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Menopause

FSA 56 - still having irregular bleeding?

11/17/2007

Question:

RECENTLY, I ENCOURAGED MY DOCTOR TO CHECK MY HORMONE LEVELS AS I HAVE BEEN FEELING EXTREMELY ANXIOUS ON A CONTINUOUS BASIS. HE STATED MY FSA WAS 56 WHICH REFLECTED MENOPAUSE. I WAS SURPRISED BECAUSE I WAS STILL EXPERIENCING A SOMEWHAT IRREGULAR MONTHLY CYCLE. HE FELT WITH THIS FSA READING I WAS TO NEVER HAVE ANOTHER CYCLE. YET, THE IRREGULAR CYCLES CONTINUE. HE HAS SINCE DONE A HISTOSCOPY -REMOVED A POLYP AND STILL THE IRREGULAR MONTHLY CYCLES CONTINUE AS DOES THE CONTINUOUS FEELINGS OF ANXIOUSNESS. CAN YOU EXPLAIN!!!!!!!!!

Answer:

FSH levels are highly variable during the menopause transition (perimenopause). They can be menopausal one day and not the next.  Your FSH levels and your irregular menses tell us you are most likely perimenopausal.  Check for other sources of stress and address those.  Be sure your thyroid function is normal. Get regular exercise.  Another option is to take a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor during this transition period. You should discuss your options with your physician. 

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Response by:

Margery Gass, MD Margery Gass, MD
Formely, Professor, Clinical Obstetrics & Gynecology
College of Medicine
University of Cincinnati