Menopause Matters Forum
Menopause Discussion => All things menopause => Topic started by: Yammy1 on August 06, 2017, 11:57:57 AM
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This is probably one of the stupidest questions ever posted on this site but here goes. how do you know if your in peri or meno or past it? I had hysterectomy 5 years ago (kept ovaries) and have no idea where I am. I read comments on this site about women saying they are in peri or meno or over it and I was just wondering how they know.
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Not a stupid question at all. The menopause seems to be a bit of a mystery to many (including GP's!).
I understand perimenopause to be the build-up to the menopause. Hormones fluctuate and symptoms start. This period can last about 4 years or more.
The menopause literally means cessation of periods.
However it is difficult for you as you have had a hysterectomy but kept your ovaries. You might need to assess your symptoms and consult your GP - perhaps a blood test is the only way of telling??
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I was in your situation and initial blood results showed Peri, then when I was 48 and they did bloods again (to rule out thyroid etc ) it showed post meno
I've had to rely on the few blood tests as like you I have no womb
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Hi - no question is stupid! Blood tests can't definitively so whether you are post-menopausal because they vary so much because even when peri FSH levels sometimes go into the post-menopausal range. However as Annie0710 says, a blood test which showed raised FSH and also combined with age and symptoms would give you an indication that you are going through menopause, as you don't have a menstrual cycle to tell you. Sometimes hysterectomy causes ovaries to fail earlier than they would normally - so I understand.
Hurdity x
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Thank you all for replying, I guess I'll ask doc to take some bloods next time I'm there and see where I'm at