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[toffeecushion]

Just had the results of my saliva test, now I know they are not very reliable, but I did it anyway.  I did 12 tests over 1 month starting on day 3 of my period and ending on day 1 of the next period.  During this time my oestradiol measured between 1.6 and 3.2 pg/ml.  Progesterone measured between 21.5 and 161.8 pg/ml.  They say my oestrogen peaked so I did ovulate.

They tell me that these results could mean peri menopause or maybe because I am stressed.  This has left me wondering, I am feeling anxious and stressed but have blamed it on the menopause.  I am 48 so am most probably peri menopause, my last FSH was 10 (last year) but now I am thinking it could just be stress.

[honorsmum]

I'd say you're almost certainly peri, given your age.
The  whole issue of stress is a difficult one - are you stressed because you're peri, or is stress causing your symptoms? Very hard to answer.
I guess the best suggestion is to try to address any causes of stress you have - so, get more sleep, eat well, take any supplements you may need, exercise, reduce your work load, deal with any difficulties you're struggling with. Sounds straightforward, but the reality can be very different.

I would guess that any good GP/gynae/specialist would treat you as peri according to your symptoms - since stress is harder to measure.

Sorry not to be any help - it's such a complex time of life, isn't it?

[toffeecushion]

Thanks for your reply.  My GP doesn't think I am peri, so I paid to have the saliva test done hoping to prove them wrong.  Well, now I am just confused - stress or peri?

[honorsmum]

I'd say to your GP that the results say indicative of peri or stress, and you'd like to address the peri possibility first. After all, your GP can't prove stress, any more than you can prove peri - so they should listen to your opinion and requests.

[toffeecushion]

I guess at the end of the day I now know why I feel like I do, it's the low estrogen.  Just don't know why I have low estrogen, but at 48 I can have a good guess.  Now for the hard bit, getting my GP to believe me.

[CLKD]

I was 43 when I began to be peri ………… intermittent periods, high anxiety, nausea - which I could justify to stresses in our Life at that time.  Keeping a mood/food journal might help chart your journey and is something to discuss with your GP.

My Gynae won't do blood tests because our hormone levels are up and done so much, he prescribes on symptoms and the above mood/food diary idea.  The blood tests are reliably un-reliable 

[Briony]

Toffeecushion, I was in a similar position as you with v low estrogen and 'within normal range' FSH. Had the same battle with my GP re treatment/peri menopause too. In the end, I plucked up the courage to move surgeries and have to say, I wish I had done it sooner. I did my homework and found a practice with several female 40/50 something doctors who were DRCOG qualified and have never regretted it. You deserve to be heard xxxx

[honeybun]

Fortunately my GP went on symptoms alone and never even suggested a blood test.

It's disappointing when you pin your hopes on a definitive answer and you don't get it. Have you another GP you could go to....one that maybe a bit more understanding.

I was exactly your age when my symptoms kicked in with a great deal of glory....not sleeping...hot flushes..night sweats. Your age says peri without a doubt.

I hope you are able to get the help you need very soon.


Honeyb
X

[toffeecushion]

It is such a relief to have a reason for feeling the way I have for so long.  I even feel sorry for myself, I have felt terrible at times and no one listened to me.  It was just anxiety and all in my head, if I just relaxed a bit I would be fine.  Everyone is sick of me complaining about how I feel, even my husband, at times, has said he can't cope with it anymore.

[CLKD]

You are allowed to feel sorry for yourself  :big hug: …… never under-estimate how these symptoms can make us feel! 

[toffeecushion]

You are allowed to feel sorry for yourself  :big hug: …… never under-estimate how these symptoms can make us feel!

Thank you

[CLKD]

Take care of you!  A good whinge can clear our heads - getting it out into the open stops it clogging up the air-waves 

When you feel calmer sit down with your other half for That Chat!

[Briony]

Toffeecushion, if your GP won't let you have HRT and you can't change or see someone else, have you considered asking for a low dose contraceptive pill? I've recently swapped from HRT to Qlaira because I have massive fluctuations, meaning at times my estrogen was getting too high (the Qlaira suppresses my own hormones rather than topping them up like HRT, but is still a HRT form of estrogen, unlike other pills). I don't want to stay on this long term, but will use it as a bridge to HRT at a later date when my levels are permanently low rather than going from extremes as they do currently.

Despite a few blips, HRT massively improved my quality of life (and I know I am not alone - ready Millykin's 'How far I've come' post). It seems so unfair that some GPs will prescribe HRT for peri menopause and others wont - ditto the way some go on symptoms while others insist on blood tests.    x