Menopause symptoms and how to talk to your GP | Liz Earle Wellbeing

In the second video of her special menopause series, Liz explores more of the lesser-known symptoms associated with menopause. She also shares tips for talking to your GP about menopause and HRT.
Links mentioned in the episode
The Daisy Network www.daisynetwo...
How menopause impacts mood lizearlewellbe...
Download The Truth about Menopause lizearlewellbe...
Download your free Greene Climacteric Scale symptom tracker lizearlewellbe...
NICE menopause guidelines www.nice.org.u...
Download The Truth about HRT lizearlewellbe...
The Balance App balance-app.com/
The Menopause Doctor website www.menopaused...
Professor Michael Baum podcast lizearlewellbe...

[@Mina-fr8nc]

Thank you for making this video. I've just downloaded "The Truth about HRT" - I was one of those people who was turned away by my GP, I didn't give up and FINALLY after 2 yrs. I'm now on HRT!

[@lizearlewellbeing]

That's really good to hear - thanks so much for watching and downloading the ebook - really hope it's helpful!

[@r8chlletters]

I can’t imagine two years…two months was more than enough I was dysphoric by then and hadn’t slept in weeks!

[@Gwyn10]

I’m so glad to report that I was indeed heard by my doctor yesterday, and she prescribed me HRT patches. I feel so relieved to now be starting this leg of my menopause journey. Yes I appreciate that it doesn’t necessarily mean all ‘plain sailing’ from now on, but I’m so grateful to you Liz for all the resources and links you’ve provided, and for putting your message out there. And to Dr Louise Newson and colleagues for the medical advice…absolutely invaluable. I will certainly be spreading the message about the truth of menopause and HRT…!

[@lizearlewellbeing]

Thank you very much for sharing this, All best wishes, Annie x

[@Gwyn10]

Thank you Annie xx

[@r8chlletters]

Im glad for you-AND-be prepared in a couple of years when your doctor attempts to take your HRT away…this is a lifetime treatment according to the latest 2022 findings but previously trained doctors are still using the “old guidance”. Be ready to stand your ground and find a different doctor to work with you!

[@emmaevans2253]

Found the second - vital for my next step...visiting my GP! Intending to go fully prepared as I dont expect him to have a wide knowledge on the subject!

[@lizearlewellbeing]

Glad you found helpful 💕

[@isobellloyd6686]

Very informative, a huge thank you. I am on HRT through my GP but it has been a battle and I have got so much of the information we all need to know so desperately online. GPs need to have proper training and updating on this very important subject. This really does have to change, we as women matter.

[@lizearlewellbeing]

Absolutely - couldn't agree more!

[@jeanetteraichel8299]

Ho to your guno. They know women's health issues better than a GP doctor

[@curlywurly661]

Thank you for this incredible advice. I am really suffering with insomnia and anxiety plus other symptoms. I am 47, my GP prescribed antidepressants which I didn't want to take. I am trying acupuncture but will read up now on HRT I was always afraid of it before now. Thank you so much x

[@lizearlewellbeing]

Yes please do - take a look at the resources in the info of this video too as lots of useful information there :)

[@r8chlletters]

Perimenopause was the biggest biological event of my life. It was traumatic and awful. If you have a doctor who won’t work with you, fire them. I did my research and stated clearly to my doctor I was hormone deficient and insisted on treatment. It took months to get it right and I pushed all the way. Don’t let them bully you! You need a brain and body that functions or there’s no point!

[@lizearlewellbeing]

terrific comment. Thanks for sharing here! Liz X

[@kimthom5793]

Thank you for that comment. You put it over so well. They are playing on the age factor which I feel I can't get away from. It won't stop me trying though. Thank u so much once again.

[@rachelbrough8160]

Yes, my GP would have prescribed me antidepressants but I said that wouldn't raise my estrogen levels would it? The answer was "no". She is looking into various hormone medication for me which is what I need.

