How reliable are hormone level blood tests?

[MummaPI]

I understand they aren't?
I've had a fair few now and all normal yet been in the throws of Peri for at least 4 years. I've had them on certain days of the month, like the 1st, 3rd and mid month too.

They are reliable but each is just a snapshot of your levels on that day. If you've a series of them on different days then they are very reliable.

What made you think they aren't?

I'd read somewhere that they can be unreliable because of fluctuating levels in early Peri and catching it at the right time can be difficult

Hormones can vary by time of day as well as day of the month, so getting them taken at the same time of day is helpful. Over time and several samples and good picture should emerge.

They aren't reliable for diagnosing peri which is why NICE says don't test women over 45. If you are over 445, the odds are you are in peri OR have another illness- so your GP should rule those out first.

If you have symptoms, the new guidance is treat the symptoms.
You don't need a blood test to tell you what you're feeling if they are all the classic signs of peri.

If you are under 45 and even younger then your GP ought to test your hormones on day 2-5 of a cycle, over 2 cycles. If it shows high FSH levels and low estrogen, this could mean premature menopause in someone under 40/ 45 and then you need to have a discussion over treatment.

I'm 42

Symptoms are insomnia, headaches, anxiety, palpitations and of late periods are heavier and had irregular or extra ones

Maybe ask your Gp to refer you to a gynae who has experience in early menopause? The medical advice is HRT up to the age of 52 - average age of meno.

menopausematters.co.uk/pm-definition.php

see the other links on this - diagnosis, treatment etc and not it defines prem meno as under 45. Site info is written by an NHS gynae- Dr Currie based in Scotland.

Thanks for the advice, I'll do that

I believe current NICE guidelines for HRT is for women of the expected age for peri (45 and above) prescribe on symptoms alone rather than blood tests, precisely because hormone levels fluctuate.

Obviously below 45 (depending on ethnicity) it's a different ball game and they should be looking at checking other potential causes for symptoms as well as seeing if you're going through premature menopause.

Other causes, like what?
Family history of early menopause and I'm guessing it's not unusual to be in Peri at my age?

I'm not a medic, Mumma, but I do remember, for instance, getting "hot flushes" when I had an over-active thyroid (and my first mistaken thought was "oh no, not a premature menopause..."). But 42 is on the early side, usually it's between 45 and 55 - albeit premature menopause, according to the NHS is before age 40 (approx 1 in 100 women):

www.nhs.uk/conditions/menopause/

I don't know how you feel about treatment - whether you want a natural menopause if poss, or whether you want to go down the HRT route to alleviate symptoms - I've certainly found HRT a game changer.

I've had my thyroid checked and all ok. I've had various tests over the last few years and all ok. I don't think I'm near menopause yet but certainly in the Peri stage

Mumma I am 42 and diagnosed with early menopause a year ago. Hrt is vital for our future health and a lifesaver for me. If you have no contradictions ask for it.

Blood tests aren’t always accurate and reliable. I had severe symptoms with almost regular periods. My estrogen was too low, about 26.

it's impossible to tell when your periods will stop but the fact they are irregular now shows your ovaries are in decline. This alone will mean your estrogen levels are lower some of the time which puts you at risk of osteoporosis later on.

If you read the link, the dr there says if periods stop before 47 (now considered the earliest 'acceptable' age in the western world) that is considered early. The NHS site isn't really detailed enough or up to date.

There are two forms of early menopause- premature (before 40) and early (before 45 /47). Both carry risks to bones and heart health later on.

Your periods could stop in a year or they might carry on being erratic for another 5 years- you can't tell. The question is, are your symptoms bothering you enough to use HRT which is your option .