Navigating perimenopause can be a challenging journey, especially when met with scepticism or dismissal from healthcare providers. Many women in the UK have reported feeling unheard or misdiagnosed. Understanding the current landscape of menopause care and equipping yourself with the right strategies can make a huge difference.
I went to my GP for answers and left feeling more confused
I’ll never forget how confusing and isolating it felt. I was in my early 40s, experiencing crushing fatigue, mood swings that seemed to come out of nowhere, night sweats, and sleep that disappeared almost overnight. When I went to my GP for help, I was told I was “too young” to be perimenopausal. My symptoms were brushed off as anxiety and stress. I was offered antidepressants – more than once – without my symptoms being explored further.
Each visit left me feeling more confused, more ashamed, and even more disconnected from myself. It wasn’t just that I wasn’t getting answers – it was that I was being made to feel like I was imagining it all. It took 18 months, countless blood tests, and three different GPs before I was finally told, “Yes, you are in perimenopause.” And not even the early stages of it!. By then, I had already spent so long second-guessing myself that the validation felt almost surreal.
That kind of gaslighting – however unintentional – can make you doubt your own body, mind and instincts. And that’s a lonely place to be.
Understanding the current landscape
Gaps in GP training on perimenopause
While perimenopause / menopause is included in the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) curriculum, the depth and consistency of training vary. A survey revealed that 52% of GPs felt they hadn’t received adequate training to advise women on symptoms, with some not recalling any formal education on the topic. Furthermore, a Freedom of Information request indicated that 41% of UK medical schools lacked mandatory menopause education in their curriculum.
Patient experiences
A study analysing data from 952 respondents highlighted a number of concerns:
- 74.5% sought help for menopause-related issues.
- Common treatments included oral medications like antidepressants (68.8%) and lifestyle changes (17.2%).
- Many reported dismissive attitudes from healthcare professionals, poor treatment management, and a lack of information.
Empowering yourself: Strategies for effective GP consultations
- Educate yourself: Familiarise yourself with the wide range (and not commonly known) symptoms as well as treatments of perimenopause.
- Track your symptoms: Maintain a diary detailing your symptoms, their frequency, and impact on daily life. This can provide tangible evidence during consultations.
- Prepare for appointments: List your concerns and questions beforehand. Bringing someone along can also provide support and ensure all points are addressed.
- Discuss possible tests: If you suspect perimenopause, discuss relevant tests with your GP. While blood tests don’t actually test for perimenopause they help to rule out other conditions.
- Seek a second opinion: If you feel your concerns aren’t being taken seriously, consider consulting another GP or a menopause specialist.
- Leverage support networks: Engage with communities or support groups. Sharing experiences can provide validation and additional coping strategies – as well as the confidence to persevere with your GP.
Advocating for systemic change
While individual strategies are crucial, collective efforts can drive systemic change:
- Support campaigns: Initiatives like #MakeMenopauseMatter advocate for better menopause education and resources.
- Stay informed and provide feedback: Keep up to date on policy changes and participate in public consultations or surveys related to women’s health. Sharing your experiences help to highlight areas that need improving.
Final thoughts
Perimenopause is a significant phase in a woman’s life, and receiving appropriate care is essential. By staying informed, advocating for yourself, and supporting broader initiatives, we can work towards a healthcare system that recognises and addresses the unique challenges of perimenopause.
Advocating for yourself does not mean challenging clinical expertise – but it does mean ensuring your concerns are heard, explored and appropriately assessed. If you feel dismissed or unsure, seeking a second opinion or specialist advice is a valid and recognised part of patient care.
References
Make Menopause Matter – Menopause Support Campaign.
Website: https://menopausesupport.co.uk/
University College London News (2023). Menopausal women often turn to doctors who know little about it – what needs to change.
Retrieved from https://www.ucl.ac.uk/news/2023/sep/commentary-menopausal-women-often-turn-doctors-who-know-little-about-it-what-needs-change
Menopause Support (2021). Shocking Disparity in Menopause Training in Medical Schools.
Retrieved from https://menopausesupport.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Web-info-Shocking-Disparity-in-Menopause-Training-in-Medical-Schools-1.pdf
Nature (2023). The menopause: an online survey of patients’ experiences and healthcare utilization.
Retrieved from https://www.nature.com/articles/s44294-023-00002-y
British Menopause Society. Information and guidance on perimenopause and menopause.
Website: https://thebms.org.uk/