[@kimthom5793]

@@rachelbrough8160 funny I said something very similar to one of the GPs when he didn't mind giving the vag gel. 😆

[@sumaiyyachowdhury4905]

This a great video Liz. Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge and research about the menopause. It’s such an important and often overlooked subject when it comes to women’s health. Your videos are very helpful and I will certainly be sharing the information amongst my friends and family. I have been reading your book - The Good Menopause Guide; it’s brilliant! 😊

[@pennyking3422]

Guess what I’ve done this morning ... got myself the oestrogel ...yay . Thankyou for your help - onwards and upwards

[@fitfreedom]

thats great to hear!!!

[@lizearlewellbeing]

Brilliant news - hope you find useful

[@pennyking3422]

Huge Thankyou to you Liz - I couldn’t have done this without you x Thankyou 🙏🏻💙

[@pennyking3422]

I replayed the above video over and over so I was prepared ! Lol 😂

[@rachelbrough8160]

What a brilliant video, great information. I'm 49 and believe I entered Perimenopause at 47, lately especially, I am experiencing many of the symptoms that are associated with Perimenopause and that you have mentioned here. I will be speaking with my GP in a couple of weeks and I'm hoping she can help me in this regard. Thank you so much xx

[@karengasston8965]

Great explanation Liz, you can feel how passionate you are about it. I have that fire in my belly too and try and help as many people who want to know about perimenopause. Keep going, your work is invaluable and life changing 💕 love your Wellbeing instas too, always so positive x

[@lizearlewellbeing]

Thanks so much Karen, this is so great to read! Hope you're keeping well

[@nicolacosson2579]

Thank you so much for this, I feel apprehensive but equipped for my doctors appointment later this week having watched this video, read your resources and after following Dr Louise Newson for a number of years. I just wish I didn't feel like I have to equip myself for battle, hopefully it will all go well.

[@lizearlewellbeing]

Good luck - do help it goes well. I know what you mean, it is like going in for battle!

[@leannebarrett3280]

I thought I was going crazy! Thank you so much for this information. I’m in Australia and no one talks about this.

[@lizearlewellbeing]

You're most welcome - really hope it's helpful

[@karenturner6648]

Such good information. My mum suffered terribly when she was taken off HRT several years ago at the time of the cancer misinformation despite there being no history of cancer in our family. The biggest hurdle she's had is her GP not listening. She's lost so much confidence in herself now that she won't go back. She is now 72 and still suffering yet thinks she'll be refused again because of her age.

[@lizearlewellbeing]

Please do show her this video and take a look at these resources on Menopause Doctor d2931px9t312xa.cloudfront.net/menopausedoctor/files/information/378/menopause%20and%20cancer.pdf I really hope it helps

[@karenturner6648]

@@lizearlewellbeing Excellent will do. Thankyou Liz.

[@mollyb7734]

See my response to Ruth Chapman above.

[@joannemorris1689]

I have a female GP who only offered anti depressants , I felt patronised and frankly fobbed off. I am definitely going back to insist on being listened to.

[@lizearlewellbeing]

I'm really sorry to hear that but, yes most definitely do go back - really hope this information here is helpful

[@MsGlamazon]

Joanne love this is shocking to hear my GP gave me d patch no problem. Insist my dear don't leave without your hrt without it. I was offered anti depressants first but when I explained I wasn't depressed but deficient in estrogen she sort of looked at me then I said dats great anti depressants cure hormone deficiency I don't need my eltroxin so I was leaving and called back I left with my eltroxin and my patch

[@hasinapatel1233]

​@MsGlamazon Hi is your menopause journey going with your patch . I just got my patch today your story sound like mine . I was also given antidepressants first today I asked for Hrt. I really hope it helps.

[@ruthchapman6125]

Great information Liz. May be helpful to include something for women post menopausal whose GPs think symptoms couldn't be caused by the menopause ,including being told they can't then start HRT which of course is wrong.

