Perimenopause and HRT help

[Toastybuns2021]

Hi all. I finally plucked up the courage to go to the dr about my laundry list of peri symptoms. Erratic periods, brain fog, anxiety, sleep issues, low mood. Etc etc. I’m 44.

He Has referred me for an ultrasound to check why the erratic periods (to give you an idea, nothing for 8 weeks, 2 periods in 3 weeks!). Some blood tests to check my hormones. I put it off and now was hoping to leave with a prescription and try and get back on top of my life again. Is this normal procedure or should I go back again???

Is it normal that a doctor took you seriously and has referred you for a scan and blood tests to check hormone levels? No, but I'd be thrilled that he has, rather than fob you off with a prescription which may not address the root cause of your symptoms.

Thanks so much for the reply. I had understood that in Peri, blood tests not very helpful. I mean, I’ll do them but given my mother had osteoporosis and the combination of symptoms points to hormone related issues, I expected not to have to go through more blood tests and then more waiting for a follow up drs appointment.

Not everything that looks like peri is peri. I don't understand why you'd shrug off your GPs attempt to help you.

It depends on the GP OP. I think NICE guidelines are prescribe HRT without any extra tests if patient presents with peri symptoms over 45. Before 45 I think it's normal to rule out other causes of symptoms.
Your GP sounds good. They're not saying no to HRT, they're just being thorough and ruling out other causes first.