Peri Meno blood test results are in

[BrainSmog]

...and they've come back in 'normal' range. I've got an appointment scheduled with my gp next week to discuss but I'm not sure what I should be asking for next.

I'm 41 and been experiencing symptoms for about 3 years and getting worse. Very extreme mood swings for 2 weeks before period, joint pain, brain fog, memory issues, hot at night when I used to be a winter duvet and electric blanket person, awful fatigue and many other symptoms. In the last few months I've had 1 period 5 days late , then normal schedule, and the current one 3 days early. I used to have a regular 28-30 day cycle.

I first thought it could be PMDD (which previous gp had never heard of) and am currently on 100mg sertraline but its not doing the trick.

I think the GP I'm currently speaking to is going to be more supportive but I want to be prepared. Should I ask to try hrt? Will GPs prescribe this if bloods are normal? I've read the nice guidelines and for over 45s it seems quite clear, but I'm still confused about what I can expect in my age group, especially as there seems to be varying thoughts on how useful blood tests are. GP previously said depending on the blood results I may need a referral to a specialist - although I'm not sure if she meant if the results were in or out of range. A specialist would be fine in theory but I'm worried about how long the wait could be. I can't face going on like this - it's had major effects on my work and social life. I've been on ADs for 3 years (3 different ones, multiple gp appointments) so I really feel I've done my time on them and exhausted that option.

Can anyone offer any knowledge and advice for my next GP appointment please? Thank you in advance

You might want to question the timing of your blood tests.

This is the info from the Daisy Network, a specialist-led charity for women with premature and early menopause. (I know you aren't quite there, but the testing may still apply.

Basically, tests are done on days 2-5 of a cycle if you have periods. Then repeated again a month or more later. I don't know how valid a test is if it's done at any other time.

www.daisynetwork.org/about-poi/making-the-diagnosis/

Look up louise newson. And lara briden..both excellent sources of info

I’ve been told by 2 gps that the blood tests aren’t reliable.

Thanks everyone for replying. I've had the tests at the right time I think, FSH on day 5 then FSH and testosterone 6 weeks later (so mid cycle). I had a single FSH test a year ago but because that too was normal range no further action was taken except I tried a different AD. I guess I'm just worried that that the gp (albeit a different one) will say the same, but I can't keep going like this. I want to push for more but I'm not sure what for or what info I can have in my back pocket to support me. If I was 45 it would be so much easier!

I had horrendous PMDD. It often goes hand in hand with endometriosis/adenomyosis, have your had any symptoms of that?

I'm sorry to hear that, pmdd is utterly miserable and debilitating. Don't think I've got any physical symptoms that point to endometriosis or adenomyosis (not heard of that one so thank you).