How do I know and where do I start?!

[DrivingDown]

Been feeling utterly exhausted with low moods for last 6mths and finally got to GP with a view to anti depressants, however she suggested maybe HRT. I’m back to see her tomorrow and I’m really uncertain.

Im nearly 46, utterly exhausted with low mood interspersed with real bleakness.

I have a mirena coil combined with an ablation and although post both I had periods I now no longer do. Not clear if it’s meno or not.

I hear a lot about menopause being misdiagnosed as depression.

GP told me to have a think about what I wanted and then we could discuss. No idea if I’m even menopausal let alone what I should be doing.

would appreciate any thoughts

Try the HRT and see if it helps?

At 46 with those symptoms I'd absolutely say peri menopause.

I'm 44 and on HRT. You can start before you actually reach menopause.

Yeah low mood and exhaustion are definitely peri symptoms. A lot of GPs try and fob women off with anti depressants instead of HRT so it's good yours seems willing to prescribe.

It's good that you already have Mirena as this is ok to be used as the progesterone side of HRT (women with wombs who are on oestrogen must have progesterone to protect their womb) so you will just want some form of oestrogen.

I think they normally prescribe patches, gel or sprays these days but I think some women still take tablets. My doctor said they normally want people to try it for at least 3 months.

I've been on patches for about 7 months. I am 49, in peri, and knowing what I know now about it, have probably been in peri for several years. I find it pretty easy, patch on front of thigh, change it after 3.5 days. The night sweats went very quickly, jury still out on the moods and migraines.

It's worth getting your thyroid checked too as thyroid problems can also lead to exhaustion.

Thanks for the responses.

in terms of trying the HRT can you give it a go for a period and then come off? Are there any side effects related to doing so?

Dr text me yesterday to say there’s something in my tests that needs an eye kept on, I’m guessing thyroid as when I was googling last night I discovered there is a very specific thyroid symptom which I have.

urghhh I suddenly feel so old and decrepit 😩

in terms of trying the HRT can you give it a go for a period and then come off?
Yes

Are there any side effects related to doing so?
No