FSH blood test under age 45

[DaisiesInTheAir]

Has anyone had this done? I'm 43 and have been having hot flushes for about a year - alcohol and food can bring them on, other times I don't know why. They are getting worse and I'm finding myself avoiding social situations due to the embarrassment of being a livid red colour (especially if there's alcohol and food involved). Also dry eyes, terrible sleep, total loss of libido and I already have low bone density. So I spoke to the nurse at my GP practice today and she wants to do the blood tests before considering HRT. If they are normal, then what? The hot flushes in particular are making me miserable.

Are you sure it's FSH tests?! I say this because the blood tests I had (which I assumed were the norm) were to rule out OTHER health issues such as a thyroid problem. I'm under 45 too and could have written your post myself. FSH results are meaningless and outdated. Have a read of the British Menopause Society info here thebms.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/09-BMS-TfC-NICE-Menopause-Diagnosis-and-Management-from-Guideline-to-Practice-Guideline-Summary-NOV2022-A.pdf

it is also not something the NICE guidelines recommend

www.nice.org.uk/guidance/qs143/chapter/quality-statement-1-diagnosing-perimenopause-and-menopause#:~:text=In%20otherwise%20healthy%20women%20over,levels%20fluctuate%20during%20the%20perimenopause.

Been on HRT a while now (was prescribed to me age 42 through my NHS GP) and it's been bloody amazing. No more flushes, no more night sweats. And it's got rid of a whole host of other issues which I hadn't even linked to peri.

thanks @bidon I will have a read, she definitely said FSH. I've had my thyroid removed and my levels are good at the last check which is maybe why she defaulted to this test. No more hot flushes would be life changing at this point!

Im 43 and my Gp did the same as @bidon . Bloods to rule out other issues then straight to HRT. My gp said there was no point checking fsh at my age as it will be fluctuating and the test is therefore meaningless

Thanks @blackteaplease the first FSH test tomorrow and the next is in 6 weeks. If it's normal I will ask to talk it through with the GP rather than the nurse. Even from a bone density stand point I think I should be allowed to give HRT a go

Yes I was asked to have these for menopause symptoms at age 41. Based on the results I was prescribed HRT. At the time I did not question that the NICE guidelines say you should be prescribed HRT based on symptoms alone. My bone density turned out to be in the osteopenia range.

I had the FSH tests 6 weeks apart, my GP said in women under 45 it's mandatory before She can provide hrt prescription. I am 40 and started hrt 2 months ago and most symptoms are gone already. Still irregular periods tho

@terriblyangryattimes that's great your symptoms improved so quickly! My periods are still regular as clockwork but much lighter, so I'm anticipating a normal FSH, but we'll see

@Thegreatgiginthesky did you have your bone density checked because of the early onset of menopause symptoms? Mine was checked due to thyroid issues, I'm due another scan but have been putting it off

@DaisiesInTheAir yes it was arranged when I had my FSH checked and was -2.3 in hip and -1.8 in spine. I have been on HRT for 3 years and done strength training and addressed my diet and it has stayed the same. I still can't work out why it is low, I am thinking that maybe it has always been low as I am very small framed (13 cm wrists). What is yours? It is a worry having the constant monitoring.

@Thegreatgiginthesky we are very similar! I was -2.1 hips and -2.3 spine at my first scan, then 2 years later was -1.8 hips and -2.1 spine. I had my thyroid removed between scans. I used to run a lot which I think helped my hips out, but the thyroid disease damaged my heart and I had to stop running. Now I do weights so I am hoping I'll be about the same at the next dexa scan. Out of interest I just pulled out a tape measure and measured my wrist .... 13cm! I don't think I've ever come across another adult with a similar frame to me, I did wonder if it might be skewing my bone density somehow. My mum is a similar height to me but has thicker wrists and ankles. She was diagnosed with osteoporosis in her 60s, she's now in her mid 70s and hasn't had a fracture. She's had a few doses of reclast.

I had it done a few times in my 30s and the final time showed my FSH level at over 80 which meant I was post menopausal. It's a useless test though unless your periods have stopped, drs should go on your symptoms.

That is interesting, we do sound similar. It is great that your readings are moving the right direction. Interesting about running, I saw a study suggesting 20 hops a day can help a lot so that might be worth a try if you can't run anymore.

I also read there is a difference between bone density and strength, and also the DEXA scan does not take into account a tiny frame.

I have my first appointment with the bone clinic in a week so am planning to ask them about my frame size. No one in my family has had a fracture either although the small frame seems to have come from my Dad rather than my Mum.