Alternatives to HRT for possible perimenopause?

[Thedancingmum]

I am 41, have 2 DD and am finding myself increasingly tired, unmotivated and flat!
It started with a couple of days a month which I started trying to track. It was sometimes just after ovulation, this month has been around my period but has continued on. I am usually a highly motivated and productive person who lives by a daily to-do list but nowadays I seem to find any excuse to 'be kind to myself' and not do that chore or workout because I am feeling tired. I get this may be normal but the tiredness and unmotivation is so frustrating I just don't feel like myself.
I didn't get anywhere with my GP who said it is normal for women in their 40's to start to slow down and need a bit more rest. I did have a load of comprehensive bloods done for something unrelated and they all came back fine. Hormones were not included.
I paid for a private menopause specialist consultation who said this does sound like perinmeonpause and has suggested trialing some HRT (marina coil followed by oestogel or gel applied progesterone and oestrogel).
I am willing to try them - have decided that if I do then to start with the coil and if that makes no improvement then move onto oestrogel too.
It's just I cant help feeling that I would like some sort of test first to see if this definitely is perimenopause before I embark on the HRT journey which sounds like it take a a few months to get right. The specialist said I would have a blood test after 3 months of using oestorgel to see what is going on and how my hormone levels are.
I keep having these supplements pop up on my IG feeds to help hormone levels etc but they are bloody expensive and I also just don't want to take something for 1 - 3 months and waste a load of money!
I guess I am asking, has anyone tried and found anything successful to beat these feelings of increased fatigue.
Still have regular periods and sleep 7 hours on average.
Posted in Womens Health topic but realised I may get more recommendations here...
TIA! x

There is no test.

It might be peri. If you are in the U.K. I’d be inclined to get a high quality, oil based vitamin D + K supplement. One that goes under the tongue.

I’m in Italy, on very effective HRT, but due to the shite summer realised that stopping my vit d as usual in March might not have been helpful. Gone back on it and I’ve perked up. Also brought the sun out (now flopping due to 32°C and high humidity 😅

Try that, see how it goes. But download the free Balance app and track symptoms as and when they feature so you have a clear picture of the direction of travel.

Have you tried Cognitive Behavioral Therapy? It manages hot flashes, sleep disturbances, and mood swings while building resilience and coping skills to deal with menopause symptoms.

Are you taking the mick?

There is no conclusive test.

Mirena coil isn't HRT. If you have a womb you need progesterone to protect your womb while you are on Oestrogen, the actual HRT.

Mirena is just one way of having the progesterone - although you may well find that fact you stop having periods makes you feel better in itself, it isn't the bit of HRT that is meant to make you feel better.

https://thebms.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/01-BMS-TfC-CBT-NOV2022-A.pdf

I got an online hormone test and it showed pretty conclusively that I was well into menopause at age 44. High FSH and LH

@AlienatedChildGrown I hope you don't mind, I have sent you a PM

Thanks for the responses! @AlienatedChildGrown thanks for the recommendations, I will try Vit K and the balance app which sounds good. I tried a high dose Vit D in the evenings but i think it is giving me headaches?! PLus I walk most days so maybe my Vit D levels are ok (they were good in a blood test in May though I had been away in the sun for 2 weeks over easter).
@AnnaMagnani thanks for clarifying... that seems to be the general understanding but the meno specialist said i may not need the oestrogel if the coild makes a difference so no idea?! But in any case, would prefer to start with a supplement if I can before moving onto the coil and oestrogel if i can and maybe save that for later down the line.
@Blahblah34 do you mind sending me the link to the test you did? I would be interested!
@LonelyFooleightyfour I really want to try and keep costs down, hence wanting to try and resonantly priced supplement - plus my main symptom is fatigue so CBT would be an expensive option.
Have had a suggestion on the other thread I posted in Womens Health for Health & Her supplements from 2 people so unless any other recommendations come in I may try them as a start as they are well priced and have excellent reviews from most people.

Crazy talk

It barely works for a lot of MH issues, let alone physical ones

Can I gently suggest, maybe rather than medicating yourself it could be that you consider trying to improve your quality of life in other ways. Holidays, breaks, a hobby, a cleaner, a new job, a different house/family routine which is more enjoyable for you, more time outside in nature, something small which helps.