27 Oct Ladies, This Is Getting Serious
Currently, in the UK, menopause does not appear on the curriculum for GP training. However, at least 3 months is given over to obstetrics and gynaecology. Not every woman is going to have a baby, but every woman, if she lives long enough, is going to have a menopause.
As we live longer, the likelihood is we will spend more than half our lives without our periods than with them.⠀
On average it takes between 4-8 GP appointments for symptoms to be recognised as the menopause. Women are being dismissed by their GPs and/or misdiagnosed.⠀
Many are being referred to rheumatology for aching bones and joints, cardiology for heart issues and an infinite number are being wrongly prescribed anti-depressants and many are worryingly being referred on to psychiatry. ⠀
This lack of knowledge and understanding is costing women their short term and long term health and wellbeing. ⠀
THIS IS NO LONGER A MEDICAL ISSUE, THIS IS A WOMEN’S RIGHT’S ISSUE. ⠀
The information above comes from a brilliant podcast by @lizearle with @dianedanzebrink. It is essential listening for all women, and I urge you to get the men in your life to listen to too, here is the link.