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Typical menopause medical care?

9 years ago

last modified: 9 years ago

A GYN gave me a prescription for HRT. There was no explanation of what to expect from menopause, how to take care of myself or alternatives to HRT. Clinic management said that my expectations were "granola" and that I needed a different clinic . This is the clinic that my insurance provider uses. Was my experience typical?

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PRO

mdln

9 years ago

Not typical! Get a second opinion.

The risks of HRT should be explained in detail, to facilitate shared decision making regarding its use.

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Comments (6)

Solid Dog
Original Author
9 years ago
Thanks for responding and confirming that I should consider alternatives to HRT.
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PRO
mdln
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Following are links to good sources of information, that healthcare providers use as resources.

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/852360

https://www.nih.gov/health-information/menopausal-hormone-therapy-information

https://m.acog.org/Patients/FAQs/Hormone-Therapy?IsMobileSet=true

https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng23/chapter/recommendations
nannygoat18
9 years ago
That is not typical at all.

I don't understand what "granola" means and agree that you should seek a second opinion. I suggest that you also inform your insurance company regarding the subpar standard of care that you received. If necessary, seek out a patient advocate to assist you.

I would caution you not to rely on internet sources to make such an important health decision.
Solid Dog
Original Author
9 years ago
Thanks everyone for your responses. I have a cabinet full of supplements that I've tried since my first menopause GYN visit a year and a half ago. It was with a different GYN but went like the one I described above. What prompted me to try a GYN again: 1) worsening symptoms, 2) reading that self-medicating with estrogen cream can turn carcinogenic and 3) the fact that I am paying a huge healthcare premium each month.

Nannygoat - I took your advice and called my insurer's customer service while typing this response. They said a message would be sent to management but didn't say anything like "We will get you good medical care." The tone was "Uh, OK....".
nannygoat18
9 years ago
Solid dog, please keep trying and demand to talk to a supervisor. Document your efforts. You may wish to contact an ombudsman to advocate for you (google is your friend!) . It's a real hassle but your life is at stake.

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