Early Menopause.org

Do you have Premature Ovarian Failure(POF), which is often the reason for having an early menopause?
Are you unable to get long term support for your condition?
Have you been abandoned by your gynaecologist/G.P. for the treatment of your POF?
Are you aged under 45 years?
Are you based in the U.K.?

Again and again I am hearing about women who are being denied treatment from their GP, not being referred to see gynaecologists when they need to be, and even if they fight to get a referral, I am hearing that they are not being allowed to get follow up appointments without justification being made on a case-by-case basis by the gynaecologist to the Primary Care Trust (PCT). This endless bureaucracy is stifling caring professionals working in the field, who should be caring for patients.

Nick Panay has kindly allowed us to offer the notes from his presentation on Premature Ovarian Failure given at the British Menopause Society roadshow in Guildford October 2006. You can view this as a PDF download here. (requires Acrobat Reader)

BMS CONFERENCE TORQUAY, MENOPAUSE MANAGEMENT
“Meeting the Challenge” July 2005

On Thursday and Friday 7th-8th July I attended the British Menopause Society annual Conference. This year for the first time it was being held in sunny Torquay at the Riviera International Centre. As I was a little apprehensive about what to expect from the next two days, I was pleased to be accompanied by Susan, our new Chair, for Day One. On our arrival, we enthusiastically picked up our delegates goodie bags, (alas no Devon cream teas were included in them). We then made our way into the exhibition hall, to browse the stands. Among these were Novogen Red Clover, who we were pleased to see, and also Francis and Taylor, stockists of specialist gynaecological literature. I continued acclimatising to the venue, when my sense of smell led me to the piece-de-resistance, a gigantic chocolate fountain the like of which I have never seen, a complete chocoholics heaven! My challenge for the next two days had now been set, were my eyes going to be bigger than my stomach? The next 48 hours would be crucial to my hip size!

The Daisy Network is the only nationwide support group for women who have suffered a premature menopause. We are a registered charity.

This year's Open Day marked the 10th anniversary of the Daisy Network, we had a great turnout with over 100 women attending the event, this year held in London. A welcoming and friendly greeting was made to all, and a good atmosphere ensued throughout the day.

The day kicked off with registration, and browsing of the stalls, these included a stand with Marilyn Glenville who as ever had a great selection of books on special Open Day offers, featuring nutrition and natural alternatives to HRT. The Infertility Network also had a very informative stand with a great deal of material to ponder on and take home, on all aspects of fertility matters from egg donation to adoption.

This year our Open day was held at the King's Fund Centre in central London. The morning started off busily, with committee members chatting with delegates and partnering those that had assigned buddies, over a welcome cup of coffee.

The programme kicked off with Susan Our chair extending a warm welcome to everyone. The Daisy committee members then came forward, and spoke a little about themselves, and their designated roles within the network.

The first speaker was Mr .Nick Panay, a consultant Gynaecologist and menopause specialist from Queen Charlotte's and Chelsea hospitals. Nick's specialism is in POF, and he believes a very individual and sensitive approach is required towards treating patients. He is a leading light in the menopause field.