HRT - how am I old enough?

[harveythehorse]

I freely admit it's my vanity talking, but I have a phone appointment with the GP today which has been booked in for 5 weeks (first one they had apparently) to talk about HRT and I don't feel old enough to be here. I've been awake all night with insomnia, usually awake at 4/5am although had a 3.30am start on Friday which was SHIT.

I'm grumpy as a result and probably also because my hormones are WILD. But I'm 44 - is this normal?? I feel 26 at heart . . . and really don't think that 1981 was 44 years ago. How am I old enough for this to be a thing? I don't have any other symptoms really . . . please can someone tell me it's something else and my youth can be preserved. . .

I've just turned 44 and perimenopause has hit. I never even gave it a thought. My periods kept starting early and I couldn't understand why. My mother in law said might be the menopause and my first thought was how dare you.. I always thought of the menopause happening to women in their 50s early 60s.. I've found it seriously depressing.

There are pros and cons of hrt like most things. It’s not a magic fix it in itself. You need lifestyle changes too - sleep, diet, reduce stress, resistance training etc etc as well

look at people like

dr Mary Claire haver
dr vonda wright
dr mindy pelz
Dr Lisa Misconi

among others

average age of menopause is 51 and peri can start on avg 7-10 years before that

I started at 41, HRT has saved me.

I went private, specifically to a female GP who specialises in menopause.

my consultation was 1 hour and we went though everything with a fine tooth comb

this is a great podcast on menopause: podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/happy-smiling-people/id1701602372?i=1000730964001

I didn't realise it was so hard to get HRT, I'm 38 now and have been on it for 2 years since having a hysterectomy for PMDD, I would take it if you are offered it to see if it helps. I can't cope without it but that's probably my PMDD brain still lurking.

Well you might not need hrt but because they have done fuck all research into women's health, they just offer blanket hormone solutions for everyone. It's just like giving your daughter the pill, they just suppress women's unruly bodies instead of researching and solving things. I can understand what a shock it is, especially as I know people who are in their 40s and pregnant. I have heard the synthetic hormones are shit and you have to try to get natural ones.

Also did you have the Pfizer COVID vaccine? I am not an anti vaxer, but women have campaigned to let Pfizer know that it does actually disrupt hormones, and now it's listed as a side effect. I know 2 people who bled non stop for years after the booster, and some who are in early menopause.

I fought for HRT from the age of 41-43 when they finally agreed. My periods had stopped completely by 44.

Unfortunately, yes you are. I went through premature Menopause (period completely stopped by 35)and I’ve been on HRT since. It’s a bloody nightmare. At least I can now recognize my absolutely catastrophic ‘red mist’ moments (which I started suffering from around 29-34 years old) were down to perimenopause! I am very grateful to be feeling a lot more even, emotionally now!

This is quite a good listen, and this

I was 43 when it hit me like a ton of bricks.

I’m nearly 50 now. I’m still emotionally stunted somewhere around 27 and have no idea how this has happened.

I wake up some mornings and remember all over again that David Bowie and George Michael and Prince and Michael Jackson and Whitney Houston are all dead, it’s like a sad, death-of-your-childhood-heroes version of Memento. Periodically I have to double check that Madonna and Cyndi Lauper are still around.

I got on HRT and I didn’t notice any change. However when there was that estrogen shortage in the UK for a month or two a couple of years back BOY did I notice the difference. Mainly in terms of mood. I was irritable as fuck, and so exhausted I could barely move.

I was idly wondering today whether I should ask to try testosterone cream to help with energy, but I’m worried I’d get roid rage, as I’m so fucked off all the time to begin with.

Have you actually discussed this with a doctor? It is true that taking oestrogen orally can increase stroke risk but that is not the case with transdermal oestrogen (gel, spray, patch).

I started HRT at 44. Didn’t notice that much change so stopped and then it made me realise how miserable and irritable I was before so now have the gel religiously. My friends same age are really resistant to taking it, say they are not that “age” yet whilst complaining of perimenopause symptoms and they are definitely more irritable 😂. I don’t get it myself, it really has made me feel like my younger self!

Checking FSH/LH in women under 45 is part of the NICE guidance. You will need two samples 4-6 weeks apart, and of course the results need to be interpreted in light of your symptoms. ‘Normal’ range FSH/LH certainly does not rule out perimenopause, as others have said, but I really don’t think your GP “is shit” (to quote a PP) to want to do bloods. Of course the proof is in the interpretation.

Keep a diary of symptoms, read the NHS guidelines, have your blood tests then discuss with the GP again. I hope you get whatever you need to feel better.

