How bad must menopause be to be prescribed HRT?

[JustMeAnon]

Im 50 and whilst my periods are still regular-ish (though changing in other ways) I have been suffering from low mood and exhaustion for a couple of years now. I have had all the usual things checked out (eg thyroid, iron, vit d) and already take anti-depressants since I have a history of low mood anyway. I changed to a different a-d a while back which helped a little. In these 2 years my PMT has been getting worse and worse and can last for half the month. It isn't every month, some are okay, but more often it is pretty much intolerable. My symptoms include memory issues, clumsiness, low mood to the point of paranoia - I convinced myself my DH was sexually abusing my children one month, and was so sure that he was having an affair another month that I downloaded spyware for the PC....totally cringe when I think of it now - I get a weird all over body restless legs type sensation, I am tearful, strung out, and to be honest feel desperate and quite frightened by how intense it all is. However, I don't get hot flushes or any other particular physical symptoms so when I present to the GP I suspect I'm being dismissed as a depressive. I was recommended evening primrose which has never helped with my PMT before so can't see it helping now. I intend to go back to the GP, but wanted to know what my chances of getting HRT are given that my periods are still quite regular and my symptoms mainly emotional? Also, a recent blood test showed nothing menopause wise.

Update...
Been to dr and she says I need scans and bloods :(
I have been to have my bloods done and am going to see the gynae and a gastro next week.

Badders, glad to hear you have been referred to specialists.
Have you ever been checked for endometriosis?

Quite a lot of what you are saying resonates with.
I've been back and forth to gps/gynaes since my teens, reacted badly to depo and pills; the mirena made me feel I wanted to rip it out myself. My mum had an hysterectomy at 39 and I have been suffering perimenopausal symptoms from age 38. I too hemorrhaged regularly and periods become more frequent.
Three years ago I was referred to a gynae who thought I had either endometriosis or adenomiosis. He sent me for an endometrial ablation which allowed me to have normal periods for the first time in my life, it also attenuated my PMS symptoms, so people didn't have to walk on eggshells near me (and I no longer felt suicidal).

As to the other symptoms, I manage without HRT (as endo is an oestrogen led condition):

• Magnesium helps with sleep, bone and teeth remineralisation and is beneficial to brain activity (memory, mood);

-Low carb diet has reduced very frequent hot flashes and sweating into a little elevated body temperature a few days before and during menstruation. Also, if/when I fall off the low carb plan my joints ache (fingers' joints swell), I become more irritable and tend to a negative -sometimes dark- thoughts.

*a negative...=Have negative...

Hi fav...I must admit I have wondered.
also had issues for years with periods too.
I'm worried though...one of the blood tests was for ovarian cancer :(
She also wants my kidneys and bowel looked at too.

I'm sure the tests are just for safety and exclusion purposes, as so many gynae issues share common symptoms.
I went through increased need of weeing but I put it down to the hot flashes increasing my thirst and not kidney problems (the doctor agreed).
Bowel problems frequently occur at perimenopause as hormonal variation can cause digestion and metabolism disrutptions.
My tests also included diabetes (family history of both diabetes and/or glaucoma), iron and Thyroid function.
Your doctor would also want to exclude ovarian cysts or fibroids -hence the scans-, which are easily removed (I also had a routine biopsy during the ablation procedure).
I think your doctor is been very thorough, acting upon your gynae history and your poor response to standard medical treatment. (Your doctor probably suspected an oestrogen led condition when she prescribed you Progestogen only tablets) :)

Also, most surgeries do now ask patients over 40+ to come in for a full check-up as a preventative measure. :)

I'm sorry: I think my post sounds a bit cold and bullet pointish.
Sending you a big bunch of , with comfy warm slippers, a cosy super soft blanket and a warm .

No! I like bullet points! :)
I think she is being thorough, yes. She kept trying to figure out ways to get me seen sooner so was delighted when I said was covered under Dhs bupa scheme!
Dh is away with work again next week and ds2 also has a hospital appt so it's going to be a busy week!

I hope it goes all well and it's nothing serious with ds.

Hello.
Quick update...
Had an scan last week and going to see gynae in weds but sonographer said all looked OK.
Also ended up with an abdo CT which resulted in a dx of fecal loading and a colonoscopy last week.
Was all normal (and yet here I am having not been the loo since!!)
So...no further on yet.