How could I be sure of hitting menopause when I've had a partial hysterectomy? daily / weekly blood tests?

[megletthesecond]

I had a hysterectomy 7yrs ago at the age of 35. I suspect that my hormones started going haywire around the age of 39, lots of symptoms, but can't prove anything. A gp did one blood test and told me everything was fine.

As I was sent away with my tail between my legs I've got on with it but now it worries me that if I have an early menopause my bones are at risk. I'm healthy, take vits, run and work out so I'm in better nick than most but I don't think I can 'beat' hormones.

Not sure what to do really. Apparently the hysterectomy means I have a slightly higher risk of early menopause so I might not be imagining it. I wouldn't want HRT due to anxiety about cancer but would like to know what's going on so I can look after myself. Would a gp do repeat tests? We have no idea of my normal hormone levels so one test doesn't really say anything.

I don't know meglet but will I expect soon have the same quandry having had a partial hysterectomy at age 33.

How many blood tests do they do to confirm menopause in someone who has not had a hysterectomy?

I wonder if peri menopause might have symptoms without the blood results being outside the normal range.

Oh dear another GP who seems clueless. You are supposed to have 2 tests a month apart at days 2-5 of a cycle. if you don't have periods then any time.

HRT is prescribed for women with an early menopause -under 45. The risks of HRT do not apply to women using it under the age of 51. Read as much as you can and don't just listen to the headlines in the press. But I'll shut up on this because one poster tonight has already questioned why I keep saying this .

I've discussed peri menopause with specialist and apparently your hormones fluctuate so much from day to day that the bloods are pretty meaningless.

I've definitely been peri since turning 40 - PMT symptoms disappearing and then reappear really badly. Driving me mad tbh.

Thanks polly. I know you have a good handle on these things.

123 - it's weird not having periods isn't it. My periods were like clockwork and after a few months I was concious that I'd lost touch with my body.

I'm fairly sure you'll know. I had a hysterectomy 4 years ago (they left one ovary) but now aged 51 I know I'm right there. Mood swings, hot flushes, weight gain - I don't need a blood test to confirm it tbh

Just realised I've been to the gps with hot flushes, anxiety and depression, breast pain, vaginal pain and migraine over the last four years.

Going to head back with memory problems next.

Bumping for the poster in chat whose name I've already forgotten .

Thank you Megle, it's me!

Ah, hello .

Yes! Totally relate to feeling a loss of control without periods! Mine were like clockwork pre hysterectomy, I too tried to track them after my op but lost track after a few months.
I sometimes wish I'd just had the whole lot taken away, especially now as someone posted on my other thread that I need to get tested for ovarian cancer

I haven't a clue either. At 51 I should be going through it but the only thing I've noticed is my appalling memory.
How do we know when it's over - or perhaps I've still got it to look forward to.

Update. My blood test results show a normal FSH level of 4.1, although obviously without periods we have no idea what day in my cycle that relates to. I've got a print out of all my blood levels, all fine.

So apparently not peri-menopausal despite all the symptoms 😩. If this isn't it then I dread to think what state I'll be in when it does hit me, it's bad enough now.

I think you have answered your own question- the blood tests are not reliable especially when you aren't having a cycle as such.

The rule is to treat symptoms. Research shows that for many women the ovaries decline 2-3 years after a hysterectomy. At your age if you are having symptoms, your GP ought to treat you for early menopause. If they don't and you don't use HRT PLEASE get your bone density checked by the time you are 50 because if you are menopausal now, there is a big risk you could develop osteoporosis in the next 10 years (as you are without normal estrogen levels.)

I’m 48, hysterectomy in June but retained my ovaries. I’ve been getting terrible hot flushes, insomnia, night sweats and fatigue.

Started HRT 2 weeks ago and the flushes/sweats have stopped. Still feeling exhausted but have had a heavy cold too so I’m hoping to feel better once that abates.