 months. I was 43, I looked up other symptoms and did some reading what an eye opener that was I had many symptoms long before any actual signs. HRT is more natural now than years ago, it’s made from yams and is more like our own hormones. There is a risk but it’s very small you have just as much risk as taking other medication drinking alcohol or being over weight.
Have you heard of Dr Louise Newson she has a book out she has clinics and is a leader in this field. Her book is Menopause Haynes manual something like that.
Good luck with your journey
yes it’s fine to take when still having periods you will still have periods it might make a change to your cycle as you settle on it but give it 3 months. Use transdermal like gel spray or patch the risks are no more than if you drink alcohol or smoke etc.
HRT is more like your own hormones than if you take the pill. It is also made from yams.
there are also many health benefits that come with HRT. Look at menopausal not mad website the lady is brilliant.
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