To delay starting HRT

[Onelifeliveitright]

About a month or so ago I had a really hard time. Typical peri menopause symptoms that had become steadily worse. Last week I saw the GP and got prescribed HRT. But in the 6 weeks it took me to get an appointment my symptoms really subsided. I have been alot better and feel much happier. I got the prescription but am now wondering if I should start it to prevent things ever getting as bad as they did before or if I should wait and see if it does ever happen again. Wwyd?

Before I started taking it I’d’ve said wait.

Since I’ve started taking it Id say don’t wait! It’s been a revelation.

caveat- unless you have a risk factor that increases with hrt.

I would take it. The nature of peri menopause is there will be months when your oestrogen is high enough to balance your current progesterone levels so symptons arent badly effecting your life, and there will be cycles when its much higher or much lower and symptoms negatively impact you. Peri is difficult because you are trying to get a balance without having a clear picture of where your estrogen level is, its not like progesterone thats on a steady decline from average age of 35, its varies from high to normal to low in a v erratic pattern for quite a while.

If you have managed to get a prescription I would start taking it

it was a bit trial and error for me and I’ve found rubbing the gel on my forearms better than my outer thigh

This is exactly what my wife would say in response.

Even as okay as she felt during the good periods (no pun intended there) before HRT, it's nothing compared to how much more she feels in-control of her own mind and body since.

It's vastly improved our life together, but it's immeasurably improved hers.

Can't guarantee that'll be your experience, and it's obviously anecdotal, but she's been singing the Gospel of HRT to every similar-aged woman she knows and they've all said exactly the same thing after they started - "I wish I'd done this sooner!".

At the same time, many have issues with hrt, increase weight, dark mood and extreme anger during the progesterone phase, ending etc....and it doesn't help everyone. It actually made my symptoms worse so I'd definitely wait if you are OK right now.

Thank you all.