Do I need to find a new doctor?
I’m 41, but my peri symptoms started around 38, I think (mainly low mood, insomnia, atrophy and dryness, etc). Unfortunately, my gyno of over 10 years was a bit dismissive of my symptoms and recommended an antidepressant and only prescribed estradiol cream after some pushing. Said it was likely stress induced, etc. I wasn’t expecting this recommendation and was upset at first but decided maybe she was right so I tried Wellbutrin for 2 months with no benefits, only suffering negative side effects (horrible face and body acne), so I quit.
The cream helped some, but the peri symptoms only got worse and one year later I found myself back in her office. Since one major symptom is lack of libido, I asked her about Vyleesi. She told me that it only increases blood flow to the region (this is incorrect) and isn’t effective for women. She also told me she will not prescribe testosterone to women.
Initially, I was relieved when she prescribed Progesterone capsules (100mg) and Estrogen patches (0.05 mcg); however, she told me to take both daily. After picking up the script, I found in my research that unless you are having inconsistent periods (which I am not. I’m still very regular), the medical guidance suggests cycling progesterone to avoid erratic, heavy breakthrough bleeding - which I absolutely want to avoid!
Now I’m wondering, why didn’t she suggest cycling? Is she setting me up for failure? Is daily dosing normal for some people in early peri with normal cycles, OR is this a red flag?
Edit to add: She also recommended I add 100mg of DHEA daily to my regiment. Isn’t that kindof high??