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Menopause

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Hopeful that I can get treatment

3 replies

alternating · 06/10/2022 22:25

Had tests 9 years ago (fertility related). Diagnosed with premature ovarian insufficiency (elevated FSH, abnormal LH and AMH too). Told to get a move on if I wanted kids.
Had a string of miscarriages but ultimately conceived and carried to term twice. Pregnancies were very close together so periods were absent and then all over the shop for a couple of years.
Had peri symptoms but they could all be explained away at the time (mum of two under 16 months so of course I'd be tired, forgetful and not want sex)

Anyway, Two years ago I reached tipping point and felt my symptoms were becoming difficult (erratic cycle, zero libido, depression, brain fog, night sweats, trouble sleeping etc) but as I was only 38 I was thoroughly dismissed. In the last two years I've got so I barely recognise myself. Original symptoms still there but now I have migraine, vulval issues, anxiety, difficulty losing weight, rage, low mood, even arrhythmia!
Go back to the GP, told that I'm too young (40) and there's something hormonal going on but as the menopause is the absence of periods, not more of them, I've clearly just been watching Davina too much and need to get on with my life.

Went private, dr was kinder but kind of had the same opinion - cycle shouldn't be closer together and I must just be sensitive to slightly lower oestrogen. She offered an FSH test, I honestly think because I was so disappointed that I was being dismissed again - at this point I felt like I was being called a liar.
I've just got the results back and the FSH is elevated. Quite a bit. Should be <12.5 ml/U but mine are 29.4 ml/U - the post meno range for that lab began at 25.8ml/U

I've cried and I'm angry, I know it's not a diagnostic by itself as it varies so much but with the symptoms I have (hot flushes have started recently too!) I hope I can be taken seriously - I just want to feel like me again for more than a few days every month! I'm worried for my bone and heart health and have no idea what's next!

Does anyone have any idea if with these results I'd be taken seriously and whether I'd be offered treatment? I can't work out if I'm overreacting and should wait for a second FSH test or if my symptoms with this will be enough?

OP posts:
alternating · 07/10/2022 09:49

Little hopeful bump!

OP posts:
WahineToa · 07/10/2022 22:36

I’m so sorry for what you’re going through. Hormone problems are the pits. It’s frustrating because our GPs seem clueless. Your situation is tricky because of your age but Perimenopause can kick in early and I don’t think anyone should have ruled that out for you. You should have had a full female hormone profile. To test Estradiol, FSH, LH, total testosterone, SHBG & FAI, thyroid hormones Inc Free T3 & Free T4, plus antibodies, prolactin. This is hard to get done on the NHS sometimes but I do them through medichecks because it’s convenient and relatively inexpensive. NICE guidelines are what your GP should follow, you can Google the ones for menopause, but if under 45 they’re meant to diagnose and treat using tests. Has your GP seen the results? You should maybe print the guidelines out and take them to discuss these results and ask to be treated with HRT.

alternating · 08/10/2022 07:56

Hi, thank for replying.
GP hasn't seen these results - the gp refused to do any tests as for menopause/peri and the like she believes they're useless and not recommended.
I did have these tests mentioned 8 or 9 years ago which indicated low ovarian reserve (I was going to donate eggs through a charity but couldn't because of these results) so I don't imagine they'd have improved in the intervening years!
I'll have a follow up with the Bupa doctor who will determine the next steps, I think I was wondering if HRT would be an option with my symptoms plus fsh result or if I'd need extra tests but you've answered that!
Thank you

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