To try HRT before the menopause has started

yes but when did they start it? I’m 60 I just started it. I put it off so I could have it for bone density, drs don’t like to prescribe it to you for years and years, because of the associated risks. Or if your blood pressure goes high

There isn’t a limit, unless you have other medical issues. But if they’re well controlled, there isn’t a real limit

You stop taking it when you no longer need it, I thought. I’m aware of women well into their 60s still using HRT, do you think there’s a limit on how long/how much you should get?

Who says you can’t stay on it forever?
There is no cut off

you can’t stay on it forever, so if you have it now, what you gonna do 10 years from now when you can’t have it any more and hot flashes start. That’s when you’ll really need it.

Very encouraged by these tales of early prescription! I have an appointment tomorrow, I know what to ask for so am crossing my fingers. Good luck @FuzzyYellowChicken

I also got it at 42, though I had to go private as GP said I was too young. GP has now taken over the prescription and has agreed to blood tests as it hasn't actually improved anything for me. This was after 3 years of insomnia, crushing demotivating, exhaustion, brain fog and period changes. No hot flushes or irregular periods yet though, just a gradually reducing cycle after decades of being regular as clockwork.

I started hrt at 44.
I did go privately though as my own gp wouldn't entertain it - said I should try meditating instead. Private gp prescribed it no issues and I've been feeling great on it

I'd get blood tests first for vitamin deficiencies and look at other aspects of your lifestyle that could be an issue affecting your health. I am a huge proponent of HRT and started quite young myself but at the same time all the new information about it means that lots of women are almost immediately jumping to the conclusion that they must need HRT if they feel in anyway off. I've seen women in their late 20's think that low mood, tiredness or brain fog must be perimenopause which while not impossible is also not very likely. Also keep in mind that some women feel worse on HRT and struggle to find HRT that suits them and have to stop using it.

There are some risks attached to HRT, not as many as once feared but its still a medication and the risks in some cases are thought to increase the longer you use it i.e. progesterone (potentially) and breast cancer.

Even if you do choose to start HRT it isn't a magic bullet, it can help but it isn't a panacea.

I got it at 42, although I had to have tests including an mri to rule out other things before it was prescribed. I started to work within 24 hrs.

Yep, all symptoms I had. I’ve been on HRT since I was 41. Not all doctors are difficult to discuss this with.

I had no idea they would prescribe so young. I'm 38 and the last 6 months have been not great. I thought it could be peri but I'm not sure. My periods are still like clockwork.

Could someone tell me if this sounds enough for then HRT talk with my GP? Or am I just plain old depressed?

•Weight gain around my stomach
•Unable to get to sleep before 1am
•General flat fleeing
•No motivation to go ANYTHING
•Self care has gone down the drain
•aching knees, ankles and hips before period
•Started with horrible PMS ie crying and rage

46, still have clockwork regularity periods and have been on patches for about 18 months.

My main symptoms were anxiety and sleep issues. The patches have really made a difference.

GP did blood tests, said my levels were ok but when I applied a little pressure gave me the patches anyway.

As a PP said, levels fluctuate through the month anyway but also unless you have been tested previously they don’t know what your “normal” is. So although you might still be in range, your specific levels could have dropped drastically.

i Am contemplating getting a cheap flight to Spain and picking up some gel from a chemist. No prescription needed there.

I’m 41 and I’m taking HRT. GP did do blood for a whole host of things first to rule out other causes of symptoms.

Pre-menopause (or peri-menopause as most call it) is when HRT is of most benefit. Because the hormones gradually reducing is what causes the symptoms. You will almost certainly need blood tests under 45 to get it. And yes, Mirena takes care of the progesterone part from the uterine protection aspect, but it does need replacing to keep levels high enough. I decided to go for utrogestan instead.

@Fastingandhungry
You really need to complain and change your GP. It is simply not acceptable that you struggle like this, there is no need

Oh and I'm 50!

Good luck, because my I have had 1 period in the last year my GP refuses HRT, treatment, even though I can’t sleep, very irritated, weight gain, snappy, can’t sleep, did I say that. Aching all over and joint pains.

Oh but I went private rather than through GP

Yep, went on HRT at 39, has made a big difference to me. In hindsight I needed it from 36.