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[CharRose012]

Hi everyone!  I’m going to try and not waffle on too much lol!

I’m a 33 year old woman and since September last year I have had high FSH levels and up and down LH & oestrogen levels but have had a previous episode in 2018 of high FSH levels with completely absent menstrual periods which sorted itself back out after 4-5 months and everything went back to normal, normal periods and all! I also have a slightly underactive thyroid that’s been managed by medication for the last 1.5 years.

This time it hasn’t gone back to ‘normal’. Last July my periods suddenly became too frequent - every 1.5-2 weeks and my pms got very severe along with heavier discharge. At first I had vaginal swabs and an ultrasound scan which all came back clear. Inbetween 2018 and now I’ve had very similar symptoms with my periods just suddenly coming way too regular but only last a few months at a time but my hormones were never checked and my GP put it down to my thyroid which was being observed and not treated at this point as my levels keep dropping then going back to normal. The endocrinologist said eventually that my thyroid wasn’t under-active enough to cause such period issues. 

Then in September last year the GP decided to check my hormone levels and realised my FSH levels were very high (I believe in the 50’s) and my LH levels were slightly higher. So I was referred back to the Endocrinologist.

Fast forward to now! Still exact same symptoms (too frequent heavy periods) and very occasional hot flushes and bad pms (and heavy discharge). I’ve had a few frustrating phone calls only with the consultant since last year and countless blood tests. The consultant just kept telling me to monitor my symptoms as they weren’t sure if I was going into early menopause / perimenopause but I finally saw someone in person yesterday who was very perplexed as normally if I was in perimenopause my estrogen levels would be lower when in fact they’re a little high this time. My FSH levels were also at 39 and my LH levels around 21 when I had my blood test a few weeks ago.

I’ve now got to have a MRI brain scan to check my pituitary gland and some more thorough blood work done. Which my anxiety is freaking out about!

I’m still no way in finding out what’s going on but I am wondering if it is pituitary related or just that my hormones are a bit all over the place as I am actually in/going into perimenopause. 

Not sure if anyone can relate whatsoever? I’m just so fed up now!

Sorry for the amount I wrote! I did try to keep it short-ish 

[Flossieteacake]

Hello CharRose and a warm welcome to the forum. Please do not feel you need to apologise for your post. Many Drs seem to find it impossible some women are peri at a younger age then the standard '45' in the text books. From what I have read testing for hormonal levels in peri is not always accurate as hormones fluctuate all the time.

Peri can cause erratic periods which is what you seem to be describing. I do not know anything about thyroids but somebody who does will be able to advise you there.

I can understand why you feel anxious. You have been sent for so many tests and told to wait and wait and wait. I do wonder why they have not referred you to an NHS menopause clinic who will have more understanding of peri. That could be an idea for you to suggest maybe?

I really am sorry you are going through this. I realised I was having peri symptoms at about 37 or 38 and had to really fight to be believed. One Dr actually burst out laughing and said I have another 13 years to go.

You will find lots of support on here so it is great you have found us.

[CharRose012]

Thank you for your reply 

Is it just so frustrating isn’t it? Not really knowing what’s going on and doctors/consultants not being 100% sure either and being too reluctant to really say it’s perimenopause/early menopause. They’ve also thrown around ‘premature ovarian failure’ too.

I have read myself that estrogen levels can fluctuate a lot during perimenopause. My estrogen levels have been normal, the low end of normal, slightly higher than normal, a bit more lower than normal and now back to being a bit higher than what the ‘normal’ range is! My FSH levels have been persistently high and my LH levels have been normal to higher than they should be over the last 10 months or however long it’s been.

And no one has mentioned about referring me to NHS menopause clinic and I didn’t even know they existed! So it’s definitely something I’ll look into and mention next time  the doctor (endocrinologist) wants to check my adrenal glands and serotonin levels as I said I do experience hot flushes/night sweats sometimes but I honestly don’t think it’s related at all. On this new blood test form it’s seems they’re checking every hormone they can! I get their ruling everything else out (and giving me a tonne of anxiety in the meantime) before they definitely say perimenopause 

I’m sorry you went through that too  that’s awful that you weren’t taken seriously! I feel doctors either don’t take you seriously or are really reluctant to diagnose early menopause. Both ends of the spectrum. 

[Flossieteacake]

I was told I have premature ovarian insufficiency too but I have no idea if I do. It is very frustrating as they never think to refer people in this situation to a menopause clinic and just send people for tons of tests instead.

I am sorry you are going through this and I can understand you feeling anxious. I hope you get the tests soon so you can get them out the way. You may find it helpful to look at The Daisy Network as they are a charity for women who are going through early menopause.

[Kathleen]

Hello CharRose012 and welcome to the forum.

I am sorry that you are having all this trouble and although it is anxiety inducing it appears that you are being thoroughly tested.

You will hopefully have some answers soon and if you are having an early menopause there are plenty of HRT options for you to try.

I hope that you find a solution soon and please keep us updated.

Wishing you well and take care.

K.