Info on blood tests for peri meno.

[pinkfrocks]

I've seen a lot of posters requesting blood tests or having had blood tests for confirmation of peri meno or menopause.

Just wanted to say that these are very unreliable- as my own test showed. Hormone levels in peri can change daily and show post menopause one day and highly fertile the next.

(Mine showed I was post meno when in fact I had periods for another 18 months.) I didn't have it for peri symptoms as such- more an overall hormone profile for another health issue.

The test needs to be done on days 3 and then around day 14 ( mid cycle) in one month. Even then it may need a re-run over 2-3 months.
I understand that many GPs don't know this and therefore women are getting false results.

If you have peri symptoms and other things are excluded - eg thyroid issues- then it's pretty sensible to assume it is peri and treat accordingly.

So if your tests come back and say you are not in peri but have all the symptoms, I'd take that with a pinch of salt!

I have all the symptoms of peri and had blood tests on day 3 and 14. Day 3 were normal day 14 were high. One GP wanted to put me on hrt saying I was menopausal one said its normal to be high on day 14.
So here I am, still suffering and wondering what to do.
Any advice? X

I don't understand that. The ranges are clear for anyone to see- you can do your own search via google for FSH levels in peri and post meno age then go back and discuss with your GP.
A range might ( just as an example) go from 1-10 for 'normal' and 11-40 for peri meno and 41-70 for post meno. (Not the real figures, just an example.)
I'd go back and ask the dr what your were, and make a note of them.
Whenever I'm give any figures I ask for the exact number so I know what's going on.

In any case, HRT isn't given out on the basis of blood tests- many drs go by symptoms.

Here is a link to levels

You can see that over 40 is menopausal and 11-40 is peri and under 11 is fertile.

Thanks will have a look, I am symptomatic.
My 14 day one was menopausal as she asked if I was having my periods.
I've got them printed up somewhere I'll hunt them out.
Thanks again xx

Day 14 shows LH 82.7 and FSH 16.7.
Your link shows this to be a mid cycle surge??
If I've read it right! X

Great post - I'm another example but possibly the flip side. I didn't have what I thought were symptoms and I'm still not entirely sure - no clear hot flushes or dryness etc but I had a period that continued for over 10days with mostly spotting and so my FSH/LH and Thyroid levels were tested.

I was told by my GP the levels were post menopausal and couldn't be that high if they hadn't been climbing for a long while, they were unlikely to change, I might get a few more periods but I needed HRT as I was 44 and too young to be without hormones. Re-test but we don't expect a different result and come and get HRT.

I went into a bit of a panic to say the least, mainly because I didn't understand things, the GP was terrible at communicating and it was a shock.

I missed one period at this time and since then have had three bleeds at regular intervals of 26/28 days (I'm not certain they are true periods as they are different and I don't feel like I have PMT or ovulate??) I also repeated the FSH/LH test at day 3 of one of the bleeds and they were returned as normal and no further action noted by my GP. I haven't been back to the GP.

I'm not sure what is going on, but for now I feel OK and am taking things as they come. I have different minor 'symptoms' similar to PMT but they are definately different but are following a cycle of some kind and I am pretty sure my hormones are not as they were.

This whole thing still remains so confusing to me, much appreciate all the contributions from other women on their experiences, we are all so different.

MandM

your FSH 16.7, so was less than 27 according to the table I posted in the link.
This is peri meno- just.
11-40 is peri meno.
Over 40 is meno.
11 and under is fertile.

The LH levels are not shown in the link- it says at the bottom that the LH levels will be added automatically at source so we can't see them.

Though of course the levels are a bit like an MOT - a snapshot of what's happening that day only. You need to have a series of tests over time to assess if you are truly/enduringly in a particular range.

Ok thanks, unfortunately my GPs don't seem to want to retest. It was hard enough getting these tests. They also are reluctant to diagnose so I'm in a bit of no mans land x

why do you want to be tested?
Can you explain why?

Normally, the only reason to test would be with someone who is young and having a prem menopause so that treatment could be started early.
For women who are over 45 then it's not necessary to test- just treat the symptoms if they want by using HRT or other meds if HRT can't be used.

I can see why they are reluctant to test because it's going to cost the NHS a lot of money and at the end of the day is only going to tell you what you know already; that you are peri meno and could be for many years.

Because I'm at the end of my tether, constantly feeling crappy and I don't know this is peri. I'm 39. I need support but not getting it. So I can't see why they are reluctant

Also your link says it's mid surge not peri if you follow the arrows down. My FSH being less than my LH.

My FSH was 10 when it was tested about 6 months ago. (at 50). I'm having peri meno symtoms though, so I'm assuming it must be swinging all over the place.

I'm 48. If I start having symptoms from now on, would I need to do anything about it, re medication of some sort?

mandm

I'm not sure what to say really.
Are your periods irregular?
Are you having hot flushes, sweats, weight gain, etc?

I think you need to go back to the dr and ask for more tests and tell them that you know that one lot of tests is not conclusive. if you have had 2 tests and one said peri meno then that's a good enough reason for more investigations. if they refuse, ask them if they are willing to refer you to a consultant as premature menopause-at 39- needs treatment.

make a list of all your symptoms for maybe 4 weeks,on a spreadsheet and take them along.

Hi pink
Periods are irregular but have changed in the last year. Cycles shortened from 28 to 24. Some even shorter. Also 5 days to 2 days very heavy and clots.
Hot flushes, mood swings, sore down below, uti for the first time ever, restless at night waking at 4 a lot and wide awake, palpitations...shall I go on!
I've got an appt on Friday to insist, I've been backwards and forwards for so long and need answers.
X

Sorry meant to say periods are regular x