Perimenopause and Prozac

[justfornowiguess]

I'm early 40s, and definitely perimenopausal. Went to GP to discuss HRT to address main issue of low mood, lack of energy and anxiety. It felt quite severe last week, but I still function (work, running around after kids etc). She has prescribed me Prozac. Once I got back after the appointment, I started to research it and think about it, and I'm wondering if it's a bit extreme when I'm only feeling terrible a few days a month. Any advice, experiences shared welcome

oh dear. Yet another GP totally out of touch with NICE menopause guidelines.

HRT is first line therapy, not anti depressants.

Please google (easily found) the NICE meno guidelines and under Diagnosis and Treatment you will find a very 'stern' instruction to doctors NOT to give anti depressants for peri meno.

They don't work and they are not the right treatment.

The treatment is HRT.

There are many features on this topic on the website of Dr Louise Newson- My Menopause Doctor ( her website.)

Thanks @JinglingHellsBells I guess I'm worried that taking HRT at this early stage will mean a potentially long time being on them and so increasing the risks?

A lot of your questions over HRT may be answered on this video by the British Menopause Society.

You are at more risk of not using HRT if you are having menopausal symptoms in your early 40s, and there is no longer any time limits on using it. (All explained I expect in the video link.)

Thank you @JinglingHellsBells It all felt a bit wrong and you view echoes some of what I'd originally thought.

It is so frustrating to hear that GPs are still doing this. It isnt your mental health that is a problem, it is hormones. Sick of women being fobbed off like this (as I was for 2 years until I downloaded the NICE guidelines, took them in with me and refused to leave until I got HRT). It made such a difference for me, so sorry I didnt go back and insist sooner. Take care.