Beth’s HRT Story

#MyHRTStory – Beth

“You will fit in better on the pill” . . I was 15 years old and infertile, fitting in was the last thing on my mind!

Back in 2010, I was diagnosed with Premature Ovarian Insufficiency. The diagnosis came like a whirlwind, I knew nothing about it and the information given by the doctor was limited to “your too young for HRT”, “You won’t be worried about having children anyway for now” and “You will fit in better on the pill within your peers”.

For months I was left to struggle, never truly understanding why I had to take the pill (Especially if I couldn’t get pregnant anyway). My treatment from the NHS continued the same way, minimal information and regular mistreatment, being tested for pregnancy once a month during my pill review even after telling them I have POI.

It didn’t take long for the emotions and confusion of the diagnosis and treatment to turn into anger, and I gave up taking the pill hoping to avoid the trauma that was being created by every appointment. I went years without any medication and tried not to acknowledge the condition that was controlling me.

I went back to the GP almost ten years on from my diagnosis to speak to them about HRT after learning the importance of taking it thanks to the information that the Daisy Network had provided and I was again bounced from doctor to doctor, being asked unsupportive questions such as “Are you over it yet?” in reference to the emotional pain that the condition had caused as I sat crying to one doctor.

My journey to HRT was as traumatic as the initial diagnosis due to the lack of support and knowledge.

– Lost medical information leading to having to be retested and re-diagnosed with POI

– First call with a gynaecologist in which the doctor wasn’t aware what the call was about, asking me if I’m calling for something “pregnancy related”.

– Repeated blood tests as the first tests were done incorrectly

– Being told no when asking if I could be put on the pill during the waiting period

– Emails sent to PALS following the stress of appointments to which they responded to say they weren’t taking on any cases due to COVID.

– More blood tests ordered and still no HRT provided

– Changed to another GP surgery

I was let down by the NHS for those years, and it took going to a private menopause specialist who after my 1hr appointment, had the HRT prescription ordered and on the way to my house. It was refreshing and a huge weight was lifted, finally finding someone that gave me a chance and listened. My HRT journey is FAR from over, I’ve struggled to find the right dosage and somewhat found that it affects my mental health negatively rather than having a positive effect on my body, but we must keep going.

I did return to my new GP surgery and the doctors there have excelled my expectations. The NHS services for those with POI isn’t all negative but there is a huge amount of education needed on the subject and hopefully working alongside the Daisy Network, we can raise awareness and educate all on the condition.