Should I be taking HRT?

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48, fat, achy joints, feel hot a lot but health is basically sound. Did one of those menopause home tests that confirmed a high level of FSH (meaning I'm menopausal). Periods increasingly erratic. However, by and large I'm getting through it OK and I don't feel bad about it. However, should I be considering HRT because of the benefits it offers even though I'm coping OK with the peri menopause? Grateful to hear about the experiences of others.

I’m 45 and definitely in peri, I’ve gained a stone over the last 2 years but I think that’s greed and boredom due to lockdowns. Hot flushes during the day and night 10 days before my period, tearful and foggy brained a week before my period. I’m going to muddle through, it’s not too bad.

Sorry for the slight derail but where did you get the home rest from? My GP won't test me!

I ordered from Amazon. It was called Laboquick Menopause Test. How come your GP won't test you?

Dunno, she just laughed at me and said there isn't a test!
Thanks for proving her wrong 😊

Louise Newson did a really good webinar where I work, her recommendation was that everyone (who can) goes on it as it’s protective for the heart and prevents osteoporosis. She describes menopause as being deficient in oestrogen. Not sure if I can share a link but her website is really good. That being said I’m 45 and not on it but I’ve spoken to the drs once and I’m now steeling myself to go back again and argue for it.

I went through the menopause over a decade ago and didn’t feel the need to take HRT, nor have other members of my family and some friends.

We are all in good general health. If you have other health problems then discuss with your doctor if it really is right for you.

Louise Newson did a really good webinar where I work, her recommendation was that everyone (who can) goes on it as it’s protective for the heart and prevents osteoporosis

That's just one person's opinion and she has a vested interest. Having said that MN seems to be very pro HRT. But if you're having not too many problems then I don't see why you would. I'm not, for the same reason.

I'm 48 and got a bit fed up with the aches, bad sleep, forgetfulness, fatigue etc etc. Watched a webinar at work about powering through your menopause which listed all the physical effects women have to deal with when hormone levels drop. I didn't want to just soldier on with all that when there was something that could help so I did an Econsult and got a 3 month trial. It's been pretty life-changing tbh, I think I must have been operating below par for over 18 months. I feel like I'm properly back in the room now. And all the other benefits too. Loving it!

I initially went to the GP because my symptoms were becoming increasingly unbearable. What tipped me over the edge was the protection against osteoporosis and heart disease.
Keep an open mind, what you might find easy to cope with now, can change in the next few years.