How useful are blood tests to indicate peri?

[ChittyChittyBoomBoom]

I approached my gp earlier this year with a list of symptoms I wondered could be linked to the peri menopause. Because I was 44 at the time, he referred me for 2 blood tests, 8 weeks apart. The results didn’t indicate peri menopause so no treatment offered.

Based on my symptoms, and hearing of friend’s experiences of their gps telling them that blood tests can be inaccurate, I’m wondering if it’s worth going back to my gp?

My doctor said that if I was symptomatic that was what she would use to guide prescription- even though my tests showed normal levels and my periods were regular (albeit heavier). I felt tired and lethargic and my sleep was rubbish. All fixed by a low dose of HRT . I think guidelines suggest that post 45 blood tests aren’t required. I would push back and ask if you can try to see if they alleviate symptoms. If not ask them to write down on your notes that you asked for HRT because of XYZ symptoms but they refused because…. This means that their refusal is on record and can be examined by peers rather than just being heard by you. If they are happy to stand by it then no problem. If they just gave a default refusal and fobbing you off then they may think twice. I found Louise Newson (not always popular with GPs) a helpful resource.

Blood tests are not that accurate. PP is right - under 45 and they test. This is to test for other disease/ illness, not only peri.

But hey, what's a few months? Bodies don't work that way and your GP is being unreasonable to think that a few months matters when you have symptoms.

Once you get to the 'magic 45' they are supposed to prescribe on symptoms only.
So I'd go back and insist on a trial of HRT.

Many drugs are prescribed on a 'try this and see if it helps' so HRT should be no different. A 3-6 month course will show if it's helping. Nothing lost and your GP ought to understand that.

Thanks. I’ve since turned 45 so maybe it’s worth trying again 🙄.

Are you still 44?

I kept going back and what did it was detailed cyclical symptom lists.

I hadn't realised over heating at night (no sweats!) was effectively a night sweat. I'd wake up absolutely boiling and had to sleep with a fan on.

Sorry the app was playing up and I didn't see your post.

I'd go back but don't accept the lowest dose unless you feel you're not that bad. A friend was started on 50 by her Gp at 45, who said "at this age it's not worth starting at a lower level."

I'm now up to 100 and only 45, but I'd had noticeable symptoms from age 42

I had no idea overheating at night = night sweat.

I keep switching the duvet, opening windows (DH complains) and taking Covid tests thinking it's fever!

Do you have a website or something that explains?

Might have to toddle back to the GP too.

I'll add though that I found it hard going from 50 to 75 (patches) so if you feel a higher dose is too much, you can go up more slowly from a lower level. Everyone is v different.

www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng23/chapter/Recommendations#diagnosis-of-perimenopause-and-menopause

Mum described an actual night sweat with sweat pouring off her but I just get terribly hot all over. So maybe it's a hot flush at night?!

I started getting a few hot flushes in the day after 6 months on hrt. And insomnia was back. And everything else. 50 patches were far to low (shown on blood tests too; that's when they're useful.) I was surprised how quickly I needed more after initially feeling great on 37.5 when I first started.

But some people seem to be quite stable for a good while on a lower dose. I think I'd been in peri from late 30s though. And had managed to have a baby which improved so many things for a while (only a year 😭)I started to think it was menopause that were causing random aches and pains, fatigue, dizziness and insomnia.

This is a really helpful forum and website

www.menopausematters.co.uk/

Thank you @WarriorN
Glad it sounds like you're on a good regime now.