Anyone been offered a MMSE (mini mental state examination)?

[WeeMadArthur1]

I went to the doctor with mild symptoms which I thought could be linked to peri menopause (I’m 49). Main things are mild anxiety and irritation (some noises like people eating have randomly started making me really cross!), waking up at night, sometimes sweaty (although it has been very warm lately) and forgetfulness.

They did blood tests and said my normal levels are normal so I’m not menopausal. The doctor then asked me about my forgetfulness. It’s things like not thinking things through at work and making silly mistakes, which are frustrating rather than really bad. And the other day I was convinced the microwave was broken but I’d spent two days pressing completely the wrong buttons which is why it wasn’t working.

The doctor asked if I wanted to have MMSE tests but I’ve just looked these up and it seems to be to test for dementia. Is that more likely than menopause??

*hormone levels not normal levels!

You’re peri/menopausal. GPs don’t usually do hormonal blood tests these days for menopause, they go on age and symptoms.

Forgetfulness is a v common menopause symptom.

My HCSW did one of these on me last time I was in for a long-term condition review, with my consent, after I mentioned 'forgetfulness'.

I passed it (100%). It's very measured tbh; and pretty quick. (I just did one test, that I presume is the basic one.) So there are the 'here and now' questions, and then the memory questions.

Yes, it's probably the menopause and you are aware of forgetting stuff and then upset by it.

General rule of them (obviously there are exceptions):
People who are worried about their memory have a good memory but other problems eg anxiety, stress, menopause, other problems with their health
People who aren't worried about their memory but have been dragged in by their family who are worried get diagnosed with dementia. They aren't worried about their memory as they don't remember that they forget things.

You can have a MMSE (although generally other tests like MOCA are preferred) and you might find it very reassuring.

As a side issue, you shouldn't have been offered menopause bloods as you are over 45. If you have the symptoms, it's perimenopause. Normal hormone levels don't mean it isn't as they can vary so much in peri.

@AnnaMagnani do you have a reference for the guidance saying I shouldn’t have been offered blood tests, as I’ve heard that from several people? I did ask the doctor whether the tests were accurate as I thought hormone levels would fluctuate in peri, and she said they can do so said I should have another blood test in a year to see if they’ve changed. She made me feel as though I was overreacting and getting anxious over nothing so it would be good to have an actual source to refer to as I tend to get a bit fluxommed talking to doctors.

Straight from the NICE Guidance:

www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng23/ifp/chapter/diagnosing-menopause

Quote:
Your GP should be able to tell if you are in perimenopause or menopause based on your age, symptoms and how often you have periods, so you are unlikely to need tests.

It’ll be peri-meno, your hormones go up and down in this phase so no real point testing.

Go back and see someone else, or just go back and nicely say s/he’s a muppet. You are forty bloody nine, talk about ignoring the bleedin obvious

MMSE is a dementia screening test. If HRT fixes your memory then you don't have dementia/early cognitive decline. MMSE is a very short test though, no biggie to take it.

'They did blood tests and said my normal levels are normal so I’m not menopausal'

But you're 49, surely a Dr must understand this is obvious peri/meno age .

Honestly, offering a mmse to someone displaying typical peri issues is bizarre.

Ask to see another Dr! If you've tried the usual lifestyle issues of exercise to help sleep, limiting alcohol and caffeine but are still struggling and want to try hrt just ask for it.