I’m 45,just started hrt but I went when I was 44,gp told me because I was under 45 I had to have numerous blood tests to rule out anything else,everything came back clear,I was prescribed hrt immediately,ask to see a different gp op.

I got it prescribed it earlier this year at 44 @harveythehorse and think it's outrageous your GP is just allowed to make up arbitrary rules like this. I would fight it. Ask for a second opinion? 2 things to note

1. I started getting the same sleep issues as you after turning 44, got HRT prescribed within 2 months with absolutely no problem at all from my (female) GP - and it sorted the symptoms immediately
2. There is quite a lot of research now that shows that the earlier you start on HRT the more you will be protected from things like dementia and osteoporosis in later life So you being refused it makes my blood boil. How much longer must we suffer this crap?

I am really struggling at the moment with all of these symptoms but my GP put me on the mini pill instead. I am not as bad, but still not 100%. I am only 36 so they are telling me I am not perimenopausal.

Mid 40s is very very VERY typical. You're normal. Step away from the denial and step towards the research and information.

Read everything out there about what perimenopause does to us. Going through it unsupported is - no.

And read about what happens post menopause. Vaginal atrophy and vanishing labia minora are a thing.

HRT does carry some slight risks - again, read everything. But the benefits ...!

My honest advice? Grab everything you can, with both hands.

I'm 62. I've arrived at Evorel oestrogen patches + progesterone coil + estradiol pessaries - and feel normal. I've also lost two stone, have new clothes and look better than I have done in a long time. NO PERIODS and no contraception concerns 🤗.

Be aware not all GPs are as up on the latest research as they might be.

My Dd has issues she is 28 and keeps being fobbed off, .the latest symptom she has suffered i have said to her to ask for a gynae referral so hopefully she will get one, im glad your Dd is doing better

Excellent post @JFDIYOLO . Very important to get clued up about your own health - there is plenty of reliable, evidence based information out there. Information is power

Op I went on Hrt at 45 it changed my life, you can feel whatever age you like but still have the correct medication to function.

Defo not too young for peri , I started having minor symptoms at your age but then when I hit 50 it was hideous . I was not offered HRT at age 45 I was told about holistic methods really and I just carried on , I went on HRT at 50 and it was a miracle drug for me but full blown menopause is really quite different (for me anyway) and the symptoms were a huge huge list of symptoms compared to the peri. Be guided by your gp

My mum & sister both went through the menopause in their early 30s (I was late 40s).

having been refused HRT back then because my GP ‘didn’t believe in it’ I went through a traumatic experience.

I was finally prescribed HRT at 55 and it was literally life saving.

Don’t suffer in silence, take what helps you need to steer through it.

Hi op.

Get the blood test, but I'd also try a different GP maybe? I got a really understanding woman in her 50s. She was the one who suggested I should have HRT!

I'm 42 and I'm on estrogen gel and progesterone tablets. I now sleep long and deeply, I'm so much calmer and no itchy skin. No negative side effects for me.

If HRT is what you want and need, I hope you're able to access it.

BTW, a top tip if you get prescribed and your pharmacist doesn't mention it, you can get an NHS certificate online which makes it really affordable - it cost £19.80 I think and that's all I pay for HRT a year. The pharmacist got me to buy it online in the pharmacy so that covered my first prescription too. https://www.gov.uk/get-a-ppc/hrt-ppc

Yes, similar age and started it recently. It's definitely making a difference for me. I didn't realise I had no libido, for example (I thought I had just seen sense about men to be honest!). You're possibly peri like me, still having periods but aware of the possible signs far more than our mum's were. Just be glad there is more info out there and none of us have to suffer what used to be called "nervous breakdown" any more.

Great advice but be careful, apparently the pre payment certificate doesn’t cover the tablets only the gel. ! It’s ridiculous I know and I’ve had arguments in the pharmacy over this but the tablet isn’t classed as a HRT medication even though if you still have your womb you need it to protect your womb against cancer if using the gel . Apparently if you are given it on the certificate you could receive a bill for any tablets you received if your prescription is randomly selected for checking . I got away with it until I moved pharmacy’s

Perimenopause symptoms can start up to 10 years before actual menopause, which is on average I think 51 but can be anywhere from 45-55. So women can be experiencing it in their late 30s, never mind 40s! Keeping yourself well is how you keep yourself young. Thanks to HRT I sleep well, I've given up alcohol, I exercise regularly. I feel younger now than I did 10 years ago when I was in the middle of the baby years!