I visited my GP approx 5 yrs ago as me periods were so erratic anything from bleeding every 2 weeks to not bleeding for 9 or 10 weeks and they were becoming lighter and lighter. Two blood tests confirmed high FSH levels so perimenopause was diagnosed. Due to my young age I was advised to go on HRT to protect my bones and heart so I started on Ellesse duet and then when there was a supply issue I changed to novofem. I wasn't aware I had menopause symptoms as I was relatively young but as soon as I started HRT I suddenly realised that my night sweats and palpitations disappeared. I put these down to being stressed and busy!! Anyway all was good and my periods became regular again. I was on this sequi HRT for about 4.5 yrs and in December I started to get really painful tender breasts so the GP suggested I change to a continuous patch. I have been on Evorel conti patches now for just over 3 months I and get a bleed every 2 weeks. The GP said it will settle down but it is really annoying. As my symptoms were not really that bad I am considering coming off HRT altogether and letting nature take its way with the bleeding?? But everything I read says if you reach menopause before 50 you really need HRT for protective purposes. Any advice on best way forward would be much appreciated?? Thanks