Am I ready for HRT?

[Roselinemac]

I'm so confused on what is normal anymore with how I'm feeling. I've been reading about perimenopause and had symptoms for 3 years. But are they symptoms and not just things happening? My latest symptoms are:

Insomnia
Waking up boiling but not soaking
Absolutely zero sex drive, feeling like I have nothing to give my partner of 8 years anymore, I've not masturbated for a year either I just never get those flutters down there anymore and can't be bothered.
Feeling very low at times
Wrists joints are sore at times, even putting the seat belt on hurts.
My periods are normally every 28 days but for the past year they have been:
14th April 2018
4th June 2018
3rd July 2018
19th July 2018
14th August 2018
19th September 2018
28th September 2018
7th October 2018 - HEAVY
Tuesday 15th Jan 2019
23rd April 2019
19th June 2019
And to top all of this I can't drink alcohol anymore, I use to enjoy a few glasses of wine to relax at weekend but 1 glass just gets me wrecked and the hangover is horrendous lasting for days.

I'm 45 years old and feel so alone. We have small children and I just put a brave face on for them but I feel as though my life has come to an end like I can't enjoy myself anymore. It's really shit tbh.

I've been doctors six months ago but they aren't much help about menopause and just said see how you go.

Should I ask for hrt? Will it make a difference?

Thanks for reading this.

Yes. Without a doubt.
Why suffer with all of this?
Take control of it all. You need to go to the drs and ask for HRT. Don't leave it to them- as you say they aren't experts on meno.

You are also quite young for peri and if this began 3 years ago it's close to what would be classed as early menopause (though not completely as your periods haven't stopped.)

But average age of final period in UK is 52, so if yours do stop before 50 it's considered early. There are long term health risks with early menopause which is why HRT is advised- to protect your heart and bones.

Absolutely please don't suffer these life destroying symptoms any longer, try HRT and reclaim your life. It might be helpful to make a note of your symptoms and print out a copy of the nice guidelines on meno and hrt to take to the gp if they are clueless.

Thank you for your replies. Its hard to make a decision as I know I'm young to be starting the menopause but I can't just ignore the symptoms and this could cause a separation with my partner if I don't do something about it. I have booked for my bloods to be done next week then will book the doctors the week after.

Is there an HRT anyone could recommend to start me off? I have no health issues at all. I am a healthy weight and exercise (power walking) daily.

Thank you.

Have a look on the menopause matters website it's got a really good list of different types of hrt and suitablity . There isn't a one size fits all for hrt some women like pills some patches or gel, be aware you may have to try a few different ones before you find out that suits. I have a mirena coil for progesterone which I love because it means no periods, and an evorel 50 patch for oestrogen which I just stick on my bum or thigh twice a week. Perimenopause can last for up to 10 years, this is far too long to suffer!!

I don't see why it's hard to make a decision to be honest. Would you agonise over treatment for migraine or an infection if something would help?

HRT does not carry any risks at all for women under 50. It's replacing what you ought to have.

Not being harsh on you but it's a no-brainer really. You are in peri menopause and this could last for years till your periods stop (that's 'menopause') and then could carry on for years once your periods have stopped, too.

Some women like Femoston or for women your age, the contraceptive Pill Qlaira is sometimes used.

Some women like Femoston or for women your age, the contraceptive Pill Qlaira is sometimes used.

Thank you this is really helpful.

I’ve gone on plant based HRT through a private doctor. I’m 44 and feel great. Any ability to do something like this if your GP won’t support you?

Watching with interest.

My GP won't prescribe HRT for me. I'm 45,going through hot flushes, waking up 4-5am daily, dry straw-like hair, black hairs on chin and neck, really painful joints, no libido whatsoever, dry vagina, and feels like I have a constant uti.
Periods are getting closer together too, although not particularly heavy.

GP says as I have a family history of breast cancer (DM, aunt) and my weight rule it out.
She's the senior GP and all she suggested was Sylk lubricant and said Menopace might be worth a go.

Its a nightmare. Good luck op!

sheshootssheimplores
Unfortunately I wouldn't be able to go private due to financial circumstances. Good to hear its working for you.

MiddleForDiddle
I'm so sorry your having to put up with these horrendous symptoms which are very similar to mine. The waking up at 4am is draining me.
It's just shit getting older. I hope you find something that works for you. I've tried Menopace in the beginning it seemed to work but then my symptoms got worse and now it does nothing at all.

I haven't had breast cancer and there isn't any history in my family. However a few years back I had large cyst removed from my breast so I'm not sure if this is a risk.

Also I just wanted to add I was bleeding for nearly as month in January which was the mother of all periods, since then its been very light.

@sheshootssheimplores @JinglingHellsBells
You do NOT have to go to a private dr to get plant-based HRT!

Estrogel (assume that's what you mean) has been around for years and is AVAILABLE ON THE NHS!

There is no need to pay to see a private dr if you ask your NHS GP for estrogel and micronised progesterone.

It's disgusting that private drs seem to want to pretend they are offering something unavailable on the NHS.

It's been available for at least 12 years (I know someone using it on the NHS for that length of time.)

I've used it for the same time almost and yes, it's from a private gynae consultant but I saw them for something other than meno initially.

@middlefordiddle you need to ask to see a specialist. HRT is rarely refused for family history- only if your mum had it at a very young age. Your GP is not up to date.

Honestly, it's turning into a full time job posting here to put right the nonsense GPs spout! I can't spend more working time doing this, but I can leave info here where you can research and learn yourselves.

Go online, read Menopause Matters website and My Menopause Doctor (website) and the NICE guidelines. If you are on Twitter follow these people plus Diane Danzebrink #makemenopausematter and get informed so you can speak to your GPs.

@Roselinemac As above!