As you may know, I had to go private to get my perimenopause diagnosis and access HRT.  Trying to get my GP to listen was impossible. I was told I was too young but if I was 45 I would be given HRT without question (how does that make sense) Then I was told I would need a blood test to check hormone levels.  This is when things got really ridiculous.

According to my Doctor, I would need the FSH (Follicle-Stimulating hormone) blood test done.  If the test were to show normal levels, then it is not perimenopause.  That is 100% wrong. During perimenopause, hormone levels fluctuate wildly, making this test unreliable, and proves it can't be used solely as a diagnostic tool.  The other issue is, doctors in my area, North Lanarkshire, are following local guidelines instead of the NICE guidelines when it comes to diagnosing menopause.  This has led to many women being misdiagnosed and left to suffer.

Sadly, this issue is nationwide. It made me so mad that I vowed to do something about this, and a Petition was the best way forward.

The UK government declined my petition submission (no surprise there) but the Scottish Government have been supportive of the petition and it officially opened for signature in June of this year.  It has also been in front of the petitions committee.  It is due to be reviewed again later this year.

The petition asks for the need for the FSH blood test to be removed as a diagnostic tool and urges that doctors make the diagnosis based on symptoms and having ruled out other common causes. I have reminded the government that antidepressants are not a first line treatment and doctors should stop using them in women who present with menopause symptoms,  Again, this follows NICE guidelines around the use of antidepressants.

So far, I have submitted evidence, as has the Minister for public health and women's health, The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and NHS Education for Health,

I hope the petition help to change the guidelines and that more women will be listened to and give the help and support they need and deserve.

To sign the petition and read the evidence submitted, slick here.

Thank you for your support.