Could this be perimenopause at 43 despite normal blood tests?

[Charlied82]

Bare with me while I get through this, 43 year old female, 5 years ago I had my last baby, rough delivery etc my periods went nuts after this, extremely painful, lasting 3 out of 4 weeks, having to set an alarm at night so i wouldnt destroy the bed etc saw gynae was offered ablation or the pill, chose the pill, took over 1 year to settle on it but it stopped my periods. Developed vertigo out of nowhere, over last 2 years have developed psoriasis and morphea, last 4 months chronic ibs type symtoms (under evaluation and everything is negative so far including bloods, stools and CT) during all this i have the odd hot flush, my anxiety/stress out of nowhere has gone through the roof, no libido, dryness if u know what i mean, low mood, crazy mood, sad mood, feel nothing mood, just depends on how I wake up, no periods so no idea how they would be if I was having them and too afraid to stop the pill to see, basically all the symptoms of peri menopause but my GP keeps telling me I'm too young and my bloods keep coming back normal, have managed to convince her it is symptoms based and can I trial HRT, she wants to hold off for a few weeks and rerun the bloods, offered me anxiety meds and is going to speak to a menopausal specialist before agreeing to HRT. Has anyone else been through anything similar? Has anyone developed ibs type symtoms with perimenopause and gotten over it with HRT (my doc keeps telling me digestive problems aren't relevant to the perimenopause) any advice or similar experiences would be very much appreciated! Apologies for the long post

What a frustrating issue!

Can you find another GP?

Yours is not helping you. She's dithering and offering you antidepressants is a huge No-no which NICE has tried to change as it's what too many GPs used to do.

Blood tests are inaccurate and although NICE says test women only under 45, to see if there are any other reasons for their symptoms, being 43 and a bit is far closer to normal peri age than someone of 30 with your symptoms.

The age of menopause is between 45- 55. Average is 51. So it stands to reason that at going on for 44 you may have symptoms.

I'd not waste time waiting for more tests and more ditthering. If there is another GP at the practice, see them. If not and you can afford it, you can refer yourself to a menopause specialist, either a gynaecologist or a GP and they will most likely offer HRT based on what you have said here. Your symptoms are 99% peri.

Your GP doesn't sound very informed. One of my first symptoms of peri was bowel issues, Dr Louise Newson has info on that here

https://www.drlouisenewson.co.uk/knowledge/bowel-problems-in-the-menopause

My second symptom was my periods suddenly became incredibly heavy and I was prescribed tranexamic acid. Then anxiety mainly over driving to places I had been all the time so completely out of character and unjustified when I reasoned it out with myself. It was a rollercoaster. I am now 52 and I have been in peri for at least 3 years. I still have regular periods and only within the last 6 months have I had dry hot sweats so not even the sweating part, just hot.

I think I would go back and ask what is the objection to you taking HRT now compared to in say 2 years time? What is her specific reluctance to prescribe this? My older sister was fobbed with anti depressants and so gave me a massive talk on not to accept this shit. In fact several friends told me I should go in and say I want HRT and let me tell you why I believe that.

Try to see a different GP if you can, or the same one but make sure they have spoken to a menopause specialist. Read up on your symptom being possibly down to peri-menopause. There are of course outliers in terms of when women start noticing symptoms. It isn't like you are 35. Get informed, read the NICE guidelines for menopause and HRT and advocate for yourself. I had to go back to the same GP and get her to change her mind over HRT for me because I have endometriosis so don't come under the usual dosing guidelines. Best of luck to you.

There are 2 GPs in my practice and normally amazing but with this issue I seem to be getting the same response from both, will have a look at the guidelines on NICE and contact them again, I honestly feel like I'm losing my mind, the anxiety is based around health (not surprisingly) but when it's bad the digestive issues flare and when they flare the anxiety is next level 🙈 I'm just going round in circles and just want someone to listen to me, I know my body is screaming for help! Thanks so much for your responses x

@Charlied82 it definitely sounds like peri. The blood tests may not be accurate as the hormones fluctuate.
I would try and see a specialist if you can x
Sending hugs x

Blood tests are not a diagnostic tool for perimenopause because of the fluctuating nature of hormones. I would print off NICE guidelines and send/bring them in before another appt to discuss your situation. Peri can start from 35 so you're not too young at all

IF you can afford to go outside the NHS- or rather these GPs- do it.

The test of HRT is to try it for 3 months and if it helps, you need it.

(Bearing in mind you may need to adjust the dose.)

Maybe go back and try one more time and say 'I've done a lot of research into this. ALL my symptoms are indicative of peri. I'd like to try HRT for 3 months unless there is a strong medical reason why not.'

You seem to have such a lot going on with vertigo and ibs etc that it doesn't seem unreasonable imo for the GP to be thorough before prescribing.

She hasn't ruled HRT out, just seeking advice from a specialist which is sensible. You really shouldn't have to line the pockets of private hcps when hrt should be available via a gp.

in the meantime focus on lifestyle so lots of physical activity, decent diet etc.