Why do most GP's find it difficult to empathise with women with peri/menopause problems

I hear you. For a year I was told there was no way I could be in MENOPAUSE , I'm sure they don't even realise what "peri-menopause" actually is.. Even with genetic statics on my side and early onset I was still told no. When ons finally admitted to do a blood test she ordered an inaccurate test with ni directions as to even when I was supposed to take it. 

So in the end I've self treAted, paid for my own labs and researched to the ends of the earth to educate myself cause they don't want a bar of it  

I completely agree with you girls. This has been my biggest obstacle. The apathy from people around you, doctors, husband, women at work, relatives whose looks say - ok, this serves her right ", they say -it is affecting you more because you are more 'nervous" or have a psychiatric problem, docs presribing anti- depressants...looking at you in a weird way - pointing at the medicine they say - this might make you sleepy so start with half a tablet......take it just before bed....when i went for ultra sound of uterus, they really harrassed me coz i couldnt retain the urine long enough for their convenience....they got irritable and told me to hold on to the fat flab that was obstructing their test....finally they did not give me a report and had to get it done again --at a different hospital....

Dear MrsMerm

Totally agree with all the replies you have received! I changed my GP and found a very compassionate one and found he cared and treated me as if I was the only woman suffering from my problem.  I had an UTI (urinary tract infection) which really hit me hard, diagnosed by blood test...blood tells all when tested for everything. We all hang in there because remember ladies there is light at the end of our problems  I feel great now.  Take care and thinking of you..

dianna xxx

Thank goodness for this site! Why after years of women going through menopause that alot of them never really understand or listen! X

So sorry you feel so bad you are not on your own. I've had the same experience with

Unsympathetic doctors who dismiss you as if you don't matter. I've come out in tears and felt worse so now I self diagnose and try not to go . I've also paid for tests as I'm sick to death if every day being a nightmare with one problem after another. But it must not beat us ladies maybe a bit more constructive complaining might get us listened to and attitudes changed. The ones who sail through this have just not got a clue just how bad it can get.

Please remember that you are NOT alone - I've had a myriad of symptoms over the last couple of years and had endless tests.  The doctors think I am being ridiculous - I have also had so many scans and other invasive tests.  They have been really unhelpful and almost unkind.  I too have been in tears just over the amount of times I go to the doctor.  I know it's the peri menopause but the doctors don't, saying I haven't 'come of age' - I've given up and thankfully found this forum which I cannot tell you has reassured me 100 fold that I am not dying of some awful disease.  I am presently aching like hell and tingling everywhere.  It's awful - you are not alone.  I am taking up yoga, changing my diet and cutting out sugar and abstaining from alcohol.  You probably need to find a private gynae who will understand and empathise.  I have found a good one in London but he's really expensive and there lies the problem as the NHS doctors won't refer!!!  Hang in there and I know what you are feeling right now - and as everyone says, it's not forever - we'll all get through it x

 

gailannie is right. You should march right back there and get your blood test - hopefully a FULL blood test and then get your GP to explain the results.

I have not been on this site for a while. I tried the 'herbal' route - no joy. I asked my GP for HRT, it worked. I felt great for a while, then the bleeding started. I have cysts, fibroids and have had endometriosis, so I thought it best to stop HRT. Back to square one. I have faffed about like this for several months.

Recently we have been doing a lot of research (my OH is diabetic and wants to cut back on all the drugs and their side effects). All I can say is we have found some very interesting info and as a result have gone down the nutrition/vitamin route. OH is having better luck and is coming off or reducing his meds. His GP is very pleased with his 'response to meds'. Statins were making him ill

sorry iPad froze.

OH has changed diet and feels MUCH better. I am going to try the same. What many doctors forget is that Hypocrates - he of the Hypocratic Oath - said 'let food be thy medicine'. 

Hang in there girl, and watch this space!

I really feel for you and know where you are coming from. Luckily my GP is lovely but she still has the attitude that it is normal and just get on with it   and she's a similar age to me so she is obviously a lucky one. She also told me HRT makes you start bleeding again so most women don't want that.

Someone told me you can ask for a referral to a specialist menopause clininc, I know there is one in Leeds.

Chin up Jackie, we are all here with you xxx