I am a woman who, like many others, was misdiagnosed and left to suffer from the symptoms of perimenopause in my early 40s. Instead of receiving the necessary hormone replacement therapy (HRT), I was prescribed antidepressants - a practice that is all too common and deeply flawed. I honestly thought I was going mad, that I had dementia or a tumour. I couldn't remember anything, words were on the tip of my tongue but couldn't get them out. I felt less that in the work place and around my friends and family. I isolated from everyone when I wasn't working because I just felt lost and sad all the time, the colour had gone from my life, there was no point for me! and then there were the physical side, the itching, the dryness-inside and out, the pain of intimacy when you tried because you love your husband don't you? or did I, I honestly didn't know anymore because I had and still at times feel like I have lost the ability to feel due to lack of the correct hormones needed to function on the level every woman deserves for the span of her life, you see there in lies the problem!! we weren't supposed to live this long were we? no sadly women never lived much passed menopause age previously, well sorry medical field but we do now and I for one want all women not just those who can afford private care to have the luxury ( sorry their god damn right) to bone, brain, sexual health, happiness, muscle strength, fat placement, cognitive function, memory, I could go on but you catch my drift.. Women add so much to this world and deserve so much more out of it. I am one of the millions that cant afford private healthcare so to me the message is loud and clear from the NHS, we are substandard and aren't worthy of treatment, that can not be right in this day and age. please sign this petition so we can end this way of thinking. we are all women and all deserve the correct treatment for a healthy happy life. 

In 2024, it is unacceptable that women are being made to endure such suffering due to an inability to afford private care at one of the most vulnerable times in their lives. The current system for prescribing treatment based on NICE guidelines rather than symptom-based assessment is failing us.

It's estimated that around 13 million women in the UK are either peri- or postmenopausal - this means nearly half of all women are experiencing menopausal symptoms at any one time (source: British Menopause Society). Yet, our needs are not being adequately met by our healthcare system.

We demand better access to comprehensive perimenopause and menopause treatment through NHS GP services. This includes ensuring prescriptions are based on individual symptoms rather than rigid guidelines, as well as guaranteeing access to necessary treatments such as HRT and testosterone when required.

No woman should be left suffering due to inadequate care or financial constraints. It's time for change. Please sign this petition today if you believe every woman deserves appropriate support during perimenopause and menopause.