When I’m my cycle should I get my blood test done

[RoseAddict]

I’ve been asked to take a blood test before discussing HRT further with my GP. I don’t think it’s to prove whether I qualify for HRT but it is checking amongst other things for FSH, oestrogen and progesterone. I know hormone levels fluctuate and one test isn’t a good indicator of what’s going on but right now I feel completely normal because I’m in the first half of my cycle. If I were to go in about a week and a half’s time chances are I’d have the headaches, rage, insomnia, aching bones etc that I’m sure are hormonal symptoms. I’m thinking I should go then? I guess I do want to give the test a chance to show up what’s going on if it can. When’s the best time to go?

Thanks

When IN my cycle Stupid autocorrect but title is hopefully still clear enough

If you are over 45, the answer is NEVER.

Read the Nice guidelines pinned at the top of this forum.
GPs are supposed to follow those.

Blood tests are only for women under 45 who may have premature ovarian failure.

Please question it with your GP as Nice are very adamant these tests are a waste of time, unreliable and waste NHS resources.

HRT is prescribed on symptoms alone.

Thanks @JinglingHellsBells. I’m just under 45. I was happy to do the blood tests for iron, glucose, liver etc but was aware the hormone levels wouldn’t be a reliable indicator. I’ll certainly question it if I’m not offered HRT as a result of the blood tests. They’re also testing for FSH, progesterone and Oestradiol.

Coming back to this I’ve looked at the nice guidelines and because of my age it does say I should be offered a blood test for FSH. On the blood test form it says LH/FSH (day 2-5) and also Progesterone (day 21). Trying to find out if I should book tests on those particular days. Getting through to the surgery to ask is difficult!

I've just had my bloods done privately -it was recommended that I do the test before 10am on day 3.

www.forthwithlife.co.uk/peri-menopause-check/

I was asked by my GP to get a blood test today. To check my oestrogen is below 100, because then she'll be able to argue that I need a higher dose.

@Oblomov21 did you get asked to test on a particular day then?

@Psychonabike day 3 that’s interesting. I’m on day 5 today so will have to try and organise it for next month if possible once the GP has got back to me

@RoseAddict I'm a bit confused over why you need a blood test.

At 44 going on 45, it's so close to the cut off point of Nice that many GPs wouldn't bother when you have recognsoed symtpoms of peri meno.

but it is checking amongst other things for FSH, oestrogen and progesterone.

FSH, estrogen and progesterone ARE the checks done for early menopause.

The reason for doing blood tests in women under 45 is

1 To check there are no other reasons for symptoms
2 To be able to offer HRT if they are having an early menopause, because it's medically advised until they reach at least age 50.

To check ovarian function, you need the test between days 2-5 of a cycle. To get an accurate reading it's usually done over 2 cycles.

It sounds as if your GP is actually screening you so they can prove you need HRT (or not?) rather than treat you according to your symptoms.

If your FSH etc comes back as normal, are they going to refuse you HRT?

Because it's quite likely in peri you will get an inaccurate reading, as hormones fluctuate by the day.

Yes I guess I’m similarly confused @JinglingHellsBells hence posting here. The form clearly says which days the hormones should be tested on but the doctor didn’t mention that and when I phoned to book the blood test they didn’t know anything about it needing to be on specific days. So if I’d just done as I was asked I’d have had all of it checked on one random day and as far as I can tell that would be completely meaningless because done on the wrong day as well as pointless for the reasons you’ve mentioned

So hard getting through to a GP these days! I got cut off twice trying to phone and have now left a message on an online form…

@RoseAddict I had one blood test when I first saw my gynae (and it wasn't for meno then) but my hormones were tested, along with countless other things, as it was relevant. I was shown to be post meno. I was still having regular periods and wasn't post meno for another 18 months. Dr laughed and said it was (yet) another example of how tests are pretty meaningless.

You need to be ready for your dr to say no to hrt 'as your hormones are normal'.

Yes ok I’ll be prepared for that with the relevant info. I have more than enough symptoms to go on. I had the impression from the conversation with the dr that there was no problem going ahead with HRT and the blood tests were just a formality but it was only once I’d looked at the form and realised the hormones were on there and that she hadn’t mentioned that I got a bit confused.