IMPORTANT UPDATE RE: APPOINTMENTS

The majority of women can be offered menopause advice and HRT from their GP and do not need to see a specialist.Have a look at the useful websites I have listed to inform yourself and help decision making before you see your GP.There are many GPs in Northern Ireland offering excellent menopause care and support .There are also dedicated women’s health GP services in each trust in Northern Ireland that your GP can refer you to and these usually have reasonable waiting times.

Each trust gynaecology service accepts referrals for menopause advice and has doctors with a special interest in menopause.If you have a complicated medical history,have had ineffective symptom relief on multiple preparations or have confirmed premature menopause ask your GP to refer you to your local trust.The HRT Clinic in the Mater Hospital is mainly for Belfast Trust patients.

HRT AVAILABILITY

The good news is most combined HRT preparations including patches and tablets are finally available again!
Ask your GP /pharmacist to switch you back if you have not been happy with an alternative.

There are ongoing shortages of Utrogestan due to increased demand and supply/delivery issues.
Medroxyprogesterone acetate is an alternative progestogen or you can switch to a combined preparation.
Please see latest update from the British Menopause Society on their website.

British Menopause Society response to Davina documentary May 2022
https://thebms.org.uk/2022/05/bms-comment-on-channel-4-programme-davina-mccall-sex-myths-and-the-menopause/