How much to tell gp!

[Murphysmum]

I had an x ray today, the result of which is that it’s more than likely (I think, due to the state of it!) that I’ll need a hip replacement.

This now makes sorting out my hormone issues and remaining muscle weakness etc rather more pressing than it might have been. My muscle tone is non existent following the last couple of years of muscle problems. I now think these are more to do with my sex hormones than my thyroid ones.

So I’m planning to ask the gp for a referral to the nearest specialist but if he decides to have a chat about hrt or similar whilst I’m there, how honest do I be?

I’ve been using progesterone cream for a while now and it definitely helps, I have nodding disclosing this. However, I tried pregnenolone too previously and the extra oestrogen in it was a nightmare and took months for me to get my thyroid levels back on track afterwards, so bad was the effect. I’d happily discuss all this with a specialist who might be better placed to understand the effect progesterone and oestrogen have on thyroid hormones but I suspect the gp won’t see it that way.

I’m always wary that they might just say that I’m. It suited to T3 and remove it.. so I’d rather not have that chat at all!

[NIKEGIRL]

Hi. I do no trust drs at all and I would not disclose anything

[Agapanthus1]

Re the sex hormone issues, have a look on Louise Newson’s website. Some excellent evidence base info about all the sex hormones inc testosterone women become deficient in during peri menopause & menopause.

This has helped me enormously to the extent that I was able to inform my GP what to prescribe (body identical is best). Hormone supplementation is not a quick fix though, for some it can take several months to see benefits, unfortunately. Plus, don’t expect to find a GP who is very knowledgeable about HRT; a bit like thyroid disorders their training is poor and many women find they have to go private to get the help they need!

Hope this helps. 🤞😊

[humanbean in reply to Agapanthus1]

Link for the website mentioned...

menopausedoctor.co.uk/

[Murphysmum]

I agree. I’m on T3 so even more reason not to rock the boat but tbh, if I hadn’t got me this far, no one else would have!I’m tempted to mention it only because the extra estrogen properly screwed my thyroid levels up so I don’t want to be prescribed anything that would elevate them at all.

Though my physio said that low estrogen can cause muscle weakness so I think my cycle is having massive swings. What I do about it I don’t know so I do need to speak to someone, just who and about what exactly I don’t know!!

It all feels a bit deceptive, like we’re doing wrong but you’re spot on - why shouldn’t we take control of our own health?

[holyshedballs]

I understand peoples reticence in speaking to your GP.My own view is that it is important to tell the doctor everything relevant to your condition.

that way you have more chance of persuading the doctor to recommend the correct treatment. BUT as we know, a lot of doctors are uneducated and arrogant so we as patients have to manage that. Some patients are better at that than others.

if you don't tell the doctor the full facts, there is more chance of being offered inappropriate treatments that may interfere with your own self prescribed medicine.

[Murphysmum in reply to holyshedballs]

Agree. Bit scared though!

[london81]

i would also look at dr louise newsons website/app (balance) as human bean says i’ve been looking today and also watched her instagram interview with davina mccall which mentions lots of health/bone issues which can be improved by Hrt. try going on her balance app where you can source info and print out info for GP on hrt which might help