Perimenopause

[anotherdisaster]

I suspect I'm perimenopausal (I'm 47). For last few months I've seen drastic changes in menstrual cycle and, more recently, low mood and anxiety. Saw a GP who was really good. She has suggested, in the first instance, that I switch my mini-pill to Qlaira and has referred me for some Talking therapy.
Just wondering if anyone has experience of this pill and how it helped. At what point should I suggest HRT?
She did say to try the talking therapy first and perhaps I could think about anti-depressants. I;m starting the Qlaira today and my first talking therapy is on Thursday.

At what point should I suggest HRT?

Now.

If your periods are changing, you have mood swings, and you are 47, then the route to go down is HRT not the Pill and talking therapy.

Qlaira etc is only recommended for young women (maybe early 40s) having early peri meno, as it's a stronger dose of estrogen and can suit young women well.

It is hard to understand why GPs are suggesting talking therapies and antidepressants to women in peri menopause when like you it seems hromone related.

She isn't 'good' because she's going against the NICE guidelines from 2015.

Do your own research, read up on this and go back and ask for HRT (if that is what you want.)

There is masses online about the incorrect use of ADs in perimenopausal women (it's been described as a scandal.)

I can only assume its because my session with her focused on the low mood and anxiety and I had said it could be related to losing my dad and another event late last year. But I also suggested that it could be perimenopause. I guess she thought perhaps switching pills and try CBT.

Sorry hit enter before finishing!! Why does the official NHS website suggest CBT then?

Which part of the NHS website do you mean?

The NICE guidance suggests HRT as first line treatment.
https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng23/chapter/Recommendations#managing-short-term-menopausal-symptoms

Psychological symptoms
1.4.5
Consider HRT to alleviate low mood that arises as a result of the menopause.

1.4.6
Consider CBT to alleviate low mood or anxiety that arise as a result of the menopause.

1.4.7
Ensure that menopausal women and healthcare professionals involved in their care understand that there is no clear evidence for SSRIs or SNRIs to ease low mood in menopausal women who have not been diagnosed with depression (see the NICE guideline on depression in adults).

This guidance is also for those women who can't use HRT for medical reasons.
Your GP is incorrect to offer therapy plus possible ADs without even trying HRT first.

Ah, it comes under 'non hormone treatments if you choose not to take HRT'. Looks like I might need another appointment!
I wonder if she has perhaps assumed its not perimenopause because I don't have any other symptoms. I'm new to all this so have literally no clue.

It would be best for you to decide what you want before you see her again.
If you feel you want HRT, ask for that.
Unless you have medical reasons not to use it, she can't refuse without giving you a valid medical reason.
It all depends on how you feel and what you want to do.

If you are 47, you are absolutely peri-menopausal. Do not go back to the same doctor. They have no idea what they're going on about and will do you more harm than good. Go to a private menopause clinic if you can.

I wonder if she has perhaps assumed its not perimenopause because I don't have any other symptoms.

x-d posts.
You have the main symptom which are irregular cycles.

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/menopause/symptoms/

Thanks both! I have made an appointment with my normal GP to talk about this and I will enquire about HRT. I've postponed my CBT for now until I know more about the HRT.

Hi, I don't know if I'm on the right thread so apologies if I'm not. I'm really looking for some help or advice.
The last few months I've noticed a change with my periods, the seen to have become irregular, one month it was late, the following month early, then back on track, now late again!
I've noticed that the first day or so of my period is quite heavy (heavier than its usually been) my symptoms leading up to my period are also changing. For example , this month I've had my usually cramping, tender breasts and a headache that feels foggy (2 days now) but still no sign of my period.
My anxiety started to reach an all time high recently too, to the point where I was referred for talking therapy.
My anxiety settled but I find it peaks quite badly around the time of my period.
I've been struggling to sleep on and off but I'm a shift working so have always assumed that that's the cause behind my sleep issues. I'm 40 years old, almost 41, is this too early to be experiencing peri menopause symptoms?
I had one month where I had slight spotting which only lasted a day, I spoke to my Dr who said she wasn't concerned by it and just to keep an eye on it.
So sorry for the long post but I'm just starting to feel like it's driving me mad, every month I can feel myself getting anxious and wondering if my period will come or not. I've no other symptoms of anything else other than when my period is due.
Any help or advice is really appreciated 😀

It would be best to make your own post about this.