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[Tinkerbellj]

Quick question. Would it be better to see a endocrinologist for hormone issues rather than gynae?? Just something my lady who does reflexology suggested

[Clovie]

I've often wondered this too.
Even before peri menopause, whilst I was suffering since the birth of my last baby, with monthly PMS.

In particular because I had sacroiliac joint dysfunction and then a big injury to this joint in my last pregnancy  and it flares up every month on the run up to a period because the same hormones released in pregnancy to relax the pelvic girdle in readiness for birth, are released in 2nd half of menstrual cycle, causing me great pain.
I still get it now, 13 years later. 

I'd have loved to have had the opportunity to have spoken to a hormone specialist, I think it would have been useful.   

[Bissal]

Yes, I've wondered that. I asked my GP yesterday to be referred to an endocrinologist and was told "no"!

[Ju Ju]

I was referred to an endocrinologist when blood tests showed I had very low testosterone levels. The GP hadn't a clue what to do when she was contacted by the therapist I was seeing who is well respected in medical circles. I saw a consultant who noted I had been on asthma medication for most of my life and had sent me for a test for cortisol levels, which was fine. He said testosterone therapy would make no difference to my extreme exhaustion and that I should consider CFS as a diagnosis. I saw a different GP, who suggested I see a private gynaecologist she had worked with. I went down the HRT route even though I was 60 and have regained some quality of life. The trouble with medical specialists is that they tend not to think holistically. In my experience, they seem to be tunnel visioned. They know their specialism very well but do not consider how something out of kilter in one area will affect other areas. It's frustrating.

[Hurdity]

Ju Ju - did you manage to get the T tested on NHS - because this is very unusual!

Endocrinologist referral I think is only carried out if initial blood tests for whatever show something abnormal eg thryoid etc. I agree we (women) should have more tested as a matter of course whenever we complain of low energy pains etc and other what they call "vague" symptoms. Everyone should have thyroid tested too along with the sex hormones because of the overlap and things start to go awry at about the same time.

For those who go to a private specialist - Dr Annie Evans is an endocrinologist but you have to ask for blood tests separately. She did say to me that if testosterone did not eliminate my symptoms she would consider thryoid treatment even if my levels were within the healthy range.

So - I think you would probably need to have a borderline blood test for a hormone before NHS will refer you or if your GP thinks your symptoms are caused by a hormonal problem (but I don't really know about this).

Hurdity x

[Tinkerbellj]

Thanks ladies I have private health insurance that would cover an endo so think I might ask gp for a referral anyway. It doesn't cover menopause cuz apparently that's a natural process.... doesnt feel very bloody natural lol

[Ju Ju]

Hi Hurdity, yes I did have the blood tests done on the NHS at the request of the therapist. My GP was happy to oblige, but as you know testosterone is rarely sourced on the NHS.

[Briony]

I did, but didnt find it that helpful. They seem to specialise in one of the other areas - diabetes, thyroid, Addisons etc and although the one I saw happened to be one of the country's leading endocrinologists, even he suggested a gyne as his knowledge of hrt etc was limited. As soon as he realised my issues were linked to estrogen and not one of the other hormones, I felt he was less interested. I think your best bet is a gyne, but one who specialises in menopause/pms rather than the surgery side of things?