Perimenopause and low mood

[Pink2023]

Hi
I'm perimenopausal and have been taking HRT for just over a year. Its worked really well for hot flushes and sleeping problems but the last few months I've felt really down.
Over the years I've suffered with low mood and have taken St Johns Wort but everything I've read says not to take it with HRT.
I don't want to take anti-depressants, I would prefer something herbal but everything else I've read about also interfere with HRT.
Does anyone know of anything herbal I can take that won't interfere with my HRT?
Thank you

Go for a run. Or a swim. Any type of exercise, really. I promise you it helps.

Thanks for replying. I do walk and it helps but doesn't last for long

I'm the same. Suffered most of my life from bad mental health but during peri, it's become unbearable at times. I take HRT and antidepressants to no avail.

My depression is from a chemical imbalance so it's really hard to find any long-term solutions. EG, getting fresh air/exercise/mindfulness etc just don't cut it.

I took citalopram in perimenopause and it really helped me feel like me again. it’s worth considering as perimenopause symptoms can be horrible and last for years. It’s not addictive and at low doses it just takes the edge off certain unhelpful feelings. It’s a very common medication among women of a certain age. I’m post menopause now and don’t need it any more.

Following!

I think I am in peri but cannot get any joy out of the dr

My mood was SO low one weekend last month I actually considered ending it (I am by my own no family and been through a lot of trauma)

i have started taking a 1 a day magnesium supplement and have got through this months period much better mood wise so I am hoping this will helps

just mention it in case it helps any one else

I am going to try this too.
My mood is so low, cried silently most of the afternoon at work. Luckily I am on my own at work, on site in an independent living scheme.
I wonder if I should speak to the GP.
I recently stopped setraline as was worried about being on it long term.

Black cohosh really helped me. I was having night sweats, itchy skin and rage and within two weeks of taking it they symptoms had stopped completely.

Thanks for all the posts, sometimes you feel like no one knows what its like dealing with this so really appreciate all the suggestions.
I think I'll speak with my Dr and explore the options as I can only see things getting worse over the winter months 😟

Nothing exciting just this one I pick up in home bargains couple of weeks ago

i was desperate and i am getting no helps from no one

I went through a very low phase. I was on a very low dose of oestrogen; the gp suggested upping it and my mood perked right up to my old self. Astonishing improvement.

Oh I also did switch from almond milk to soya milk as apparently that is supposed to helps as well

Try adding in some gentle weights 2-3 times a week.

And some cardio. Even if just dancing in the kitchen.

It honestly helps over time

What dose of oestrogen are you on?

I'm on 2mg. I was on 1mg but the Dr increased it to see if it would help but it hasnt.

Oral oestrogen?

Might be worth asking to check thyroid levels and then asking to try transdermal?

I feel the same - been on hrt for 1.5 years, tried different doses of oestrogen, changing progesterone regime etc, but although it helps with the night sweats nothing cuts through the insomnia or the mood for me. PMS is off the chart - I have such rage, and crying spells and dark mood. I'm thinking of trying SSRIs - a bit reluctant but I can't keep going like this.