Where to get private peri testing?

[UpUpUpU]

I’m definitely in peri but being fibbed off as too young by GP’s. I am at a point where I’m willing to pay for private testing.

any suggestions?

thank you in advance

Would you be paying for private prescriptions or hoping it would make your GP’s prescribe HRT? If you can pay for private prescriptions then you should be able to find someone in your area. If you were hoping that your surgery would then prescribe it, if they haven’t agreed now they may not even if you pay to see someone else.
Is there another GP at the surgery you could see? You shouldn’t have to though. It’s infuriating that many GP’s do so little training in this.
The problem with testing is:
Perimenopause is a process — a gradual transition. No one test or sign is enough to determine if you've entered perimenopause. Your doctor takes many things into consideration, including your age, menstrual history, and what symptoms or body changes you're experiencing.

There are some links here which may have some pointers on successfully requiring HRT.
https://www.balance-menopause.com/menopause-library/my-doctor-wont-budge-shared-decision-making-with-your-healthcare-professional/

https://www.themenopausecharity.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/How-to-ask-your-GP-for-help-rev.pdf

#requesting not requiring.

Im interested in this OP. I want to start HRT but how do you know which one, what delivery system, how much of each quantity of what hormones? Im in peri at the moment, never been 'tested' though, GP said to assume I was and away I was sent

@UpUpUpU You don't get tested for peri unless you are under 40 (or 45.) HRT is prescribed on symptoms for women over 45 (and that's not a line in the sand- all doctors make their own judgements.)

If you are under 45, you might have a blood test for your FSH and estrogen levels along with other tests to rule out anything else.

You would get the same response from a private doctor, which is some blood tests for very young women (definitely in their 30s as this is premature ovarian failure), and up to around 40.

From 40-45 if periods stop, it's an early menopause. HRT is prescribed for women this age.

How old are you?

@bellac11 A decent doctor would explain the pros and cons of all types for you (that's their job not yours!) You could make a choice based on your preferences- eg some women like patches, others prefer tablets, etc.

I am 39 but believe I have been in Peri for at least 18 months. I also have autoimmune issues which I believe can make an early menopause more likely

I used bupa for the testing and first prescription then to my surprise managed to transfer it across to my gp without any fuss!

When you say your dr has fobbed you off, what has happened?

Have you said to them what you have said here - about your other health issues?

Have you asked for blood tests?

Me too - re using the BUPA meno service. (Minus the testing, the BUPA GP I saw said no testing needed). I paid for the first prescription privately, then similarly transferred smoothly to my own GP.

But how much of each hormone do you need?

Some women need testosterone but its not routinely either tested for or within standard HRT

@bellac11 Every woman is different. The estrogen dose is based on lots of things

your age
peri or post meno
symptoms

Drs decide based on these.
There are low, medium and high doses.
Often it's trial and error.

Progestogen comes as a fixed dose for the dose of estrogen.

It's not something you should worry over in advance, as the dr will decide. The standard advice is to start on a low dose and see how that goes.

I dont have faith in the doctor deciding to be honest!!

I also dont want 'trial and error'. I had some terrible health issues which have cleared up in peri menopuse, which I always knew/guessed were to do with my hormones. While I want HRT to deal with new symptoms and to be a protective factor for my bones and things like dementia, I dont want those previous health issues coming back so I feel its quite complicated.

@bellac11 Have you seen a doctor already and discussed any of your symptoms?

You can't go to the doctor and say 'I want this type of HRT at XYZ dose, please.' It just doesn't work like that.

What you can say is 'Having done my research on XYZ menopause medical websites, I'd like to try gel, patches, tablet HRT' (whichever you have decided might be best.)

You won't know before you try if some types of HRT suit you and it's not realistic to expect that.

Most women now are being given transdermal estrogen- as a patch or gel. These come in many different strengths and it will be trial and error to get the best one.

Likewise, the most popular type of progestogen is Utrogestan but it's a love-hate drug(I was told that before I started on it.) The reason it's become the most popular with drs is because the latest evidence shows no added risk of breast cancer for 5 years.

You can have a think about whether you like the idea of a patch, or gel, or you want the 'convenience' of tablets but you can't decide on the actual dose until you see how your body reacts to it and then it may need changing.

All HRT comes with the guidance of a 3-month trial, then assessing the type and dose.

You can spend time reading the website Menopause Matters and there is a lot there on the types and brands of HRT and the doses.

All the best with it!