Early menopausers on HRT - when did you start it?

[choux]

I'm almost 41 have had v irregular periods for 3 years with gaps of up to six months. My last (lighter than usual) period was 6 months ago apart from a day of spotting last week. So light I didn't need a tampon.

I don't really have any other symptoms but my FSH has been 99 and have been told my AMH levels show 'low to undetectable' fertility so this is definitely menopause. I have now accepted that this is happening and want to focus on my long term health. I have had a bone density scan which showed I already have osteopaenia. At my last hospital appointment I was told to see my GP for HRT once I have reached 12 months with no period but I would like to start it now. When did you start it?

I admit that as well as wanting to strengthen my bones I am also very nervous about my skin, figure, vagina ageing and HRT may help slow the changes menopause will have on my body. I'm not in a relationship right now but am looking and having the libido of a granny and ageing 10 years in 2 years isn't really going to be a confidence boost in the dating arena. I feel like I want to do everything I can to live the life I was planning to have before all this happened.

If I need to take it until I'm 50 anyway will it make any difference if I take it for a few extra months?

Can't see that a few months nakes any difference at all. I started HRT 2 years back in September, right after my last period in the July. I then had a couple of more periods well apart, but my bloods kept saying I was post meno. I was not early meno though- last period at 53/54.

Can you go to a specialist meno clinic ?

Right am going to get me a GP appointment and tell him I want some HRT!

What would happen at a specialist meno clinic? Would they just be more knowledgeable about the various brands / types of HRT?

Yes they would be more knowledgeable.

They are also I assume more likely to listen and give you time...

Hi, I started at 35 (6 mths ago) after surgical menopause. I also have osteopenia in my spine but that's not menopause related, just picked up when I had my baseline DEXA scan. I'm on Evorel 100 patches as I've no uterus and 1 calcichew-D tablet a day.

I've now started on HRT although I'm sure I had one or two periods this year. Looking back, perimeno started at age 32 for me, but it was only this year (I'm now 38) that I got the symptoms of hot flushes, insomnia and vaginal dryness. My FSH was in the 80's. My gynae said I may as well start with the HRT now, since I wasn't hoping for more children and it would stop my bits shrivelling up, and help stop wrinkles (he's a great guy!).

My mother and grandmother both had an early menopause (by age 38) which was an additional factor in indicating that it was pointless waiting the full year without a period just to be able to tick the box "one year without periods".

Incidently, I'm taking Qlaira as HRT, which I think is actually a contraceptive tablet. The doctor said this formulation would avoid any mid-cycle spotting, and had less risk of DVT.
After a month on Qlaira, the hot flushes have now gone and I sleep better, but I still have lots of wrinkles!!!