Am I in the menopause?

[Grannypancakes]

I had private blood tests recently to check things out before I start my post-new year healthy lifestyle blitz (mainly for checking my cholesterol which is, as I suspected, very high - so the tests are the kick up the bum I need to stop eating so much cheese!). Anyway, as part of the tests it checked my hormones and it said my oestradiol levels were 18.4! I'm late 40s and experiencing irregular periods, hot flushes etc but 18.4?!!! That seems very low. Last period was start of October.

Menopause is a full 12 months with no periods. What you're experiencing is peri menopause and can last several years until your reproductive system finally shuts up shop for good.

Of course, I know you are right. I guess what I'm asking is, is it usual for the oestradiol level to be quite so low?

No idea. I've been on hrt for a few years and never had my levels checked. If you're having symptoms and you think hrt will help, talk to your gp. There isn't an optimum hormone level that kicks in for you to get started so I wouldn't get too hung up on it tbh. If you're having symptoms and you want hrt, have at it! Good luck!

Thanks candy! My symptoms aren't too bad. And hrt is not my first choice at the moment due to family history. But I'll speak to the doc if I need to. Glad it's helping you though. And, of course, glad that we ladies have the option!