Can I have HRT? Still having regular periods

[Snowfallsucks]

I’m 49 and sure I’m in the throes of perimenopause.

I have the following symptoms

Anxiety that manifests as lightheadedness, occasional palpitations but the biggest issue is a kind of panic attack that results in toilet urgency (bowel) and occasional soiling as I don’t get to the loo quick enough (I get sudden diarrhoea, usually when I’m in shops / crowds or know there’s no toilet nearby).

Internal tremors
General gut issues, reflux, wind etc
TMJ from jaw clenching
Ear issues (tinnitus and pain from the TMJ)
Fatigue
Lethargy
Low libido
Brain fog
Feel cold a lot of the time
Headaches
Sinus issues
Occasional hot flush at night.

Ive been taking a good multivitamin for a month or so and that has helped a very little. I’m getting slowly to the end of my tether with the bowel problem (GP was dismissive after stool and blood samples came back normal) and I’m desperate to start feeling like myself again instead of a fat, tired, boring middle aged frump who has no inclination to do anything.

my periods are still like clockwork, 2/3 heavy days and 2 light so quite normal in that way.

Is it worth me looking at HRT and will it help with the anxiety which is by far the biggest issue. I’ve been offered Sertraline but have heard stories of stomach upset and I absolutely cannot risk that, I get enough close calls as it is. Work is becoming a problem as I’m getting anxious when asked to meetings or presentations which is something that never used to phase me. I’m usually found in the toilet instead 😞

Speak to your GP or go private I was 53 with regular periods and was put on Setraline for 10 effing years. Been on HRT now three months and life is so much better. I read Davina's book on Kindle and contacted a Dr recommended in there. Dr Olivia Hum.

I had all you symptoms, lost my job and marriage and the Dr still insisted I was depressed. It was peri all along but they wouldn't listen.

Yes. I was still breastfeeding a 3 yr old a bit and having regular periods (though barely there) and had all the symptoms including hot flushes

Started Body identical hrt and felt a lot better. Can be a settling in period though. Symptoms improved immediately, others took a while.

Covid fucked it all up as did stopping bf and I've spend a year slowly moving up

I’ve just read through your symptoms and I have experienced very similar - I’m 46 and for the past few years have experienced all the above symptoms you have described- it’s actually comforting to know that I’m not the only one that has these symptoms and feels this way ! I’m really at the end of my tether now - but the past few years Drs have gone from saying it was acid reflux to anxiety so I’m currently on sertraline but I really feel that the symptoms worsen just before I come on my period which suggests to me it’s to do with low hormone levels- I’m going to the Drs today and I’m goi g to ask about the possibility of HRT because I’ve just had enough of these life limiting symptoms

I so wish more women were properly educated about peri-menopause, because GP's certainly aren't. Most of them are absolutely useless when it comes to menopause issues.

Antidepressants are not recommended to treat peri-menopausal or menopausal anxiety or depression. They very, very often make the problem even worse. You absolutely can start HRT if you are still having periods, and your periods can still be regular even though you're peri-menopausal.

I highly recommend going to a private clinic if it's in any way possible.

Yes, I have regular periods and I have HRT. I was lucky in that it was my GP that recognised my symptoms and offered it rather than having to ask. I am 44.