[@lizearlewellbeing]

This is a great point - thanks so much for sharing

[@dianes1875]

This is scary.. so many symptoms are the same as other ones. How do we know what is what? *sigh* Thank you for this. I've learned more from you than my own OB/GYN.

[@jennymoore4921]

I did a e consult at my Dr’s Surgery, and I filled out a form similar to yours, and thankfully the Dr prescribed hrt patches to me straight away. I was prescribed anti depressants 2 years ago, which caused me to have 2 car accidents! and I had to come off them. I wish the Dr I saw thought about my hormones.

[@lizearlewellbeing]

Gosh I'm so sorry to hear that - really hope you're feeling much better now

[@jennymoore4921]

@@lizearlewellbeing I am fine now Thankyou x

[@uptownphilly8341]

I’m going through it all right now

[@sarahjohnston4465]

Thank you Liz for reassuring me as I have found going through the menopause has been quite frightening and I feel quite alone with it x x

[@lizearlewellbeing]

You're not alone in feeling that way but help is out there - really hope this video is helpful

[@sarahjohnston4465]

@@lizearlewellbeing your videos are always helpful. Thank you x

[@lynnstew7409]

Thank you again. Have been on transdermal estradot and utrogestan for 5 wks and my joint pain and stiffness in my legs have improved alot. I look forward to walking the dog again. Also sleeping alot better. So glad I persevered with your help and the menopause doctor.

[@mimmiwarnfeldt-rush8121]

I wish I would have found,well that you would have made this series, a few years ago.I am 48 and you are just answering so many questions,putting so many wrong to right,and maki g me much more reassured that I’m not as “old and broken” as I feared. I have always thought of myself,and been thought of,as so young,strong & funny&quick.As of late not so much..but I feel it’s not a list cause..just a blip while I find my path again.I am in HRT,but wonder if the strength might need to be increased...? I am very much looking forward to the next episode/chapter. Thank you!!!

[@lizearlewellbeing]

Really lovely to have you as part of our community - thanks so much for watching. And yes, sometimes you have to adjust the dose a little to find what suits you best. Hope this helps

[@fitfreedom]

So amazing that your sharing this info! It’s so important that women know where to go and what to do for help! keep up the videos :) x

[@chrismaxridley3046]

I am due to see my gp monday I feel nervous about it, I have specifically asked too see a lady because most of the gps in my surgery are men, thinking she will understand, I'm 45 and I've been suffering for 2 years now and I'm really struggling, i feel like my life is being taken away. the gp may ask for my medical history but I dont know my family medical history because I grew up in care I dont know my biological family, so access to this info is not possible at all. My first symptom of perimenopause was my periods, they changed from being so regular every 28 to 30 day cycle to being late, cycles 50 days to then missing 4 months consecutively then a month spotting, then having them for a couple of months, then missing a few months again, I will list my other symptoms. Some mild some terrible. Insomnia, hot flashes, loss of libido, anger issues, low mood, lack of interest, aches , pains, ibs, indigestion, headaches, sore breasts, cramps in lower tummy,urine leakage,lightheaded,nausea,cant think straight, anxious.

[@lizearlewellbeing]

Really hope your appointment on Monday goes well and this video is useful for helping you to prepare. Do also take a look at the resources listed below the video if you haven't already done so as these may come in handy for your appointment. All the best x

[@shidling7782]

I’m so glad I found your channel. I feel like I’m at the end of my rope, as I just got turned down by both my GP and gynecologist for HRT because I’m 75 and haven’t had HRT fir 11 years. I’m suffering with insomnia, weight gain, irritability and dry skin resulting in psoriasis. My dr said since I haven’t been taking HRT and if I start now I could have a heart attack or stroke because my veins and arteries would become pliable and “bouncy” again and would throw off plaque that had settled in. I am in Florida and I feel like the US is so far behind in the estrogen replacement realm. If you have any advice for me I would appreciate it.

