Ladies, Especially Menopausal Ones, Prepare To Be Insulted...

I went to my GP today and told him about how I was now on Abilify and clonazepam. I let him know that my NP at the mental health clinic had said that it would not be wrong for him to prescribe me something for my anxiety if I ever needed it, due to my going through menopause and how it can cause anxiety. (I was NOT suggesting anything at this time! I was just letting him know that since the clinic only did benzos for short-term, it was a concern of mine, possibly in the future).
Well, my doctor says to me that menopause does not cause depression or anxiety...... But that if after I give this new treatment from the clinic at least 6 weeks and am still having problems, he will give me a referral to an ob/gyn and they can evaluate me and perhaps put me on hormones and get my body back in balance.....
I proceeded to tell him in a respectful way, that I have been online reading about and talking with other women that have increased anxiety due to menopause and that's a FACT! (HE'S A MAN! WHAT DOES HE KNOW about HOW A WOMAN FEELS??!!!) I also told him that I would only consider HRT as a very last resort b/c of the increased chance of cancer! (Janet does her homework people!!!)
So if I should ever decide to go to my ob/gyn, it will NOT be with his referral. I will go on my own!!! I will speak for MYSELF!
Okay....I got that off my chest and I feel a bit better now.

BTW, tonight I start the 5mg of Abilify. I hope it does the job! I have been feeling somewhat better already with the 2mg....I almost hate to increase it, but I'll follow the NP's orders this time!

Wow Janet! I'm sorry you got paired with him!!! Every woman knows how our moods change when it comes to these type situations. I have seen one male doctor for something (no female doctors) and I felt violated when I left! No bed side manners at all. I stick to females for EVERYTHING now. Sorry about your experience but I hope everything goes well with your new medication.
Good luck!!

That guy is an idiot. I don't care if there is an MD behind his name. This is not just some "fringe" idea from a few ladies on a forum. This is a real issue, that affects a lot of women. Until we start to get some respect in this area nothing will ever change. I'm sorry, this just makes me so mad!!

I am SO proud of you for standing up and letting him know what is going on. I'm with everyone else. Time for a new doctor. One that has some clue about what is going on. Really, great job!!! You should speak for yourself!!

Hugs!

I agree, unfortunately title near names doesn't mean anything.
I am glad you taught him a couple of things about female hormones, lol
Prof. Dr. Janetlee :D

This guy sounds a little batty. I brought up doing a hormone panel to my doc and she said we could, but she does not like treating hormone issues with hormones. She would rather treat them with anti depressants. Good for you for standing up for yourself!👏👏

Thanks everybody for the encouraging words!
I do plan to stay with this doctor though, for several reasons. It is hard to get a medicaid doctor here and also, at least he doesn't try to PUSH me to take drugs I do not want. He does respect my wishes. For example: I am not a fan of cholesterol drugs. He wants me on them, but when I let him know that my mind is made up, he accepts it.
In many ways he is kind. He does listen to any of your questions, no matter how long it takes.
Anyhow, if I ever get to a point where I feel the need to tell him "ADIOS!!!!", I promise you that I will!! At least I can go to a lady ob/gyn for female issues!
janet

My gyno who is a woman, just told me the same thing. Menopause can make you over the top cranky, but not what I was describing- anxiety.