When should I start HRT

[TwentiethCenturyFox]

I'm 51 and have not yet hit menopause but know it will be close as I am getting winkles and itching and hot flushes - photo is from 2017 - when should I start HRT and what does it do?

HRT can be started when you get symptoms - you don't need to have stopped your periods. I found it helped my mood, joint aches, libido and skin (never had hot flushes).

Thank you. Can I clarify what you mean by "helped your skin"? Thanks.

I used to get hormonal spots, particularly whiteheads around my period. After a couple of months on HRT they cleared up and haven't come back for over a year

There's no 'should' with HRT. If your symptoms are difficult to live with, it's worth trying. But it's not compulsory! Perimenopause has made my skin very dry and itchy, and HRT was great for that.

I am 43 and probably years off actual menopause but I have just started HRT to help with symptoms.