Asking your GP for a blood test to check if you are in perimenopause will probably get a “no”. I agree with that answer. Why? I hear you ask. Because your hormones in this phase of your life are continually changing and the blood test is likely to be unreliable. 

In fact, it is more accurate to consider the symptoms you are experiencing to determine if you are in perimenopause.    

So why do I still offer a blood test to clients?

First, we need to understand blood testing for perimenopause and menopause.

Understanding Blood Tests for Perimenopause and Menopause 

As women approach menopause, they may experience various physical and emotional changes. To help monitor these changes, your doctor can order blood tests to measure hormone levels and other markers.

It’s important to understand the purpose of blood tests during this transition, so you can make decisions about your health with confidence. 

Perimenopause, which is the period of time leading up to menopause, typically begins when a woman is in her late 30s or early 40s. During this time, hormone levels may fluctuate, leading to irregular menstrual cycles, hot flashes, and other symptoms. The purpose of the blood tests here is to measure the levels of the hormone oestrogen. 

What Else Gets Measured? 

In addition to hormone levels, blood tests can also be used to measure levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). FSH and LH are produced by the pituitary gland and can help determine if a woman is in the early stages of menopause. High levels of FSH may be an indication that a woman has entered menopause. 

Blood tests can also be used to measure levels of testosterone, progesterone, and other hormones. High levels of testosterone may indicate polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), while low levels of progesterone may suggest a hormone imbalance. 

Why I Offer Blood Tests 

 Oestrogen’s role in fertility is well-known in younger women but its protective role in the body is often overlooked.  Oestrogen receptors exist all over your body – in your bones, heart, thyroid, gut, brain and  immune system. But during perimenopause, as oestrogen levels decline, its protective mechanisms in the body also reduce.

This is probably why so many women experience such diverse symptoms and feelings of unwellness. 

It is helpful to know exactly where the imbalances are and where they are likely to occur so that you can put in support before symptoms take hold.

A comprehensive functional full blood test gives me this information so that together, my client and I can implement the right treatment protocols for clients before they get out of hand or become hard to manage. 

Why not get a full blood test from your GP? 

You can still ask your GP for a traditional, full blood test. However, how many of you have been told by your doctor that your blood test results are normal despite you feeling out of sorts? 

This is probably because most standard NHS blood tests use ‘normal’ references which represent the ‘average’ population rather than the optimal level to maintain good health and well-being and prevent disease. 

Most normal ranges are too broad to detect health problems before they become a disease, therefore are not useful for detecting emerging dysfunctions. 

This is why I recommend a comprehensive functional blood test.

How does a comprehensive functional blood test differ from a standard blood test? 

Comprehensive functional blood tests use narrower ranges that represent optimal health.  They help to identify any potential health and disease patterns when you start to feel unwell, often before you are diagnosed from a standard blood test.   

Over 80 different blood markers are assessed and used to reveal areas of functional deficiencies or wellness in all of the body’s main systems such as heart health, hormone function, immunity, and bone health. 

This provides a clear and comprehensive understanding of your current state of health, immunity and nutritional status.  The information can then be used to implement relevant diet and lifestyle changes as a preventative measure and get you feeling fit and well again. 

Blood Tests Are One Part Of The Puzzle

It’s important to remember that blood tests are just one tool for monitoring the transition to menopause. Other tests, such as physical exams and ultrasounds, may also be used.

Additionally, lifestyle changes such as decreasing stress, getting regular exercise, and eating a healthy diet can help ease symptoms and improve overall well-being. 

If you think you may be going through perimenopause or menopause, talk to your doctor about whether blood tests might benefit you. By understanding the purpose of blood tests, you can confidently make decisions about your health. 

Would you like to explore what’s going on for you in this phase of your life and get help to come up with your next step action plan?  If your answer is yes, I can help. I offer a free no-obligation call to get to know you and talk about what your plan might look like. 

Book your call today and start getting to know yourself again.