Could HRT help with this?

[TheNameOfTheDaisy]

I need to get in touch with my GP, which I’ll do tomorrow, but in the meantime I’m looking for experiences which might help.

I’m 47, periods still coming but cycle length has dropped to about 21-24 days (used to be quite regular 28 days). Been on antidepressants and anti-anxiety meds for years; not totally effective, but enough to muddle through, until recently.

Ive had a stressful spell in work (now come out of it, and work are very supportive), 2 primary-school aged kids, and DH who is good with practical help but not really with emotional stuff.

I’m just getting more and more burned out and exhausted and miserable; took Covid a week or so ago and it has floored me. The physical symptoms have mostly gone, but my mood is really really low and I’m starting to feel anxious again. Just completely miserable really.

I'm wondering whether it’s potentially peri-menopause related, and if so, is it worth going to the GP and asking about HRT or something? Is there going to be anything they can do? I just feel so awful and it’s hard with 2 kids to look after; I’ve been waking up, dragging myself out of bed and just getting through the day (we’ll, until Covid hit; now I’m just in bed). Nothing really interests me or excites me any more. I don’t have any friends who seem to understand what’s going on, and meeting up with them feels like more hassle than it’s worth.

Ive made all the diet and lifestyle changes I can for the time being.

Absolutely you should try some HRT. I did a symptom diary before I started, and for 3 months after, so that I could see the benefits.

Thank you. I wasn’t sure whether they’d just tell me to go away and come back when actual menopause starts!

Definitely. I refused all antidepressants and anxiety meds for what was clearly perimenopause and made it super clear to the GP I wasn't going to be fobbed off with them. She agreed and I've had HRT ever since. I'm no longer murderous angry all day. Still a bit anxious but much better and 98% manageable with St Johns Wort for me.

Yes.

i had horrendous anxiety and fatigue. HRT made a big difference.

Your cycle and mood has changed, your 47...

Menopause has started.

That's exactly how I felt. I was utterly exhausted. Dragging myself through the days.
HRT took 6 months to get right and I'm a different woman.

I had literally spent two years crying.

Thank everyone. Possibly a stupid question, but how long do you generally stay on HRT for? Do you stop once you feel better, or keep taking it for a number of years?

This is textbook perimenopause OP, I was the same. its really tough! Definitely try HRT. It is safe to take indefinitely. Oestrogel helps my energy and mood, Utrogestan helps with sleep and anxiety. You will feel better with hormone help.

Do not stop when you feel better!
im taking it for a good while yet to protect my bones and heart.

I've been on it nearly 3yrs. I have no plans to stop.

Thanks everyone, that’s all really helpful.

Reading with interest and these answers have made me realise I really need to see my GP!

It's hard to tell, what you have been through would be tough even without an assist from perimenopause. HRT is worth a try but it isn't a panacea and it sounds like you need a bit of respite whatever you decide on about hormones. So yes go to your GP, but try to find some space for yourself as well.

I hope you're able to get some support OP, its so tough trying to keep everything going when we feel like this. I find Dr Louise Newson and Dr Mary Claire Haver on social media really helpful for understanding perimenopause and menopause. I also read the book 'Oestrogen Matters' to help me with the decision to go on HRT. Oestrogen is involved with almost every system in our bodies so when it drops it can be catastrophic for our health in ao many ways.

Thank you. I definitely do need a break; I can feel that myself. I’m working on getting a weekend away with maybe a couple of friends or something and I think that’ll help too.

Thank you. I definitely do need a break; I can feel that myself. I’m working on getting a weekend away with maybe a couple of friends or something and I think that’ll help too.