|
|
Post by jacksfullofaces on Jul 17, 2012 19:07:23 GMT
If anyone wants to see their GP for hormones it helps to understand NHS protocol. I have the official British Menopause book in my possession. Anyone needing help can ask and I will check any questions for you. Often the GP has a tick box which can influence a decision to give you HRT. I will be happy to help anyone wending their way around NHS Protocol prior to asking their doctor for hormones.
Jacks
|
|
|
|
Post by Admin on Jul 18, 2012 6:02:32 GMT
As a non-Brit, I've never really understood the NHS system. It appears that there are some restrictions on doctors prescribing HRT? Is that correct? How exactly does it work - I'm just curious.
Here in Australia things seem to be different. There are no restrictions on GPs prescribing HRT and most are available on what we call PBS (Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme) which keeps the cost of HRT fairly low. For example the new oestradiol tablets my GP has just prescribed for me have cost me $11 for 2 months supply. That's actually the cheapest I've paid so far. The oestradiol patches I was just recently using cost $13 for 1 month's supply.
There are some HRTs that aren't on PBS and are more expensive, but usually if you have private medical insurance (as I do) as long as the prescription costs more than $33 you are reimbursed the extra (ie if the meds cost you $40 you would get $7 back). So in theory no medication should ever cost you more than $33 if you have private medical cover, but of course that's not always the case if the med is very expensive in the first place, as insurance companies have a limit on how much they will reimburse over a 12 month period.
|
|
stumpy
Member
"Frankly My Dear, I Dont Give A Damn"
Posts: 370
|
Post by stumpy on Jul 18, 2012 6:06:37 GMT
Hi Robyn
The NHS (I feel anyway) just dont want to spend the money if they can help it.
Took me ages to get HRT, kept saying I was too young, BP was too high come back in a month etc. One even told me its only 6 months of sweats, you dont need to take HRT!!! and that was a woman....in mid 30's she was. Love to be a fly on the wall in her house in 10yrs.
Stumpy xx
|
|
|
|
Post by Admin on Jul 18, 2012 6:18:26 GMT
I call women like that SBs (smug bitches). I always say karma will get them sooner or later.
I always thought you guys had a much better health system than we do, but at least for HRT we seem to be getting a better deal. Although my major gripe with the Australia Govt is that we don't have Utrogestan available here, or anything similar. It's like "well you have to use the synthetic crap whether you like it or not".
So far I've emailed the Aust Menopause Society and the manufacturer of Utrogestan, but everyone is ignoring me at the moment. My next step is to try the AMA (Aust Medical Assoc) and if I get no joy there I'm going to one of the current affair shows on TV, because I think it's absolutely criminal that women in Oz with prog intolerance like me either can't access Utrogestan or have to buy it online (which is what I do).
|
|
stumpy
Member
"Frankly My Dear, I Dont Give A Damn"
Posts: 370
|
Post by stumpy on Jul 18, 2012 6:42:05 GMT
Its bad isnt it. Quality of life should be top priority. I hope you get what you want  SB's (smug bitches) love that. Stumpy xx |
|
|
|
Post by jacksfullofaces on Jul 18, 2012 8:45:44 GMT
yes they are atrocious. The practice gynaecologist told me to use Menopace for menopause. I ended up getting my hormones privately - the NHS hate dishing out hormones and encourage us to embrace menopause
Jacks
|
|
|
|
Post by Gelis on Jul 19, 2012 5:14:16 GMT
yes they are atrocious. The practice gynaecologist told me to use Menopace for menopause. I ended up getting my hormones privately - the NHS hate dishing out hormones and encourage us to embrace menopause Jacks .......just try dealing with a Greek male gynaecologist! I'm looking for a female gynae at the moment, as I just can't face seeing this man again. He's a good doctor in that he's thorough with exams and tests etc, but his attitude to "foreign" women who won't accept the "Dr knows best & shut up" line leaves a lot to be desired! Gxx Gxx |
|
|
|
Post by jacksfullofaces on Jul 19, 2012 8:44:49 GMT
Gelis
Good luck changing to a decent sympathetic doctor. If they don't understand hormones why are they gynaecologists? The practice gynaecologist is so stupid my GP sent me for a second opinion about my cystocele.
Jacks
|
|
