I went to the GP as I had experienced PCOS and wanted more advice about how the menopause might affect me. The male GP stated ' It's not an illness!' although he added that I would not be offered HRT due to the PCOS and the link to high blood pressure. I did not go back when the peri menopause and menopause finally hit - and it hit hard with haemorrhaging, depression and mood swings, hot flushes, night sweats, poor sleep for 12 years. What did help was going to a female trainee GP who prescribed anti depressants when I was off work with depression. I left that place of work and found some lovely female work colleagues in my next job and mutually sharing, laughter and black cohosh. Although a bit late for me, I'm so pleased this solely female experience is now better recognised.