Peri - Are Blood Tests reliable?

[EsperanceWaves]

I am in peri hell and am after advice please.

Feels like I could copy and paste my symptoms from a peri article as I seem to have nearly every symptom going - itching (all over and vulva) burning tongue and vagina, brain fog, hot flushes, sweating, joint pain to name a few.

As I am just under 40, my GP will not prescribe HRT without a blood test first. I didn’t think blood tests for peri were reliable though? My bloods have come back and been marked as normal:

TSH 1.56 mU/L
Oestradiol 93 pmol/L
FSH 10.4 IU/L

This was day 4 of my cycle. Cycles are now 21-24 days (this last one was 22 days) and heavier than normal.

My GP prescribed me some Blissel vaginal gel as a one off and this has really helped with some of my vaginal/urinary symptoms already (just finished loading dose).

I have asked for more of the gel but am expecting a refusal.

Do you think my bloods are normal and would you push for HRT in my situation?

TIA

But if you were a male and having erectile dysfunction they’d likely prescribe something without bloods - I have a GP appointment to discuss HRT next week due to similar concerns. Interesting what you said about itching! I had thought perhaps I had allergies though I’ve never suffered with allergies before. Didn’t realise that could be connected to perimenopause. I would definitely push for HRT - you know your body. Perhaps ask for a second opinion/ Book with a different GP.

I’m 41 and they haven’t done bloods, prescribed straight away

I do think it depends on which GP you see - I’m hoping I don’t have to have bloods as I am needle phobic 😭

(Peri)menopause isn't diagnosed with a blood test, its based on symptoms. But early menopause is different, because it comes with a higher risk of osteoporosis etc. So they do blood tests to try and check for this if you are under 45.

HRT shouldn't be contingent upon blood tests though, this is used for symptoms.

This is from the NHS website:

The menopause is diagnosed by symptoms, especially changes with periods and so the majority of women do not need to have a blood test to check their hormone levels.
If a woman is less than 45 years old she might be offered a blood test if it is suspected that she could be going through an early menopause. Early menopause is diagnosed if a woman has two blood tests six weeks apart both showing abnormal hormone levels.
The blood test is not accurate in women taking some hormone-based contraceptives. Your doctor will check to see if this applies to you.