AIBU to consider HRT before symptoms?

[seahorsessky]

I'd appreciate advice about different experiences, so am asking for opinions instead of just googling. I still have regular periods and don't seem to have any peri symptoms yet (early 40s) but am considering HRT to avoid any problems.

1 Should I take it while I've still got periods, and how does that work in your experience?

2 If I take HRT, will I suffer more in the future if I have to come off it? Because would I be better getting it over with in (probably) my 50s, rather than having to deal with it when I'm older? I know old age is never a guarantee, though.

3 I don't want Mirena due to previous gynae issues. Please could people advise some combinations of things that worked well-I think I'd prefer the oestrogen in patch. spray or pill but am keen to hear pros/cons, including brand names and amounts, of course we're all individuals so I know things vary. I'm not sure I could afford private treatment.

4 Are any combinations problematic with condoms?

5 Does it put weight on? Is there anything else you'd advise me to consider?

YABU-you should try to get through menopause naturally.
YANBU-it is a good idea to consider HRT sooner rather than later, so you're ready when symptoms start.

Thanks for any advice.

Hi OP.

I started at 44, still having periods.

You don't have to come off HRT. Many women stay on it for life. There is never a point where your hormones return. Some women come off it after ten or twenty years and symptoms return.

I advocate for mirena but understand why you wouldn't want it. Progesterone tablets caused suicidal thoughts for me so mirena was a godsend. You can try several different types of progesterone. There is no benefit to private other than longer consultations. My NHS GP was brilliant.

I've never heard of any issues with condoms. I was using these until mirena went in and no issue.

I put weight on in the progesterone phase but frankly that's because it had the same effect as PMT. a bit of discipline and calorie counting and I was back to normal. I already did weights and exercised a lot so it was sheer food intake. Not the HRT making me get fat!

Consider asking to have your Testosterone levels checked. Mine were in the basement they were barely detectable. Testosterone has dramatically improved my libido.

Don't forget vaginal oestrogen. Localised cream, not systemic. There is a thread running elsewhere about disappearing labia. Read it!

Good luck!

Start doing your research about HRT now, but you don't need to start taking it until you have symptoms. You absolutely can start it while you're having periods - period changes are only one of navy possible peri symptoms. You don't need to stop taking HRT at any specific age, so in theory you can stay on it forever. I plan to!

No issues with HRT and condoms

If you don't want Mirena, you may get prescribed progesterone in the form of Utrogestan tablets that you take at bedtime. Lots of women find that they help with sleep. I started with Oestrogel (2 pumps, increased to 3, now on 4 pumps a day) and Utrogestan tablets, but now I have Mirena

No unpleasant side effects for me from any form of HRT. I get great relief from my perimenopause symptoms, and I know I'm getting long term protection from osteoporosis and heart disease

The Balance app is free and easy to use, full of great info, and you can use it to record your symptoms, sleep, nutrition, periods and exercise

'There is no benefit to private other than longer consultations. My NHS GP was brilliant.'.

The benefit is when your NHS GP is useless and I'll informed about perimenopause! My current GP is great but I was previously registered with a different GP who was useless. I had to go through Newson Health to get prescribed HRT, and they were brilliant

You need to be properly established on oestrogen before starting testosterone, so park that for now

It doesn't sound like you need HRT at all yet, but you will at some point, so good idea to start learning all about it