Is menopause possible with normal FSH levels?

[Adoradearheart]

Happy new year everyone!

I wonder if any of you could shed some light on the above. I’m 29 and have literally all the symptoms of perimenopause, like every single one. But I’ve had my hormones checked twice and everything came back normal apart from low oestrogen the first time (I find that so odd for endo!)

Has anyone been confirmed going through menopause but with normal fsh, and how was it confirmed? I don’t want to push for more tests if it’s definite.

It could just be symptoms of the endo, but it’s just too convenient... so want to be sure. Footnotes: I’m also on no hormonal treatment at present, and loss of libido is not linked to pain- this came wayyy before the pain, unfortunately for my SO

Thanks xx

[pwr2u]

Actually I think you really need to see a gynecologist and get a proper check and recommendation. There are some really great vitamins and supplements that can help your condition but get a normal check up first

[Adoradearheart in reply to pwr2u]

Thanks pwr2u, I’m seeing the endo specialist soon anyway and I’ll be sure to mention my symptoms then anyway. I know there’s something not right but I don’t know if it’s just the endo!

[pwr2u in reply to Adoradearheart]

great! keep us posted. Would love to know what they say.

Have you ever heard of Black Cohosh?

[Adoradearheart in reply to pwr2u]

I hadn’t, looks good for hot flashes but webmd warns it may worsen endo symptoms 🙁

[pwr2u in reply to Adoradearheart]

on its own, quite possibly. But check out Staying Cool by EU Natural. It is a combination of numerous healthy ingredients that have been proven to be quite helpful during menopause

[kiphlthy in reply to pwr2u]

I am quite familiar with this brand. I used some products to improve my hair quality. Was really helpful

[Adoradearheart]

Hi Lindle, I think I was on day 3/4 of my cycle at the time. I was just curious if there were any other tests to ask for other than the fsh or if that was definitive

[wanwood]

If you are worried about premature ovarian failure, I suppose another test that might be useful is AMH, which is an indicator of ovarian reserve? But it's not as reliable as FSH, and generally GPs can't order the test. It usually has to be ordered by a fertility specialist.

If you have endo on your ovaries or an endometrioma, it could mean you have lower AMH results without having anything to do with menopause, which is yet another reason not to look into it too far. Basically I wouldn't bother unless you'd like to ask for a referral to investigate infertility (in which case it's one of the tests they do).

If you have irregular periods, have they ruled out PCOS?

Has anyone in your family started perimenopause in their 20s?

It's not particularly unusual to have a low libido or loss of libido in your 20s, and endo can have surprisingly far reaching consequences.

Anyway this sounds like a good question to raise at your next appointment.

Best wishes xx

[Adoradearheart in reply to wanwood]

My periods are lasting less and less each time, I’m down to 24 hrs stop start and I barely lose any blood at all. I’ve hot flushes, had night sweats for the last 4 years, I’ve recently started to leak a bit of pee (but feel no urgency), I can’t remember the last time I had a remotely sexual thought ahaha 🤣 my skin and sweat have changed too.

I have absolutely no desire for children right now but my partner does. I get no pangs. I don’t want to build myself up in a few years time to be completely knocked down.

As regards family history my nana went through it at 37 but a few weeks after finding this out I was told she had a hysterectomy too. No idea what came first or why the hysterectomy!

[wanwood in reply to Adoradearheart]

Completely see where you are coming from regarding fertility (and if your oestrogen is on the low side or goes through dips that in itself might make you less broody). Interesting about your grandmother!

If you are keen to leave no stone unturned, the other thing to consider is an endocrine disorder which might be able to cause similar symptoms but be caused by something different (thyroid, PCOS, diabetes, pituitary gland etc). I assume the GP has checked your thyroid but that is another test that might be good to do and you could possibly ask about under what circumstances you would be referred to see an endocrinologist (eg are there any other tests or conditions to rule out). You could also ask the gynaecologist about it.

[Adoradearheart]

Thanks Lindle! That makes a lot of sense. Isn’t this endometriosis lark a barrel of fun!