Another member suggested to me Gottfried’s The Hormone Cure. The book had a lot of questionnaires and suggestions for supplements according to answers. Mine was linseed, Black cohosh and matcha powder. I keep dipping back into book when symptoms flare. Worth a look before you take anything on prescription.
When were vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12 last tested
Presumably you take daily B12 and good quality daily vitamin B complex, as vegetarian
Likely to need regular iron supplements. Important to regularly retest full iron panel if supplementing iron. At least 3-4 times a year. Medichecks offer full iron panel test
Igennus Super B is good quality and cheap vitamin B complex. Contains folate. Full dose is two tablets per day. Many/most people may only need one tablet per day. Certainly only start on one per day (or even half tablet per day for first couple of weeks)
Or Thorne Basic B is another option that contain folate, but is large capsule
If you are taking vitamin B complex, or any supplements containing biotin, remember to stop these 7 days before ALL BLOOD TESTS , as biotin can falsely affect test results
With B12 result below 500, recommended to be taking a B12 supplement as well as a B Complex (to balance all the B vitamins) initially for first 2-4 months, then once your serum B12 is over 500 (or Active B12 level has reached 70), stop the B12 and just carry on with the B Complex.
But as vegetarian you likely need B12 and vitamin B complex
The present review of the literature regarding B12 status among vegetarians shows that the rates of B12 depletion and deficiency are high. It is, therefore, recommended that health professionals alert vegetarians about the risk of developing subnormal B12 status. Vegetarians should also take preventive measures to ensure adequate intake of this vitamin, including the regular intake of B12 supplements to prevent deficiency. Considering the low absorption rate of B12 from supplements, a dose of at least 250 μg should be ingested for the best results.3
TBH I’ve never heard of anything about a year, where does that come from? Would they say to a person who has had a hysterectomy at early 3o’s that they have to wait a year before replacing their hormones?
If you are suffering with symptoms there are lots of options these days that do not require taking oral replacement tablets and have been shown in numerous studies to have either zero or very minimal risks associated with them- patches, creams, pessaries etc. I think you need to go back to your GP and really lay on just how badly symptoms are affecting you and ask to at least be allowed to trial something. If they say no then either change GP or find a private Gyny who specialises in these things. The answer is No - you don’t have to wait or suffer.
Your GP is talking nonsense- you’re peri menopausal and there are treatments. Have a look on menopause matters site, lots of women in your position. Good luck.
My sister swears by sage. I’ve got to say the black cohosh didn’t do much for me; linseed & matcha were better. Interesting article re black cohosh; I never knew there were dangers with it.
I had never heard of anyone being advised they will get help in a year.
I took sage for hot flushes and was really pleased with the results. It’s safe and effective.
Ask the GP again for help. They really are supposed to be more enlightened and able to help these days. Even in the 1990s I was given a mirena coil towards the end, in fairness I think the GP realised that I was approaching mid fortiesby then and took pity on me. It really helped in the last 6- 12 months. I hope you get help soon.
You don't have to wait a year after symptoms start to get HRT. Who told you that?! If your GP said it they are from the ark and you must learn yourself and go in armed with the NICE guidelines for menopause treatment and ask for what you want.
Best resource out there is UK GP Dr Newson's web site. So up to date. Her clinic is trail blazing the HRT and menopause treatment field at the moment. The web site is full of information and pod casts etc. All based on NHS HRT and NICE guidelines and all produced by GPs who are also menopause specialists.
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