Trying to get HRT when under 45..

[FusionChefGeoff]

I am in the thick of peri I am convinced. My list of symptoms is huge and growing by the week - dry eyes driving me insane as the latest addition.

I went last year aged 43 and got told they don't prescribe to under 45 and I was fobbed off with a blood test that predictably showed nothing as I'm not claiming to be menopausal so not expecting crazy FSH. Periods still sort of regular.

Focussed on diet, supplements and exercise and just got on with it for a while. Until April / May time.

Periods then started going noticeably more erratic, then missed a couple and one 16 day cycle. Plus the low mood, anxiety, brain fog and overwhelm have gone beyond anything a run and clean eating can fix.

I am in with the alleged menopause specialist on Tuesday.

But having read up on NICE guidance, as I'm now 44 I am still screwed?!

Any tips on how to approach this with her?

If you’re paying privately you can get HRT, if your symptoms show you’re perimenopausal

45 is when they don’t have to do blood tests.

The gp should be ordering tests on day 3 of your cycle. I had my hormones tested a few times on this day and it showed my oestrogen was really low consistently. So this along with a long list of symptoms showed i was peri at 40.

Don’t let them fob you off. You can always do the tests yourself then take them to the nhs.

https://www.medichecks.com/collections/female-hormones

I’ve been on HRT since age 41, but I went privately so I don’t know what my GP would have done.

The NICE guidance doesn't say what you seem to think it does. It says nothing about age (other than women over 45 don't need tests to 'prove' peri.)

You need to take this up with the practice manager, in writing.

There is no rule about not prescribing under 45.
If this is a practice policy it needs calling out and changing. Because it's nonsense, frankly.

NICE says that women under 45 may need blood tests (or rather they say don't waste resources testing women OVER 45- just treat the symptoms.)

Please don't waste money on doing your own blood tests. In peri, your hormones will be all over the place and won't give an accurate picture.

The blood tests are only useful, really, for women much younger- ie in their 30s who are having premature menopause.

Given that women can be post menopause from 45 onwards and that peri starts before then, it's impossible to understand why the dr is saying this.

@DustyLee123 that's my plan if I don't get anywhere with GP but would obviously rather avoid the costs if I can

@Lovethatforyouhun that's good to know I wasn't told what day to go for the test. Is Day 3 3 days after period starts?

@JinglingSpringbells ah ok yes I see what you mean. I did also think the same about NICE being happy to agree you're in actual menopause from 45 without testing - ergo peri should be accepted as normal happening prior to that.

Will definitely challenge if they say it's a practice policy feeling more empowered now!

I've seen the advice on here to ask for a 'trial' and some blockish GPs agree to this.

Good luck op.

Good idea - I think genuinely that seems to be the best way to find the right combo anyway is to try a few

Quick update that she was very understanding and happy to go to the NICE "treat the symptoms not the blood test" after I'd read out my massive list of symptoms.

Thanks everyone

Fantastic news!
(Sorry i didn't get to reply in time, for anyone else 3rd day of your period).