Hi Acquia, good luck with Esmya, I can't imagine why your GP wouldn't allow it as it's your gynaecologist consultant that's the expert. My consultant had to write the initial prescription and wrote a letter to my GP updating on my situation and then my GP wrote my next prescription.... easy peasy!
I hope you have the success I've had. I'm in week 10 and at about week 7 my fibroids shrank an obvious amount and now I can't feel them at all, which is saying something believe me. They stretched my womb up to my belly button and could be clearly felt, like a ridge or a step (size womb 20 weeks/10 fibroids), now my abdomen is soft and squidgy and I've joined the gym and swimming twice per week as 1) I've got energy, 2) not in pain, 3) feeling well and want to get fitter and healthier.
I had my check up 2 weeks ago and I almost cried with triumph when my consultant said I may not 'need' my womb removed and if esmya helps my poorly ovary (endometriosis and enlarged) then I may not have a hysterectomy at all. (Aalthough not licensed for endometriosis esmya is potentially going to help with that too - my consultant is an endo expert, that's his field and this is what he hopes for us ladies).
Right from the start I was adamant, no hysterectomy! however, over time (2 years) I came round to accepting this could be the best thing, sick of being sick. This change of heart happened in about 3rd week of esmya - I guess an acceptance thing. At the least esmya will make any operation easier (whether that's unsticking an ovary, removing it, and/or removing my womb too) by shrinking the fibroids. So once coming round to acceptance and now this significant change I may not need to have a big op, or if I do it would be keyhole .....
I asked for another 3 months prescription and he said no, wait, let my 3 month course finish (2 weeks to go), another scan and then review. Save another 3 month if I need it later. I'm sure he said the effects so far are long lasting (although it's a new drug for the UK but he's the expert so if that's what he knows, fair enough) and as you will know fibroids can grow back - but at least now I know what to look at for if that does ever happen.
I've had no side effects or if I have they'e been nothing, compared to the pain I used to have, the improvements have been life-changing. No exhaustion and constant tiredness - makes a diffence to me as I'm a therapist, working all times of day/evening and lifting a couch and things about, single, running my own business all on my own
So yes, life-changing!
I'm a positive person and right from the start have stuck to what I know is true for me despite family, friends advice saying otherwise. I've had to get strong and speak my mind, being assertive with GP and consultant. I've asked awkward questions because it's my body and I have to understand everything so I can make the right decisions. My consultant has changed his tune with me, very positive and upbeat now and said that he is here for advice, he provides the tools whatever route I choose, it's my body and only I can make such major decisions - I couldn't ask for more than that.
This has turned into a bit of an essay! This journey has been a long and deep one and has made me find my courage, wisdom and belief of what is best for me. This journey isn't over yet, I don't know which way it'll go, but Esmya has been brilliant for me and from what I read it varies from woman to woman make anything from no reduction to complete disappearance and no operation required at all - which is where I hope I'm heading and my consultant is hopeful of that too.
I want to find out from woman that have taken Esmya, not had a hysterectomy, what has been their long-term experience.
So, here's hoping you have great success Acquia - I'd love to hear how you get on.

PS. My consultant confirmed that the shrinkage I felt from the top/outside where I can feel by pushing into my tummy would be the same all the way round ... I wondered if they'd have just disappeared from one side.