Discovering I may be going through peri menopause at 36 😢

[Ellie0109]

hi everyone,

Bit of a long one….

I am completely new to this group and you were recommended by a friend. My husband and I have been trying to conceive for approximately 2 years with no luck so started the ball rolling in January by going to the doctors. Lots of tests later and still waiting on a hospital appointment with a wait of a further 30 weeks sooo we’ve decided to go private as some of the test results indicate I may be going through peri menopause. Two FSH level tests are high but I have no period for 4 months so difficult to get the the timings right. I wondered if anyone has had anything similar? It has come as a huge shock as I am only 36 with no family history and feel very alone with this news. Would appreciate any tips or advice 😊

[Purpledoggy]

Did you also have your AMH measured? How high was your FSH? My FSH was a bit high (11 ish IU/L) yet I ovulated regularly and AMH was nowhere near menopause level. FSH on its own is, frankly, a bit crap! Hope you get some answers soon Xx

[Ellie0109 in reply to Purpledoggy]

it doesn’t look like I have. I’ve read through it just to check. So I’ve had FSH twice but I feel at the wrong time of the month. Once it was 32 and the other 65, so super high. I’m glad to hear that on its own it’s a bit crap and I guess will have to keep everything crossed 🤞🏻 thank you for messaging 😊 x

[HedgehogMad]

Hi Ellie, sorry to hear you are going through this, it really sucks. FSH is not particularly reliable, much more reliable is an AMH and AFC (antral follicle count which they will do by ultrasound scan). I'd try not to worry at the moment and see what they say at the clinic x

[Ellie0109 in reply to HedgehogMad]

thank you 😊 it’s been a hard few months but with the wait still being months and it driving me insane we decided to go private to see what’s happening. It’s good to hear that these FSH levels don’t mean as much as my GP have said they do. They seem to swear by them. Just keeping everything crossed and trying to remain positive but it’s so hard x

[DianeArnold Partner Nurse Fertility Network UK]

Hi Ellie. So sorry to hear this, and yes, the FSH levels you have are high, so it looks like you are peri-menopausal. If you want to keep trying naturally, just make sure you have sex every 3 days or more often if you want. Doing that will ensure your tubes are primed with sperm that live for at least 4 days. Should you ovulate the sperm will be waiting. You need to speak with a specialist to discuss your options from now on. Thinking of you. Diane

[Ellie0109 in reply to DianeArnold]

hi Diane,

Thank you for your message. Yes very sad news but still keeping positive until I have my consultation next week to see what options I have and also secretly hoping it’s not as bad as it’s looking. I will keep trying as you never know and I feel with these things anything is possible. It’s nice to have this group to turn to as I just wanted to talk to people who know how this feels x

[Mlove12]

No advice but just wanted to let you know your not alone, I am in a similar boat. My FSH was slightly elevated when tested but my follicle count was 5, then tested again at 7. Which is extremely low for my age (just turned 28) so I have the ovarian reserve of that of a mid 40 year old.

It’s definitely a bitter pill to swallow, as menopause will be round the corner for me! However I would suggest to get your AMH checked, this will give you a more accurate test of your egg count and will determine how you move forward. This test was done as one of the routine tests for me when i was referred for NHS treatment and as soon as they found that out, they sent me for 2 rounds of IVF funded as they know- it aint looking good!

I hope your ok and pop me a message if you do want to chat/ask questions. X

[Ellie0109 in reply to Mlove12]

hi, ahh thank you for your lovely message and sorry to hear you’re going through similar things. It’s awful when you’re told isn’t it? But also told so unexpectedly and just expected to accept it. I think I’ve had that test done this week and have my first consultation at the private hospital on Thursday next week so I guess that will be the day of some answers. I can’t wait as it’s making me so anxious but I’m also feeling super emotional about it as I fear it’s not what I want to hear.

It sounds like you’ve had a similar road and even younger than me. I hope you’ve started IVF and that some of this is looking more positive for you now. Same to you. I’ve really wanted to speak to someone in a similar situation but struggled to find anyone or anywhere. Thank you for your lovely message though 😊 and always here to if you want to chat x

[Skittles11]

Hi Ellie. I know this must be an unwelcome shock. I have low ovarian reserve and my periods are currently all over the place. I would agree with the other ladies above who suggest checking the AMH. You can do this yourself through Medichecks or a private clinic. You said you haven't had a period for a few months. Can you speak to the private clinic to see if they can scan you to see if is appropriate to induce a bleed? I dont quite know how it works but I'm wondering if you induce a bleed if you can then test the FSH and other bloods on Day 2 of that bleed which may give a more accurate result (I am no expert but these are the conversations i would be having in your shoes). I know this can be a huge drain on finances as well as emotionally, believe me, but if there is any way you can continue privately then I would do that, the NHS waits are significant and you may not want to delay if there is any other option for you xx

[Ellie0109 in reply to Skittles11]

hi, thank you for your kind message. Yes as you can imagine it was a huge shock but trying to keep positive. The wait is the worst so we decided going private is a must as it’s driving us (me) crazy. I think I’ve had my AMH test this week but through the private hospital and have my first consultation booked next week so I guess that’s where we will know more. I didn’t know they can bring on a period but I will certainly ask about this as this would be amazing and like you say May then give a more accurate result as currently we don’t know when to test for anything.

I’m so sorry you’ve also had news similar to this and hope you’re managing to keep staying positive x