I know hormonal blood tests are not recommended in peri but would one help me for the following reason?

[Grownyourownway]

I’m 51, still have a regular cycle.

For the last 6 years I have been experiencing horrible symptoms, not sure if they are all peri related as I do have a couple of other health issues but I am struggling every day with issues ranging from anxiety, depression, anger, crying spells to awful debilitating daily gut issues including nausea, acid, pain, lower digestive issues (had lots of tests for these things) through to aching all over, no libido, extreme tiredness and lethargy, no zest for life etc. Basically feeling like shit for around 25 days a month.

I can’t take hrt right now as I have endometriosis and adenomyosis and am awaiting surgery but that’s at least a year away on the NHS.

I have enquired about seeing someone privately for alternative meno advice but sadly I just can not afford it. I am self employed and have had to reduce my hours as I feel so poorly most days especially with the gut issue (have tried absolutely everything to try to overcome this).

But the reason I ask about a blood test is because I notice (am keeping a diary of food, mood, exercise and symptoms) that roughly around day 25 of my cycle (approx 28/30 day cycle), I feel great! Minimal gut issues, I feel calm and collected and quite upbeat. Sadly, it only lasts for one or two days but I long to be able to extend those days out and wonder what is actually going on with my hormones during those few wonderful days? It’s too much of a coincidence to just simply be a couple of ‘good’ days because they fall on the same days each month.

Would a blood test on those days give me any understanding of what is going on with my body right now? As I can’t take hrt I am hoping it may be a case of trying something else which might help replicate those few days?

Any advice?

This isn't the direct answer but you can take HRT with endo or adeno.
If a dr told you that, it's not what all drs would say.

In all honesty, I'd whack the £200- 300 for a private appt on a credit card and get an expert to talk to over this. You can have 1 appt then they will write to your GP with their advice and HRT can be on the NHS.

Your health is a priority.

You don't need blood tests, they won't tell you anything, this is peri and you need to at least try HRT.

I have adeno and have been on HRT for 16 years. I do have some pain with the withdrawal bleed but you could use a bleed-free type which is usually prescribed for women with endo.

I definitely agree that my health should be my priority but I just can’t afford anything outside of the NHS. I don’t have a credit card and sadly wouldn’t qualify atm due to my reduced working hours.

I have tried hrt. Had the patches and also tried utrogestan and the gel but it made my endo pain and bleeding so bad that I need infusions. I can’t have a coil as I have scarring at the cervix and they can’t insert it. My endo gynae says a lot of endo sufferers struggle with hrt. I’ve joined a few support groups and sadly many say it makes their pain and symptoms worse which is so annoying as I really wanted it to work well for me. I’ve tried so many things (including zoladex and the mini pill and they either have awful side effects or make me bleed more).

I am on a waiting list for a hysterectomy but it’s a long wait.

Just wish I could find something to help but at a loss right now.

When you tried HRT did you use the continuous type for women who are usually post menopause? Using both hormones daily is supposed to control the growth of endo and prevent it bleeding.

So that would be Utrogestan daily- perhaps 200mcgs not 100- and 2 pumps of gel.

I assume you're seeing a specialist. A hysterectomy doesn't cure endo if it's in your other organs like your bowel, bladder or anywhere else.

What's the plan to deal with that?