Once you are convinced you are in perimenopause it is worthwhile reading up about the long term effects of menopause before you make a decision on how you intend to cope with it.
Everyone these days is aware of the hot flushes, brain fog, etc. that alerts you to falling oestrogen levels but very little is broadcast about the progressive problems caused by long term oestrogen deprivation.
You are often in your late sixties or seventies when you get a diagnosis of osteoporosis or osteoarthritis both most often the result of low oestrogen and both can have very serious long term results. Then there’s incontinence. It usually starts with stress incontinence, a little leak when you have a coughing fit for example. Panty liners are very popular with the over sixties but it can progress to full blown incontinence which ruins your life. Vaginal atrophy is another problem as is prolapse, loss of libido etc.
We as a race used to have a lifespan of less than 50 years. For women our oestrogen supplies run out, on average, around that age but nowadays we expect to live until our 80s. That means about one third of your life is post menopausal with all the potential associated medical conditions.
Medical science has come up with a solution, like the treatment for diabetes and thyroid problems the solution is to replace the missing hormone. We prescribe the hormones insulin and thyroxine for the above. For menopause we can replace the oestrogen. Being on HRT will be a life changer. It is contraindicated for a small minority but for the majority it is life changing. Many women are on it for life, once you stop taking it the deterioration starts.
So, as an oldie who has benefitted hugely from HRT, I suggest you research the subject now and whatever you choose to do I hope you have a smooth transition.