Print

Please login or register.
1 Hour 1 Day 1 Week 1 Month Forever
Login with username, password and session length

[Emo10]

Hi,

I would really appreciate the benefit of your wisdom.

I'm 41 and had an ovary removed 5 years ago. Since then I've seen a decline in my health and since December 2020 things have been very difficult.

I have been investigated for: stroke, heart condition, thyroid and neurological condition. While this has been going on I have kept a diary of symptoms and have identified that they appear to be cyclical. The symptoms include: hot flushes, adrenaline rushes, palpitations, brain fog, tingling/numbness amongst other things. My periods are on a 3 week cycle (although this months was 5 days late and I have had them 2 weeks apart) but are long, 8-10 days, and are very heavy.

On Tuesday I had a hot flush that became an adrenaline rush at work, in front of a class of 15-16 year olds, and ended up in hospital. I've been off work since. Today I managed to speak to the doctor to plead for something to help but he has refused because my recent bloods were good and according to the hospital I'm not in menopause. He wants me to be tested for pheochromocytoma.

I have booked a private consultation with a menopause specialist but I'm wondering if I should bother now. I feel so down and miserable about all this that I really can't see any light at the end of the tunnel.

Thanks for reading!

[CLKD]

Which bit of peri menopause don't GPs recognise 

How would anyone in the Hospital know if you are in/out of menopause were you treated in A&E or admitted to a Ward?  Gynaecologists don't know much.  I would keep the private consult as menopause clinics in general have long waiting lists.  We shouldn't have to pay but the NHS is apparently 'overwhelmed' with other issues  i.e. C-19. 

Take the diary with you to the appt..  As oestrogen levels drop the body may become dry, inside and out: do read the 'bladder issues' and 'vaginal atrophy' threads too.  Make
notes ;-). 

Let us know how you get on.  Off to look up the very long word!

[CLKD]

NHS web-site:

A phaeochromocytoma is a rare tumour of the adrenal glands, which sit above the kidneys. The tumour is mainly found in adults, although children can be affected

How common is pheochromocytoma in UK?

There is only 1 diagnosed for every 100,000 people in the UK each year. They can be non cancerous (benign) or cancerous (malignant).21 Jun 2018

Criky your GP is ***** .......... what on Earth gives him/her the idea that symptoms might be the above  and not peri-menopause ?

[Emo10]

Thanks for the reply.

I was taken to A&E and mentioned I thought this could all be linked to perimenopause so when they did my bloods they included oestrogen and fsh levels. The Dr I spoke to today said something about 367 (which apparently means it's not menopause) in relation to my bloods but I had been floored at this point by yet another potential cause.

I will keep my appointment and follow your advice. I'll also sit here fretting about another potential health problem.

[pollywollydoodle]

Hi Emo10 - what an awful time you're having. Whilst your symptoms are definitely similar to menopause, they're also similar to some other conditions. Can you get a printout of your tests? Your GP will have the hospital test results as well.  There's a connection between the adrenals and menopause - they pick up the slack when our sex hormones start to dip. Have you had any other symptoms, eg, lightheaded on standing, low bp?

[Gracie]

Having a private consultation at the menopause clinic might put some of your worries to rest, having an ovary removed might have pushed you into an early menopause. If it was me I would definitely keep the appointment. 

[Emo10]

Hi pollywollydoodle,

I've requested access to my blood results so should hopefully get them soon.

I do have low blood pressure and a low heart rate. Occasionally I am lightheaded on standing.

[Emo10]

Hi Gracie,

I think I am going to keep the appointment  just for my own reassurance.

[CLKD]

What is causing the low BP? 

Are you short on salt?  My MinL was told to use less and less then admitted to Hospital as an emergency.  The Consultant couldn't understand how she was still upright!  The GP never did any tests, she was complaining of cramp.  I suggested she added more salt but apparently her GP knew best  .

Blood tests are reliably unreliable!  Do take a copy of the results to the menopause appt.. 

[Emo10]

It's always just been low. Never suffered because of it and never had to have any investigations into it.

[CLKD]

? heart rate ? My DHs is really low ...........

[Emo10]

Resting around 52 but sometimes high 40s! Again, never suffered or been recommended any investigations.

[Floo36]

Those blood levels may be fluctuating also in peri.  I would be seriously ill on those Estrogen levels, some are well on less, some of us need nearer 1000pmol. 

I hope the meno specialist will help you feel better.

[Emo10]

Update.

I spoke to a menopause specialist this week who said she believes I am in perimenopause. She has suggested a mirena coil (which I've got on very well with before) and some oestrogen if required. It was nice to finally have someone listen and understand what I've been feeling. Whilst preparing for my appointment I did find out I'd previously had my oestrogen levels checked. In June 2018 it was 496 and in Oct 21 386. Does anyone know if that is a standard variation in levels depending on where you are in your cycle?

Still haven't had any results from pheochromocytoma blood tests so still have that hanging over me.

[Floo36]

Blood tests for Estrogen in peri are not much use, go by symptoms.  Did you get started on the HRT?