[@lizearlewellbeing]

So very sorry to hear this. Do download the free Balance Menopause App. it is freely available globally and such a good and helpful resource. Best wishes, Annie x

[@Willandsarah48]

You are brilliant ❤ well explained

[@lizearlewellbeing]

Thank you so much 😀

[@samchant-summers5382]

My goodness! This is absolutely fantastic Liz. I feel so much happier knowing how to approach my Doctor when I need HRT. I'm 49 and it's been on my mind. Looking forward to the next part of this series. Xx

[@lizearlewellbeing]

Ah this is SO good to read - really hope helpful!

[@samchant-summers5382]

@@lizearlewellbeing100% helpful! I feel a lot less anxious about the menopause having a champion like Liz behind me and millions of other women! Thank you so much! Xx

[@kimthom5793]

I tried very hard with our Med Centre and 3 GPs. They all stated at my age 63 now 64 there is too much risk of cancer. I tried to reason, mentioning Dr Newson etc. I felt deflated in putting so much effort in and feeling they just don't understand. Even if something to do with thyroid shows up on a blood test their answers are 'borderline' nothing to worry about....until I think we hit bigger problems for not being treated in the early stages as things have escalated. The only thing they did prescribe in the end was vaginal gel. I haven't used it as I feel that is only treating one symptom of the menopause. Not likely to help with anxiety, bones etc is it!! They are so under educated in this field. In My part of East London anyway.

[@lizearlewellbeing]

Sorry to hear this!

[@Gwyn10]

Thank you so much for this wonderful information and encouragement. I went to my doctor last week and was pushed back, albeit advised to have a blood test. I’m 51 and after reading the NICE guidelines I realise that a blood test wasn’t actually needed as my symptoms are so many and varied. Nevertheless I am going back to my doctor today, and am so hoping that I can be prescribed HRT to help me…I’m desperate now!!!

[@lizearlewellbeing]

Do let us know how you get on. In Liz's guide The Truth About HRT she details how to approach GPs who have not been properly trained in menopause, and how to escalate or file a complaint if you can't access the correct healthcare. Hope this is helpful. Please don't give up. Your body, your health, your choice. Best wishes, Annie x lizearlewellbeing.com/product/the-truth-about-hrt/

[@r8chlletters]

A blood test to check for thyroid and diabetes issues is standard because they can mimic perimenopause in some ways. Just keep pushing or get another doctor who will listen. You have to press rather than settle and they may start you at .5 when you really need 2…just keep scheduling visits and report even minor symptoms to get it where it’s best for you!

[@rebeccaparker1099]

Thank you so much for this video and all the info you have given. I am having terrifying panic attacks and heart palpitations and other symptoms you have mentioned. I am on beta blockers to lower my heart rate, and waiting for blood tests to see if I am going through menopause. Thank you, you are helping us women keep sane and giving us hope that we will feel better and get the treatment we need.

[@lizearlewellbeing]

Thanks so much for your comment here Rebecca. Would recommend taking a look at the Menopause Doctor website too as lots of useful resources. Just as a side note, it's worth bearing in mind that a blood test may not be necessary to confirm menopause - symptoms may be more than enough, whereas a blood test can then help to inform your treatment.

[@pappacicciafulham]

Excellent advise. Thank you

[@mokahoka4299]

Thank you so much Liz, looking forward to the next one. Meanwhile I shall delve into the resources mentioned!

[@lizearlewellbeing]

Yes please do - hope helpful!

[@debracraven8842]

hi Liz your so help full realy good information thankyou for sharing x

[@lizearlewellbeing]

Thank you so much - hope helpful!

[@cindytheodore8204]

Thank you so so much for this! My Gp has giving me 2 sets of antibiotics for Cystitis and still the same symptoms keep coming back. With all my other different symptoms I am realising now that I’m in fact in my perimenopause. 🤷🏽‍♀️

[@lizearlewellbeing]

So pleased this was useful for you!

