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[Recreate23]

Hi again, I’ve just had an ECG test which came back normal as expected.  I really think the GP needs to refer me for a hormone test but they seem reluctant to do this 😣 Has anyone been able to have this test carried out after referral by your GP? My GP knows I’ve been struggling with palpitations that have been severely affecting my sleep as well as vaginal atrophy and non existent libido so I don’t know why she wouldn’t agree to do this.

[CLKD]

Because hormone blood tests are reliably un-reliable in many cases.  What R your periods up to?

Your GP should have prescribed appropriate VA treatment, you don't have to be examined for that.  Ring your surgery, the idea is to use every night for 2-3 weeks ....... and ask for a script to be left. 

[Recreate23]

I’m aged 65 so post menopausal - my periods stopped 13 years ago !

What is VA?

[CLKD]

VA = vaginal atrophy.  As oestrogen levels drop the body may become dry: inside and out; skin, deep in the ears, scalp, nostrils, vagina, anus; my insteps itched when I took socks off every night for months  .

Vaginal atrophy mimics repeated urine infection-type symptoms really really well which is why GPs continue to prescribe antibiotic treatments.  ABs will ease VA symptoms but won't replace the oestrogen which causes many of the symptoms. 

'vagifem', 'ovestin/estriol' and other prescribed treatments really make a difference to symptoms.  The idea is to use every night for 2-3 weeks then as necessary: usually every 3rd and 5/6th. night though some require nightly insertion for months.  Occasionally VA can flare up = doing a reload of at least 5 nights.

Sometimes 'vagifem' is helpful with a smear of 'estriol' on the outer vulva/labia.  It's Trial and Error and once a regime is found that suites, ?? it's best to stick with it.  When my symptoms niggle I put an extra 'estriol' into the vagina in the day as well as swallowing 2 Nurofen which helps me.

Which symptom is bothering you the most ?  Some find that keeping a mood/food/symptom diary of use to chart progress.

[sheila99]

The NHS go on symptoms so few will test hormones. You can do it privately through medichecks. Are you on hrt or topical oestrogen?

[bombsh3ll]

There's absolutely no point testing gonadal hormones in an untreated 65 year old woman.

They will be close to zero.

Please don't waste your money on hormone tests.

Your GP should do a few other blood tests however in relation to the palpitations, such as electrolytes, thyroid and cholesterol.

They should also be providing treatment for the vaginal atrophy with topical estrogen.

If your palpitations are due to lack of estrogen, and it would be less common for this to present so far out from menopause, but if they are, this would require systemic estrogen, not just vaginal.

You would be best seeing a menopause specialist to initiate hormone therapy at 65 as the GP, unless particularly enlightened, which your untreated VA suggests they aren't, is unlikely to provide this.

[Ayesha]

I would make it a priority and ask for GSM (Vaginal Atrophy) treatment as the condition will get progressively worse, while you wait on your other options.  As the GP already knows of your symptoms a phone call requesting topical oestrogen should suffice.

Some enlightening reading:
https://bssm.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/GSM-BSSM.pdf