Tests normal but feel peri WWYD?

[RoyalMush]

I need to get the results in full so I can’t quote them here, but I have tried two different GPs ordering FSH blood tests now, both of which are apparently in normal range.
However I am 45 and have exhaustion, insomnia, irritability, rage, mood swings, dry eyes, dry skin, joint aches, erratic periods which used to be regular, brain fog. I thought GPs were supposed to offer treatment for peri based on symptoms? They’ve both said there’s ‘no further action required’ because they’ve now done a blood test, when I still have all these same symptoms. WWYD?

NICE guidelines say they should treat on symptoms only at your age so keep going back.

Take a look at the menopause doctor website there’s loads of advice on there.

Unfortunately the NICE guidance seems to refer to over 45s. My GP says I would be ‘young’ to be affected by memo. They don’t seem to have even heard of peri. It’s confusing as a patient, there seems to be loads of stuff out there on this. It’s not new!

Oh, so not quite 45 enough yet.

I was in the same boat, went so many times and I was too young, not that bad, just depressed (I wasn’t)
My 50th coincided with the Davina documentary so I went back armed with even more info and they were much more helpful.
So frustrating for you. Have you seen all the GPS at your surgery? Keep going.

I am 45 years old. Irregular periods for years and other peri symptoms for about 6 years. It's time that Dr's stopped all this 'you're too young for..... " rubbish 😤 I've just started HRT. Too early to comment on whether it's working really. I did an econsult with my Dr. Said I wanted a face to face chat and to try HRT. That's what I got 😁 Incidentally my blood test did show my FSH levels were 29, so borderline. Good luck OP!

Thank you both for taking the time to respond. I’ve asked for another appointment to discuss my symptoms via econsult. Previously they’ve just kept saying that I’ve got years yet and can expect to continue periods until around 51. That’s all fine, but looks like I’m going to print off a load of stuff for them that explains that women can feel symptoms before the end of their periods. Its knocking my confidence in them as doctors to have to try to ‘educate’ on something so basic and common. It puts my relationship with them out of my usual comfort zone.. but needs must.

The NICE guidance says 'consider testing women under 45.'

That's not you. You are 45 going on 46.

I know women who were all over and done with periods by 45/ 46.
Some didn't use HRT and now 10 years later have osteoporosis.

The age of menopause is 45-55.

Your dr is clueless it seems.

51 is the average age.

Why is that professionals, paid £100K a year, cannot get their brains around something so simple which anyone can find out online?

I despair. If necessary pay £250 if you can afford it and talk to a meno specialist.

Op, keep going back, don't give up. I had all the same symptoms as you. Last period at 43, now officially 'through' menopause at 46. I had peri symptoms from 34 and was completely ignored for years. I have now got severe va and struggling to get it under control, I've been deficient in oestrogen for that long. You are not too young so don't let them fob you off.

I saw the other GP available at my practice. Relief! She’s prescribed me Oestrogel as a trial to see how it goes. Got Mirena already for contraception. Just wanted to post to encourage anyone else to persevere because as I have found out, luckily, not all GPs will make it difficult.

Thank you Tootsie and HellsBells hope you’re doing OK now.