Menopause not depression

[mysparkleismissing]

So a year ago I got assessed for depression and put on meds... previous history of depression and pnd.
I now believe its not depression as the meds haven't done a lot and I'm having a lot of physical symptoms which point to hormones and menopause (I'm approaching 43 which I realise is young)
The gp I saw a fortnight ago straight out offered me hormones.... I asked for a bloody test to check levels and to go back and talk to someone who could say vaginally dryness without having to make up words for that phrase to skirt around the actual words!
I've got an appointment next week.

Just wondered if anyone else has been in this situation before.
I can pretty much tick most of the symptoms on the nhs list for menopause and on the 'balance' ap about 80% of symptoms

Yes - pretty much had low level symptoms after I had my first child at around 38, a second child helped in early 40s but it rapidly became an issue not long after.

It wasn't a Gp who worked it out though; had to get to the hot flush point.

I started at 44 on 37.5, and now just on 100 patches at 45, still having relatively regular cycles. I had a huge mood boost at first but covid infections or just naturally getting worse seemed to mean my mood dipped; I do think the 100 patches are finally beginning to make a difference.

It can take a while to kick in. I've also seen an nhs document that suggests oestrogen levels of around 400-600 is good for mood. My Gp also said that's a good area to aim for for all issues.

Some find testosterone is the missing link.

I’m 44 and have been right through the menopause. It’s really much more common than people think and loads of people have started symptoms by your age.

One thing I don't understand is the resistance gps have in trying some hrt with women when they can have the combined oral pill. I asked a Gp friend. this and fully agreed. She's v pro hrt and education around it.

I do believe there are combined oral pills that are more like hrt though and lower dose - one begins with a q I think. For older women