FSH level drastic change

[countrysidefields]

Am after advice on FSH blood tests, bit of background. I’m 43

no period now for 6 months along with other perimenopause symptoms. Doctor confirmed she thought I was peri, sent for bloods.

FSH came back at 90 iu/l - this was in Feb
Doctor said this was very high and after researching this level suggests menopause not peri.

had time to think about HRT etc and said I would like a another blood test to double check before I start patches.

2nd blood test taken this week. FSH now 11 iu/l which shows as normal, not peri or menopausal

I am a little confused, how can it be that different. Would it be worth having a 3rd one.

i don’t want to start HRT if I am in face not peri like initially thought.

First, were the tests done at the right time? Between Day 2 and 5 of your cycle. If you don't have periods it makes it harder.

My own experience at 51-ish was a high FSH yet I had periods for another 18 months.

If your symptoms aren't severe, you might want to delay HRT. But if you go 12 months or more with no period you should be on HRT as before 45 is early menopause and comes with risks for your bone density and heart health.

as I don’t have periods I wouldn’t know when my cycle was so yes I suppose they could have been done at the wrong times to be able to compare. Not sure how you would know when would be the same time if you don’t have periods.

the doctor will call me at some point as she has seen the results, I shall ask her about cycles and if we can try and do then again

I think you have to accept that you're never going to get an accurate result, and make a decision over HRT based on your symptoms.

no period now for 6 months along with other perimenopause symptoms.

You're in peri- you've got symptoms- doesn't matter what FSH is.

You're only 43, you've missed 6 cycles and you have peri symptoms.
If they aren't bothering you much you can avoid HRT for a while, but if you get to 44 and still no cycles, medical advice is HRT for early menopause.

that's sort of what I am thinking too.