[@marcellastaunton621]

Very informative video.ty

[@dianesullivan2488]

I've been in menopause for 15yrs now.anxiety n flushes terrible.the doctors gave me anti depressants both times.i had breast cancer as my body is making too much oestrogen. I'm on letrazol a blocker.what happens to my bones as I have osteoparosis now.my hands and feet ache really bad.help

[@lizearlewellbeing]

We have some information on osteoporosis on our website, which you may find helpful lizearlewellbeing.com/healthy-living/osteoporosis-bone-building-exercises/❤️

[@lisaeischens2352]

I’ve been having the heart palpitations with extreme sweating and also having weird episodes of my feet going from extreme cold to later in the evening having burning pain in my heels and lower legs. I just don’t know, I have so many symptoms but have already struggled with depression for years and it seems to be getting worse. I haven’t picked up my guitar for over 9 months and just don’t feel happy anymore.

[@dawnelliott3506]

Hi liz I’m 47 nearly 48 I have been suffering for months with classic menopause symptoms I’m due to a phone appointment with Gp this week I’m am so worried about not being prescribed HRT my gp doesn’t seem to understand

[@lizearlewellbeing]

Hi Dawn - really hope this video has been helpful for you, and you've had a look at the resources that Liz suggests here. We also have a really great podcast about talking to your GP with Dr Justine Setchell that I'd recommend having a listen to before your appointment lizearlewellbeing.com/podcasts-videos/podcast/menopause-and-gps-with-dr-justine-setchell/

[@susanbingham65]

I am 78 years old and am now taking bio identical hormones. Had blood work before starting and have had two sets of blood work taken at intervals afterward. My doctor retired after ordering the second set of bloodwork, so I called the pharmacy that mixes the troches to find out whether I am taking the right dosage. All the pharmacist said was, “Your levels were very low before you began the treatment, and they are still very low now. You should take half a troche instead of a quarter troche.“ I feel as if I am still in the dark here. What are these “levels” that are low? I would love to have someone read the reports and explain. I plan to take the bloodwork to my GP in hopes that he is up on these things. Second question is: sounds as if this therapy should be taken short term. If I am 78, would it hurt to take them until I die? Many thanks. Very good presentations!

[@lizearlewellbeing]

Hi Susan! Sorry you're struggling - we are unfortunately unable to offer medical advice, but would recommend that you speak to a healthcare professional/your GP (which sounds like you already are doing!) Thanks, Rachel (social media manager)

[@susanfong6322]

Hi Liz, please could you provide some information on options (preferably natural) other than HRT for those women who can't or don't want to take HRT.

[@lizearlewellbeing]

Thanks for your suggestion - will pass on to Liz!

[@donnasampson3140]

So interesting the video my issue is im on the mini pill so docs say i cant have hrt as being on mini pill u don't get a period. Also i have loads of them symptoms .

[@kettymanno7256]

Liz can you be kind enough to tell us your actual HRT protocol.

[@dawnmaddison3150]

Hi Liz, I have changed from HRT tablets to the patch I am experiencing night sweats which is so unpleasant.

[@pennyking3422]

Really wonderful advice on approaching the doctor and understanding the difference between transdermal modern oestrogen and the old tablet type. My doctor prescribed me the old tablets - I’m not sure how to approach them about changing this prescription. I suffer terrible migraines so not right for me. So please can you explain what modern progesterone I have to ask for if I’m successful with the oestrogel ?

[@annashiegl]

I take utrogestan. I take the utrogestan at night as it helps with sleep and rub the estrogen gel (sandrena) on in the morning.

[@pennyking3422]

@@annashiegl Thankyou x

[@joannekearney1893]

Is their a safe alternative to prometrium as the progesterone please?

