Healthline editors speak up about their experiences.
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| Many of you have written in to share your stories about menopause. And one theme that keeps coming up is that it can be difficult to find a doctor who takes your concerns seriously.
"Dismissive was an understatement," says Unpaused reader Jane G. "Even now at 60, I'm getting hot flushes still and a bit of moodiness. And still, I haven't had one doctor talk to me about menopause. My feeling is they must think that at my age, I should know what's happening."
It turns out this experience is common among the Healthline team, too. Below, they share their stories. |  | | | | | | Q | | Our editors have also had trouble finding doctors who will listen. | | | | A | | "I am 39, and I am 100% certain I have been in perimenopause for a good couple of years now. However, I am in the group of women who have been told by their doctor (despite symptoms, etc.) that it 'isn't possible.' I was recently reading an article in the Seattle Times and the director of the Mayo Clinic Center for Women's Health was quoted, 'Women get gaslit a lot in this space, because if you have a 37-year-old going in complaining of mood issues, sleep issues, whatever, they're told it's not possible,'" she said.
"This is exactly how I have felt dealing with my doctor (UK). I have around 90% of the symptoms, and both my mum and my sister started perimenopause before 40. I did finally get my doctor to give me antidepressants to help with the mood swings (which they have). But, otherwise, I have been completely shut down on the subject."
— Mandy French, editor
"I had two doctors tell me I am too young."
— Erica Leech, client engagement manager
"I had an appointment booked with a female doctor who I know would take my perimenopause symptoms seriously. It got switched to a male doctor, so I cancelled it. I just don't have faith that all GPs (UK) are completely up to speed on the vast array of symptoms. It's a vulnerable position to be in, and I want to make sure I'm not brushed off."
— Ruth Eagle, editor
"I actually like my doctor a lot — she's a female internist and I've been with her for years. But when I asked about HRT, she quickly said 'you don't need it' and moved on. I definitely felt dismissed without a conversation and ultimately ended up going to a female OB-GYN who just as quickly prescribed two medications for me."
— Rita Mauceri, director of commerce | | | | | | | | Has it been difficult to find high quality care for your menopause symptoms? Or do you have any other questions for our menopause experts? Let us know at menopause@healthline.com and the answer may be featured in an upcoming edition! | | | | | | | | | | | | | HEALTHY TIP | | Connect with others who can relate | | One of the most powerful ways to cope during this time is by talking with other people who know what it's like to go through menopause. You may consider reaching out to friends and family or joining an online support group. | | | | | | | |  | | | | We may feature your messages to our inbox within our content. Please do not provide any personal identifiable information. Replies may be edited for length and clarity. For more, see our Privacy Policy. | Healthline, Optum Now, and their respective logo(s) are trademarks of RVO Health, LLC.
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