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[milkandtwo]

Hello everyone

I thought I would post in this section as it turns out I’m not peri/menopausal. My FSH, LH and Prolactin results were well within normal ranges. As much as this is a relief, I’m still confused about what’s going on with my body.

I have a whole lot of symptoms but certain ones seem to worsen around my period. My period can last up to 16 days and I’ve recently had 3 periods in 4 weeks.

The symptoms that worsen during my cycle include pulsatile tinnitus, head pressure, anxiety/health anxiety, internal shaking/tremors, all over muscle twitching and insomnia. My ni**les have started to feel like they’re on fire a week before period too, and my body odour is very noticeable to me.

Other symptoms that are not directly related to my period include hair thinning and acne.

Do any of you knowledgeable people have any idea what this sounds like? I’m having to do a second private estrogen/progesterone test as my first one was lost in the post.

I believed my GP was testing these, including testosterone, but there were no results for those on the system.

Thank you for any replies, and I apologise for posting again, now knowing that I’m not menopausal. I just don’t know where else to turn x

Edit: I forgot to ask my question  Does this sound like it could be related to estrogen/progesterone?

[Zoe]

Hi milkandtwo,

I am sure others will be along soon to comment as well. But here are my thoughts.

First, blood tests are just not the most accurate way to diagnose perimenopause and, to me, this is what these symptoms sound like. It sounds as if you are at least in the foothills of perimenopause even if the blood tests fall within the 'normal' range. Which is a pretty wide range and you probably don't know what your levels were prior to all these ups and downs.

So, looking at symptoms alone it seems that you are on the lovely hormonal roller coaster of perimenopause. Is it linked to oestrogen/progesterone? Absolutely yes. You mention sore nipples and that is usually a sign of oestrogen surging. You will know that in peri our oestrogen levels bounce up and down from very high to very low, and this is what is causing all the mayhem. It will calm down eventually, but is horrid to live through.

At the same time, your progesterone levels have probably dropped considerably, which upsets the hormone balance you have been used to.

Your GP should know to look at symptoms rather than blood tests. Testing testosterone can be useful once you have sorted out the oestrogen side of things.

My view, and others will have their own thoughts, is that you could benefit from some HRT if that is something you would consider, but would obviously need some good advice from a doctor who understands it well.

You also mention insomnia, which makes everything so much worse. When things were awful for me in that respect, my GP gave me a two week course of sleeping tablets. It helped my body get back on track while the HRT was kicking in.

 

[CLKD]

Good advice from Zoe. 

Peri menopause happens in the years prior to our last period : = menopause : the blood tests may be 'within normal limits' this time, but as hormones wax and wane and you have already had an alteration of cycle, you may well be into peri..   

Some find that keeping a mood/food/symptom diary of use to chart progress.  When my periods waxed and waned I knew it was "the Change' so wasn't particularly worried about regular periods then missing months. 

Browse round.  Make notes. Do be aware of vaginal atrophy which can mimic repeated urine infection-type symptoms.  Many GPs/Gynaes don't recognise VA!

Many years ago I started a thread: Oh ERRRR : as I could smell 'me' though DH couldn't.  I'll bounce it. 

[sheila99]

Some women have had success with a combined BCP in early peri. If your gp will prescribe hrt perhaps you could discuss a bcp.

[Keep On Swimming]

Hello milkandtwo,

I'm only new to the whole perimenopause party so I'm glad you got the above sound advice, all of which had me nodding my head.

I couldn't have a combined pill because I get migraines with aura but I was given HRT (oestrogen gel) at the beginning of Nov and within 5 days my peri symptoms - night sweats, insomnia, nausea, low mood and crippling anxiety (which had been seriously compromising my quality of life) were greatly improved. I wouldn't be able to manage without it now!

This forum is fantastic and you'll get lots of info and support here. xxx

[milkandtwo]

Hello milkandtwo,

I'm only new to the whole perimenopause party so I'm glad you got the above sound advice, all of which had me nodding my head.