[@hayleysmith5077]

I am 51 still having my period and anticonceptional, tinnitus since 5 years, some other symtomps they can vary actually sometimes hot flashes or palpitations occasionally , Is it possible having HRT plus mechanical anticonceptional method BEFORE my period stops? I am assuming" klaira" a famous anticoncetional with low hormones levels in south Europe, but at the last 2 weeks of the pill's schedule I do not feel the same me vital ,positive, on the contrary lack of estrogen causes me low mood or mood imbalances... Thanks for your anwer DR. you work is highly appreciated

[@lizearlewellbeing]

Hi Hayley! Thanks for reaching out - unfortunately we aren't able to offer individual medical advice so do speak to a doctor or healthcare professional if you have any concerns! We have lots of resources on menopause and HRT on our website, so do check those out in the meantime as they may help to answer any questions you might have! Thanks, Rachel (social media manager)

[@hayleysmith5077]

@@lizearlewellbeing very kind of you Rachel to answer Blessings

[@colettemuir1967]

Hi Ive been on the everol patchs for 8 week nearly Ive had swollen legs x feet and ache legs for about a week is this normal I know it says give it 3 months to start working . Thanks

[@CancerSoothe]

Is oestrogel safe after endometrial cancer please?

[@katepattison1371]

I’m peri menopausal and have lots of symptoms including achy muscles, night sweats, brain fog. I still have periods, although increasingly irregular. I find that when I take Utrogestan for 14 days a month it helps with all my symptoms. They all return for the remaining 14 days. Can you talk about the benefits of progesterone pls? Are there benefits of taking progesterone alone or should it always be taken with Estrogen?

[@lizearlewellbeing]

Thanks so much for your comment here - will share with Liz

[@helenfearnley2818]

Most of them symptoms vary month by month. X ive now got high blood pressure

[@lizearlewellbeing]

Hope this was useful - our menopause symptom tracker is free to download here if of use to you lizearlewellbeing.com/healthy-living/menopause/menopause-symptom-tracker/

[@kamparker9787]

I’m Indian and my periods stopped at 52!

[@lizearlewellbeing]

it is all so individual isn't it. Some women continue into their sixties! The figures Liz gives are averages. Thanks for sharing!

[@annoldham3018]

Frozen shoulder has been a problem. My right arm is very stiff currently and in 2017 in left arm was exactly the same but thawed. I was perimenopause in 2017 but now in menopause. Are these related 😳?

[@lizearlewellbeing]

Hi Ann! Unfortunately we can't comment on individual cases, but it's worth speaking to your doctor if you have any concerns ❤️

[@annoldham3018]

@@lizearlewellbeing I am struggling a bit with this, but the timeliness seems very beguiling.

[@lisaeischens2352]

I don’t think that people who have healthcare realize how fortunate you are. In the US, millions of people have no care because they can’t afford it. I have been disabled by chronic pain and my meager income is still considered too high for Medicaid (free healthcare for low income people). I had my gallbladder removed and what was supposed to be an outpatient surgery turned in to me staying for 4 days due to postoperative bleeding with the need for 4 units of blood and another surgery to look for the bleeding and put in a drain. I got a nice bill for $8,000 dollars even though I’m on Medicare. I can’t even believe how we live in the richest country on Earth and so many people live with serious conditions with no health insurance.

[@bowjana8128]

I'm a male and you doctor is female and young and I need to go but I'm so so embarrassed

[@ashurohela2452]

Does estrogel give you breast pain

[@lizearlewellbeing]

Initially some women can experience this and may need to experiment with finding the correct dosage to suit them - well worth a chat with your GP. Hope this helps!

[@amandanixon7819]

I was told by my Male doctor id be better seeing a female doctor for these issues!!!!!!

[@lizearlewellbeing]

That's not a great response is it? Considering half his patients are women... Can you image what would happen if a female GP referred every prostate issue to a male colleague?!

[@jeanetteraichel8299]

First off, do not go to a GP who not know squat about menopause other than writing a script for MHT. A gyno is who you need to talk to because it's their specialty. No, your menopause will be yours and no one else's. Including your mother. Dr Jen Gunter and Dr Barbara Taylor have books and Dr Taylor has a you tube channel