Blood tests don't always indicate menopause in the peri meno stage - so diagnosis should be mainly based on symptoms, having ruled out all other possibilities.
Even in early post menopause, blood tests can be inconclusive. Unfortunately GPs are generally not good at diagnosing menopause, whether peri or post, and often dismiss symptoms as something else or simply age related. Many GPs are not up to speed on treating meno symptoms either and adopt a very rigid approach base on the old, very flawed, research.
The medical profession is still very behind in accepting that the menopause has quite a negative impact on many women - the ‘go to' drugs are usually ADs/SRRIs - so basically, “let's cosh these silly, hysterical womenâ€.
Off course we should have regular menopause checks when we hit 45, 50 and 55 to monitor how we are coping and whether appropriate hormone treatment would not only restore quality of life but also prevent ongoing problems with heart, bones and urogenital atrophy. Such checks and treatment would save the NHS a fortune and also boost the economy, as more women would be able to keep working.
RANT over. DG x
