No menopause symptoms but want HRT

[ACatCalledPuss]

I am 47 and have an overactive thyroid. I have relapsed recently (in Sept) and as well as the usual symptoms, I was getting hot flashes which I hadn't had before so I asked my consultant to check my hormone levels. He confirmed that I was peri menopausal but when my thyroid medication kicked in, all my symptoms eased off including the hot flashes. However, I haven't had a period now since August which has never happened before and am wondering if this is it and I am now menopausal. If I am, I would like to take HRT for the protective factors it offers but don't think my GP would prescribe it as I have zero symptoms at present. Interested to hear if others have got HRT despite no symptoms and if the symptoms are likely to kick in months after periods stop?

However, I haven't had a period now since August which has never happened before and am wondering if this is it and I am now menopausal.

You have to go 12 months before you are classed as post menopause.

You could argue that if your periods don't come back, that you are slightly on the early side for being post meno- average age is 51, and that you are missing out on high levels and preventative role of estrogen for 4 years compared to the average.

Yes, many of us only had symptoms when periods had stopped. It's a bit of a myth that they only appear during peri and then settle when periods stop for good.

Thanks for responding. Apparently my grandmother had no symptoms at all, so I was wondering if I was taking after her, although my mum suffered quite badly and was on HRT for a couple of years. Both Mum and my grandmother have/had alzheimers so that worries me and I had read that HRT can be a protective factor.

I'm also wondering this, I have had only minor symptoms but having done some research I would like to go on HRT for the protective effects, primarily on my bones as my Mum had osteoporosis and I've just broken my wrist which has spurred me on to get a doctors appointment. But I'm not sure whether to turn up and be honest or if I should exaggerate symptoms in order to be taken seriously? Interested in experience of others. Also, if the doctor won't prescribe, does anyone know if can you just pay for it privately?

@ghostofadog Can you ask your GP for a bone density scan? A friend of mine was 'allowed' these on the NHS as her mum was disabled through severe osteoporosis (in her early 60s.) It's often hereditary and your GP ought to assess your bones, especially as you have already had a fracture.

A fracture at a young age is a risk factor and you may need treatment already (usually HRT for women under 60.)

Yes, of course you can get it privately if you feel you have risk factors. You can access bone density scans privately ( mine are ) and take it from there.

Your doctor should have given you hormones the moment they knew you're peri.

You'll need both oestrogen and progesterone, and you're absolutely in a position to ask for both.

I highly recommend you go to a private Peri/menopause clinic. Totally worth it.

Thanks @JinglingSpringbells , I will definitely ask the doctor about a bone density scan