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[Jennijx]

I am 34 and have not had a period for 6 months now. In the last couple of years they have been increasingly irregular. And looking back I have not felt quite myself for a long time.
My symptoms include hot flushes, anxiety and mood swings, insomnia, zero libido, vaginal dryness, migraines, poor concentration and memory. All pretty overwhelming. I'm waiting to see my GP after having two lots of bloods taken (both of which were apparently normal).
Has anyone had experience of being menopausal and with normal blood results? My gut feeling is I am going through it and I'm not really sure where to go from here.
Any advice is much appreciated x

[Hurdity]

Hi Jennijx

 

Sorry to hear about your symptoms. There are a few women on here who have had premature menopause and hopefully someone will be along to advise. Perhaps you could ask the receptionist for a print-out of your blood results - or perhaps you can look at them online? Usually it is a raised FSH which indicates menopause might be beginning (LH is also measured I think) but FSH levels are hugely variable and it depends also partly when in your cycle the bloods were taken?

There is also the Daisy Network especially for women in your position and where you may get more answers - unfortunately you have to pay though, but it's not expensive: https://www.daisynetwork.org.uk/

It is really important that you pursue this because if you are going through a premature menopause it is vital for you to take HRT - or go on the CCP in order to give you adequate oestrogen, to protect your bones and cardiovascular system particularly.

Hurdity x

[CLKD]

My Gynae won't do blood tests because they are reliably un-reliable.  Hormones alter on a continuing basis so he prefers to discuss symptoms and prescribe appropriately.

Crikey - a web-site that supposedly helps people but charges  I will no longer recommend the Daisy Network group.  I would ring round my nearest Hospitals and ask the appropriate secretaries what their Gynacologists suggest with regards early menopause and treatments.  [pity I can't spell but I am SO tired  ].

[Jennijx]

Okay, it makes sense that as my body seems to change day by day (and hour by hour!) So it could be difficult to capture this on blood tests. And as my period has vanished I have no idea where I am in terms of a cycle.
I will get my gp to talk through my results with me.
Had a quick look at the daisy network which seems fab but I won't be signing up until I get confirmation of my diagnosis, due to the cost.
Thank you both for the good advice x

[Hurdity]

Is your gynae a menopause specialists CLKD? He should be taking blood tests for all women who might suspect menopause or are showing symptoms if they are under 40 - this is the NICE Guidelines, otherwise he is not following guidelines. They (blood tests) are not recommended for women over 45 with cyclical changes and symptoms indicating menopause. Between the ages of 40 and 45 they can be considered - but in cases where blood tests are taken, at least two tests 4 - 6 weeks apart should be done.

I should have clarified re the Daisy Network that payment is required to become a member and join the forum - which is what I was imagining you would be wanting to do Jennijx? There is basic information about POI on the website ( just as there is about menopause on this website) - so it is worth having a look at least.

Membership only costs £20 but a pity there is a charge - as it says for this you get:


cheaper annual conference tickets
The latest information on POI and options going forwards
Access to The Daisy Network Forum to connect with other members
Access to live chat sessions where you can ask our medical experts your questions
Downloadable factsheets covering health, fertility and psychological topics
Update – our quarterly newsletter which can be downloaded from our website
Contact details of our Networkers – members who have volunteered to take your calls, and give advice and support

Do let us know the outcome of your GP consultation because there has to be an explanation for your symptoms and if necessary appropriate treatment.

Hurdity x

[CLKD]

Doesn't matter if he is a menopause 'specialist' or not - he's been my Gynea since 1988 and I value his opinion!  He also listens and takes on board what his ladies discuss with him.  Also, my GP is on the ball too - he doesn't often suggest blood tests, due to the facts that hormone levels go up and down and by the time ladies reach Surgery, they are well into peri or further.  He treats the symptoms.

[Jennijx]

Update: a diagnosis of premature menopause was made a couple of weeks ago. I am now waiting to see an endocrinologist in January to begin HRT (due to a history of migraines).
It's great to have this clarification. I feel like I can finally deal with it. Thank you for your help. Much appreciated Xx

[Hurdity]

Hi Jennijx

Thanks for the update and I am pleased your GP (presumably?) has now made this diagnosis and has not dismissed you as too young - presumably on the basis of your symptoms and absence of periods, even though your blood tests were apparently "normal"?  I am sorry to hear that you have this diagnosis though, and yes it is very important to take HRT. For migraine sufferers transdermal HRT is preferred- and it will depend on the type of migraine, I presume, as to what type you are given. If you have the option, given your age I would go for a cyclical HRT which gives you monthly withdrawal bleeds just like periods - as the progestogen component of HRT can also give pmt symptoms and headaches. However if your migraines were due to pmt just before your period the doc might decide that stability of hormone levels is key and suggest a continuous combined type.

Wow January - that is quite long time to wait! In the meantime read as much as you can about the different types of HRT (look under Treatments tab above) to see what your options are and if you have any more questions we are here to help

Good luck anyway - and if we don't hear from you before then do let us know the outcome.

Hurdity x