I couldn't have a combined pill because I get migraines with aura but I was given HRT (oestrogen gel) at the beginning of Nov and within 5 days my peri symptoms - night sweats, insomnia, nausea, low mood and crippling anxiety (which had been seriously compromising my quality of life) were greatly improved. I wouldn't be able to manage without it now!

This forum is fantastic and you'll get lots of info and support here. xxx

Hi Keep On Swimming

I’m unable to take a combined pill too. This is due to a health issue I had a while back, which involved migraines. This means I can’t safely take estrogen. I was on the progesterone-only pill some time ago, so I’m wondering if that would help at all.

It’s all very confusing right now, but I’m thankful for the help and advice x

[CLKD]

MayB ask to be seen in a dedicated menopause clinic? 

[Zoe]

I agree with CLKD. Migraines are an awful thing to endure. I also had them but only in perimeopause and before HRT.

Some women find they are OK on transdermal oestrogen but not with a pill. That's why the expert advice is important. Migraines don't automatically rule out all kinds of HRT.

There are a couple of good podcasts on the Dr Louise Newson Podcast, which is on Spotify or can be found by googling it.

I hope you can see a menopause specialist soon, ideally on the NHS, so you have a clearer idea of options.

And your point about progesterone is important. Some women I have known see an improvement taking the POP or micronised progesterone (utrogestan) alone. We are all different!

[milkandtwo]

Good advice from Zoe. 

Peri menopause happens in the years prior to our last period : = menopause : the blood tests may be 'within normal limits' this time, but as hormones wax and wane and you have already had an alteration of cycle, you may well be into peri..   

Some find that keeping a mood/food/symptom diary of use to chart progress.  When my periods waxed and waned I knew it was "the Change' so wasn't particularly worried about regular periods then missing months. 

Browse round.  Make notes. Do be aware of vaginal atrophy which can mimic repeated urine infection-type symptoms.  Many GPs/Gynaes don't recognise VA!

Many years ago I started a thread: Oh ERRRR : as I could smell 'me' though DH couldn't.  I'll bounce it.

Hi CLKD and thank you

I have started to keep a note of all symptoms/periods/mood etc, so hopefully that will help piece things together.

Yes! My partner says he can’t “smell” me, but I can definitely smell myself! I’ve never noticed anything like it before, so this is new to me. I can go in a shower and within 30 mins, I smell like I’ve just been to the gym.

I may ask to be referred to a menopause clinic, that’s a good shout. I feel that because my FSH, LH and prolactin came back “normal”, my GP might not want to investigate further.

However, should my private estrogen/progesterone results come back abnormal, that’ll give me something to work with, and something I can raise with GP.

Thanks again x

[milkandtwo]

I agree with CLKD. Migraines are an awful thing to endure. I also had them but only in perimeopause and before HRT.

Some women find they are OK on transdermal oestrogen but not with a pill. That's why the expert advice is important. Migraines don't automatically rule out all kinds of HRT.

There are a couple of good podcasts on the Dr Louise Newson Podcast, which is on Spotify or can be found by googling it.

I hope you can see a menopause specialist soon, ideally on the NHS, so you have a clearer idea of options.

And your point about progesterone is important. Some women I have known see an improvement taking the POP or micronised progesterone (utrogestan) alone. We are all different!

Hi Zoe

Thank you. I am pleased to hear that migraines don’t rule out all HRT, as I was led to believe that I could never take any form of estrogen!

I have Spotify so I’ll have a search for Dr Louise Newton, thanks.

When I was on the POP, I never had any issues with it - I just regularly forgot to take it. But I should maybe ask about that again. I’ll see what my private estrogen/progesterone results say, and I can bring it up with my GP if they’re abnormal in any way.

Thanks again x

[Zoe]

Sounds like a plan!!

[CLKD]

U shouldn't have to pay for any investigations.  Also, ask for the referral sooner rather than later because in some areas, waiting lists are long: 4+ months.  Getting onto a list is important. 

Let us know how you get on!