Do I need a blood test to confirm Peri

[SilverGlitterBaubles]

Hi

I am pretty certain that I am in Peri, occasional night sweats, erratic periods and more recently difficultly sleeping and shortness of breath/ anxiety symptoms. Is it best to request a blood test with GP to confirm hormone levels so that the correct treatment can be recommended? I would also like to see if there are any vitamin/ mineral deficiencies that could be impacting things. Just a bit concerned that I will be fobbed off by GP

It may depend on your age. Our surgery don’t test FSH if over 45 because it actually says not to be used in women over 45 on the test. Presumably because they assume peri is likely at that age? They may diagnose on symptoms you describe.

The only vitamins they may test are B12/folate, ferritin, they will only test vitamin D if you have gone complaining of very specific symptoms because it isn’t a routine test and it’s expensive apparently. You wouldn’t routinely get a magnesium, zinc or calcium test either so if you are wanting a lot of out of ordinary tests you may leave feeling fobbed off.

Spire /Nuffield do private vitamin/ mineral blood tests if that’s an option?

Thank you, I guess what I want is the full picture and that peri is actually the cause before making any decisions on HRT. I suspect it is highly likely though.

The recommendations are if you are over 45 blood tests aren’t needed. However I was glad to have them as I was in such anxiety over my various symptoms and my imagination was in overdrive. I’m over 45 but the GP tested me because the minipill was masking what was going on naturally with my cycle lengths. When I was told my FSH levels were very high, it was such a relief just to have it confirmed. I had convinced myself I was going loopy or had a major heart problem!! Good luck.

In a word 'No' @SilverGlitterBaubles unless you are under 45.

They diagnose on symptoms.