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Mumsnet doesn't verify the qualifications of users. If you have medical concerns, please consult a healthcare professional.

Menopause

Do FSH and blood tests for oestrogen levels give clarity to whether you need hormone replacement therapy?

16 replies

Loobyloo100 · 10/12/2017 17:35

I'm hoping someone can guide on Mumsnet - I'm knew to this site.
I have recently had my FSH blood tests done and also oestrogen levels checked and have been confirmed Menopausal. I have been having hot flushes for a while, but more recently had terrible anxiety and some depression for last 6 months hence me getting these tests done. But little guidance from NHS doc but just choose one of the HRT routes.
I have no idea whether it is the menopause and my hormone levels making me feel so rough as I have sadly suffered from bad anxiety before and still on pills for. My private doc has increased my pills for anxiety to see if this will help. But still concerned it could be a hormonal thing and want this checked properly. Can anyone advise on a good gyne who could help and give me some insight re. my blood tests. Thank you so much. I know about John Studd and Nick Panay who are fully booked till at least end of Jan if not March. But wondered whether another good gyne could help. Do let me know.

OP posts:

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LadyWithLapdog · 10/12/2017 17:41

If you don't have any contraindications for HRT and are at the right age and have the usual hot flushes etc, why not go on HRT for 3-6 months?

PollyPerky · 10/12/2017 18:11

Hi If you do a search on Mumsnet for Nice menopause Guidelines which I've linked to loads, you will see the guidance for drs (and women!) for diagnosing menopause. The guidelines say treat the symptoms. They also say that any women with anxiety etc which has not existed before menopausal symptoms occurred, should use HRT as the first line of treatment, not ADs.This sounds like you!
I'm sorry but I'm confused by your post. You seem to say that your private dr has given you higher dose of ADs, but your NHS GP has suggested HRT?

Your GP is right- hurrah! So many of them hate giving HRT and don't link it to anxiety moods and depression. You've got a good GP so stick with them.

lljkk · 10/12/2017 18:15

Are you already on regular medication for anxiety, do you have a formal diagnosis for your type of anxiety?

NotAgainYoda · 10/12/2017 18:16

What Polly said is what my (NHS) GP told me. Which was reassuring. There was no question of me not being able to try it (I didn't even have a blood test) and I am now on the oestrogen patch (as I have Mirena which provides progesterone) and feeling better. The mood swing are still there and if upping the dose doesn't help, then I've been advised to consider SSRIs

NotAgainYoda · 10/12/2017 18:18

... sorry, to clarify - they are still there to some extent so dose has been upped and so far so good (I have no risk factors)

Loobyloo100 · 10/12/2017 20:23

Ive had anxiety before sadly. Will look on the thread that Polly mentioned. Thanku for all yr replies.

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Loobyloo100 · 10/12/2017 21:00

How do u know if u have an oestrogen deficiency? Would my recent blood tests show this if they tested my oestrogen? And do u need to see a gyne to be able to give feedback on this - ie will most gps not know how to read hormonal results?

OP posts:

NotAgainYoda · 10/12/2017 21:04

My GP told me blood tests are difficult to interpret and they go by symptoms and history - I did not have hormone level tests.

teenytinypontypine · 10/12/2017 21:06

To a certain extent, your hormone levels are irrelevant. If you have symptoms, try HRT.

LadyWithLapdog · 10/12/2017 21:20

A GP can read the levels but you don't need to know your levels (which can also fluctuate) to start HRT if you have symptoms and are over 45. If you don't have contraindications and know the small increase in risk and accept it, HRT may be a good option. You can stop if it doesn't suit, try a different type etc.

alltheworld · 10/12/2017 21:25

Hormone levels fluctuate and also you can have normal oestrogen levels but still feel awful because everyone needs different amounts of oestrogen. It may have changed but mr panays nhs clinic aims to see referrals within six weeks. I only saw him at the initial appointment but his team is excellent

PollyPerky · 10/12/2017 21:33

Panay only works in London though- not accessible for everyone due to distance and fares (if by train.)

Loobyloo100 · 11/12/2017 09:53

I'm pushing for my nhs doc to refer me to Nick Panay. Hopefully I will get to see him in Jan or Feb!

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PollyPerky · 11/12/2017 10:29

Why not think about HRT in the meantime? It's more than likely that this is what you'd be advised from Panay anyway. And then perhaps he would advise reducing your medication for anxiety slowly, once the HRT worked. What you are experiencing sounds quite 'normal' although not nice for you, but there is plenty your GP could offer you as a trial.

PollyPerky · 11/12/2017 10:30

ps You won't necessarily see 'the man' himself- he works with a team and you may see one of his researchers or other drs.

yikesanotherbooboo · 11/12/2017 12:59

How old are you OP? If you are over 45 to some extent you are likely to be oestrogen deficient and if you have no contraindications it is worth giving HRT a try. If you are under 45 this may still be the case. Blood tests are very often unhelpful however if they are obviously abnormal eg sky high FSH when you are only 38 or similar they can be helpful.

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