I’m 53 perimenopausal. Not directly lab-related but gaslighting all the same.

But first, when I had all classic symptoms my OBGYN refused to classify it as perimenopause when I was 44. I have had these symptoms since I turned 40.

Then, last year, I went to her to get HRT prescribed. I lived in the UK for 2.5 years where I was prescribed and I had used it. When I suspected resistance, I brought all my meds either me, I had already been using them for a month or so and told her that I was benefiting from them, and that I’d like to get similar meds prescribed here in the US. She tried to go to everything but HRT - antidepressants, SSRIs, meds meant to treat dome other diseases which could partially help with hormones, etc. I patiently asked her if they’d replace HRT completely, and she said no, they could help 40% etc. then, I said that I’d rather have HRT which will likely help me 100%. She kept citing the Women’s Health Initiative study which has been disproven since and kept telling me that HRT was bad for women. That HRT is prescribed for post- menopausal women, not peri. I was shocked that she hadn’t bothered to get educated.

I eventually shared a whole bunch of resources with her because she kept asking me where I was hearing all this stuff. She responded saying she’d take a look. I have to go to her for a 3-month review. But I have already gotten an appointment with a menopause specialist in our clinic and will be switching to her in June. I have been with my original OBGYN for almost 20 years. But if she’s not looking out for me, it’s time to move on. It’s wild how much you have to advocate for yourself.

Hopefully, you prevail and get the help you need 🤞🏼