HRT only if you have hot flushes?

[Cherryblossom200]

Hi everyone,

I'm new to this forum but need a bit of advice please. I'm 44 nearly 45, I've been suffering the past couple of years with anxiety after my period, and not being able to fall asleep naturally until I've ovulated. I've put this down to early menopause symptoms. My GP gave me a blood test which came back normal, but apparently that doesn't give an accurate indication as to whether you have a hormone imbalance as it shifts all the time.

I called the GP yesterday as I've really had enough of this, I dread the time after my period and always feel so up and down. She said I can't have HRT as I don't have hot flushes. So I've been put on the pill.

Is this true, do you have to be going through the actual menopause until you get HRT?

Sorry for my ignorance, I'm still new to all this 😬 so far it's been horrible, I dread to think what the next few years will be like.

Oh dear, yet another GP who is not up to speed on HRT.
Of course you can have HRT without hot flushes.

There are over 30 symptoms of peri and flushes are just one of them.

Have a good read of the website of Dr Louise Newson- podcasts, videos, fact sheets.

Looks as if you will need to find a GP who knows about menopause.

She said that because my periods haven't stopped I wouldn't be able to get HRT.

I'm really quite annoyed now. Why are they so relunctant to give it out, honestly I'm so sick of feeling so up and down all the time. It's ruining my life at the moment.

I went on HRT when I was still having periods, not so many but hadn't stopped. I had blood tests for hormone levels which showed I was perimenopausal, some flushes and the doctor suggested HRT. I thought that was quite usual. I didn't stay on it because of some effects and when I came off I thought the flushes weren't that bad but just thought I'd tell you, you don't have to have ceased menstruation to go on HRT.

Actually, having just read your opening post again, Cherryblossom, it doesn't sound as though you are perimenopausal yet. I doubt HRT would be very helpful at the moment. Wait until your periods become erratic and you are having flushes.

she clearly knows nothing.

There are two main types of HRT

1 Sequential which mimics a cycle and is for women who have a) periods b) very occasional periods c) no periods but who prefer to have a withdrawal bleed.

2 Continuous HRT for women who are 12 months or more on from their last period.

See here

www.menopausematters.co.uk/perimeno.php

You either need to take this info to her and the NICE guidance (pinned top of this forum) OR see another GP OR pay around £250 for a consultation with a gynae consultant who will advise and prescribe.

I have been on HRT for about 4 years and was perimenopausal for a few years before that. I have had many symptoms but I have never had a hot flush.

Thanks guys 👍 does HRT make you feel more normal? For that week or so after my period I dread and feel like I'm going mad. It's affecting my work so I do need to do something about it.

No idea if the pill will help.