HRT on perimenopause?

[CertifiedB]

I've got a long awaited hospital gynaecology appointment today to help with symptoms I have experienced since giving birth (18 months ago) which GP thinks are related to oestrogen drop. I'm 42.

No menopausal symptoms yet but I've read that it's advisable to go on HRT as soon as possible in your 40's to support perimenopause and into menopause later on.

Do you think I should / can ask about going on HRT? Has anyone on here done that before menopause?

Yes, I did, I was around 38 and stayed on it until about 55. I don't know how bad you feel OP but I felt terrible before I started it. Muddle headed, forgetful, tired and tearful. I felt the difference within 2 hours of the first dose, it really was that noticeable. I would have had a breakdown without it. Give it a try.

I’m 46 and now on it.
I can’t say it’s made a massive difference, but subtle , such as my joints not aching as much, less rage and no face flushing.Unfortunately unlike @longwayoff it’s not been the immediate cure I hoped, more a long process of little things changing.
There is a menopause board on MN which is good for advice

Interested to know if consultants will prescribe HRT for peri as opposed to actual menopause. Podcast I heard with Gabby Logan seemed to suggest they are not inclined to.

My GP has. On patches even though monthly periods still. Only 3 weeks in so can't say I've noticed huge, think I still need vaginal oestrogen too. Proof will be in first period due in just over a week.

Saying that I did feel better in the oestrogen only patches, it's the current combined I'm not sure of, definitely more migrainey

I’ve been prescribed patches and am on mini pill so think they will.
Oestrogen patch is fine for two weeks but the progesterone patches 2nd two weeks gave me awful headaches, I think it was too much so I now cut those patches in half.

I was prescribed by female GP, 15 years older than me, after her male colleague had insultingly said 'if everyone came to the doctor when they feel a bit off, where would we be?'. I told him where 'we' would be and said I was sorry to have mistaken him for a doctor. Hmm. Anyway, she tested my hormone levels, they were low, and said she wouldn't be without her HRT, prescribed for me, no problem.