| HRT Patches
I have had a hysterectomy and have been on Estradot 50 mg patches for 15+ years. I am now 60 years old and only visit my GP for blood pressure checks and flu jabs and am not on any other permanent medication. I weaned myself off the patches last year and remained off them for 6 months but, during that time, experienced a marked deterioration in health - loss of head hair and growing facial hair, debilitation and anxiety. I went back on the patches and the symptoms dissappeared. I was then called in to the GP and she told me that she felt I no longer needed them - however after much discussion I stated that she was not in my body and my quality of life was being threatened and I was in much better health being on the patches; she reluctantly agreed to prescribe them for the near future. I am well aware of and fully accept any risks there may be and offered to sign a disclaimer to that effect. My question is therefore - i) can the GP refuse to prescribe HRT patches on the grounds of age? and - ii) if she did, can she also refuse if I ask for a private prescription and pay for the patches myself? This process itself is now causing anxiety and stress so I would appreciate any advice that can be given.
With many thanks,
Carmelly
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