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[Angelasurrey]

I am nearly 43 and  ( based on symptoms).
I’ve been struggling with severe symptoms for a very long time.

My question is around blood tests. When is the best time to do these?

I was planning to do this but for some reason my period didn’t come this month. My recent last period was 4th Dec and I was due on 1st Jan.

I had the Covid booster on 11th Dec and now wondering if it’s peri that’s delaying my period or the booster..

How do I work out when to do my bloods?

[Hurdity]

What sort of blood tests are you seeking and why?

If you have only just started having delayed periods then you could be starting to become peri-menopausal.

Normally doctors go by symptoms though with early/premature menopause blood tests are recommended, to ensure you keep your oestrogen levels maintained through HRT.

Here is some info from this website:
https://www.menopausematters.co.uk/diagnose.php

Do boosters delay periods? Is this a recognised side effect?

Anyway I would wait a couple of months and see if your periods are becoming irregular and then do as the advice recommended which is to take a blood test on the 3rd - 5th day of your period and another one 6 weeks later as advised here:

https://www.menopausematters.co.uk/pm-investigations.php

There is really no hurry, unless you think you're pregnant but I expect you know if that is likely or not.

Hope this helps

Hurdity x

[Angelasurrey]

Hello Hurdity,

Thanks for replying. I’ve spent the past two days very tearful. The symptoms are affecting my quality of life.

From age 38, I have suffered from peri symptoms. I’ve been fobbed off for years.
 
I’m nearly 43. After pleading to a Meno specialist in Summer of 2021 I was put on Estradot patches. 50/100/125mcg over 6 months. It didn’t seem to absorb or work for me. I had two weeks during that period where I felt myself.

I’ve seen a Meno specialist privately and on the NHS.
I find from ovulation to Day 2 of Period i literally cannot fall asleep.  After my period I get some sleep a few hours. This is now getting worse.

My bloods  according to a Meno specialist show everything as ‘normal’ including thyroid and iron etc. I do think I’m sensitive to any drops in Estrogen so a normal range might not be right for me personally.

I know it’s hormonal insomnia.
I’ve started Sandrena gel. I’ve changed specialist the London Meno specialist says if this doesn’t help then she can’t increase the dosage. I should consider anti dep and sleeping tablets.
I thought they can increase doses of Sandrena off licence if needed?

I’m completely drained with it all and just trying to find some answers. It feels like my hormones have dramatically fallen off a cliff since October 2020.

I’ve just skipped a period. Definitely not pregnant as hubby had the snip after our two kids. It’s so hard looking after young kids with these peri symptoms.

I’ve heard it’s worth testing FSH, hormones like estrogen at different points in the cycle. As my period hasn’t arrived just feel unsure as to what to do.


Thanks for your help,
Angela

[CrispyChick]

I feel for you.

I've been in peri hell for years. Feel like I'm losing time with my children, as I feel so ill a lot of the time.

I'm now going down the 'alternative' bhrt route. Been seen by a specialist clinic. Blood tests (day 21), scans... All very very expensive. .. I'm told my estrogen is fine. But my progesterone is very low.

The NHS will only suggest the pill or hrt... The estrogen part of hrt made me worse - makes sense now.

I have only recently started missing periods and when I do, my symptoms are bad for the whole month. Figures. No ovulation - no progesterone.

Whilst the majority seem to struggle with low estrogen and therefore hrt is a god send, I am not at that stage. I'm 45 now.

Have a look at the alternatives thread - a few of us been discussing this recently.

I'm not saying you are in the same position as me, but, if I'd only listened to the NHS (including meno clinic), I'd have had no further solutions. This impacts my life greatly every day and I want a solution.

[CrispyChick]

I know we've chatted on posts before 😊.

[Kathleen]

Hello Angelasurrey

I am so sorry that you are suffering.

What dosage of Sandrena have you been prescribed? I was told that I can go up to three sachets but I am still using two and a half at the moment.

I have been with Newson Health for just over a year and in the past they have arranged blood tests for me to check that I am absorbing the gel. I imagine that they would also check for FSH levels if necessary.

Tearfulness has been an issue for me since becoming post meno and I know how disruptive  that can be so you have my sympathy.

Take care and wishing you well.

K.

[Angelasurrey]

CrispyChick

I can relate to how you feel. Feeling unwell and my daughter turns 5 next week. I’ve been so unwell with peri symptoms that  have got worse over time, I feel like I can’t do much for her. Just completely depleted.

I’m trying my best to enjoy the moments I can.

Thanks for sharing your experience and approach.

We have to keep going and never give up trying to feel better.

Kathleen, thanks for your message.. 2 mg was prescribed but I’ve been told no more will be beyond that. I feel like I’m doing whatever I can to get better. I’m on waiting list for Newson and so far have spoken to some private specialist who seem more interested in making money than helping me. I hope Newson health are better and have well trained/educated staff who take Dr Newson’s approach.

Thanks so much,

Angela x


Big hugs x

[CLKD]

Why were you told that you were unable to increase your dose to more than 2mg? 

Your symptoms are probably due to a drop in oestrogen levels which can cause no end of weird symptoms  .  Do U keep a mood/food/symptom diary to chart progress, some fine it helpful.

Eating regularly can help too, keeping hydrated is important.  Gentle exercise when possible and get some sunshine.  Do U take vitD supplements?  Fatigue was my main symptom of low levels, I had to sit for hours not moving.  I simply had no energy at all until the effect of the capsules kicked in.

Let us know how you get on.  There is an option of sending Dr Currie an e-mail for which there is a fee.

[sheila99]

It may be the progestogen you use doesn't agree with you. Can you tell us what it is and what dose? The time frame where feel bad corresponds to the time you're producing your own progesterone as well as taking a manufactured one. I assume you're on a sequi regime? I get fatigue with utro. On the cycles my body contributes I spend a fortnight barely able to function, when my body does nothing I get to day 8 before I notice it and it is very much less.
How are you on the oestrogen phase? Are your symptoms controlled then? If not it would point towards needing a higher dose. If you feel good on oestrogen only I would try a different progestogen and see if you're better on it.
I'm not impressed with your specialist.