What age did you start HRT?

[herewegoagogo]

I'm 43y...definitely have peri menopause symptoms. What age did you start HRT and do you regret not trying it earlier?

Topical vaginal oestrogen for me at about 52. Systemic HRT at 56, flushes were getting disruptive to sleep as were really vivid anxiety filled dreams. I had hoped to delay until periods stopped but although they were getting more erratic the disturbed sleep needed to be sorted.

So in retrospect wish I’d asked six months earlier than I did. I just kept thinking/hoping that each period would be my last.

I was 43 and yes I regret not starting earlier but so glad I did start!

I was 58. Yes, I wish I'd started a lot earlier. I was trying to get through it naturally and admitted defeat in the end.

I was 40 & wish I'd started at 37 when symptoms started but was told I was too young to be in peri menopause 🙄

48. I'm glad I started then, I hadn't been suffering too long (about 6-9 months) I have no regrets!

45 years old when I started, probably should have started a year earlier but thought I could power through!

I was 45. Gaslit by 2 (2!!) male doctors who pushed Citalopram instead, before being prescribed HRT and it was like I got my life back.

47 I had symptoms that started years before but not so noticeable or specific. However, I think starting 12-18 months before wouldn't have done me any harm.

I was 41. Had to come of it at about 54 due to cysts in my breasts. Worst advice ever. Flushes day and night awful!

43 but I needed it about 18 months earlier. Drs explored every alternative diagnosis first because they thought I was too young to be experiencing peri. Game changer once I did start.

What were hour symptoms if you don't mind me asking? I'm nearly 33 and my mums convinced I might be peri, I have had a few spontaneous hot flushes in the last few months. Still getting sporadic periods (on the pill) I don't feel different. X

46 it helped me enormously. I've been on it for almost a year. No brain fog anymore!

OP, definitely speak to your GP. Could be perimenopause but could also be thyroid problem (can cause feelings like over/under heating). I went to see my GP recently thinking I was perimenopausal (am 47) but she said it was something related to recent v stressful life event.

43. Should have been on it since 40 when I went to the GP with bad anxiety and other symptoms. I told him I thought I could be perimenopausal but he said I was too young and prescribed sertraline.

43 hrt is amazing.

55 when I realised my anxiety and night sweats were probably menopause! Still having regular periods and no other symptoms so lucky in that respect. Been on for almost 3 years, just given up because the Progesterone was becoming problematic, and to see if I am in full menopause yet.

This is exactly the same story as mine. Still on HRT in my mid fifties. I need it for my bones.

45, mirena coil and oestrogel.

44 and I'm glad I started when I did. It took me about 6 months to get it, but the difference it's made to my life is unbelievable.

42, should have started about 6 months before I did but was fobbed off by GP suggesting I try anti depressants. I didn't, instead I did a ton of research and explained all 11 of my symptoms with blood test results to show it's not thyroid. Feels such a relief to feel like me again. Hair has stopped falling out. All my symptoms have cleared up and I have only been on it 6 weeks. I'm 43 now.

37 - due to a combination of cancer (Chemo) swiftly followed by a compete hysterectomy sadly causing a premature menopause. I've been taking it for 11 years and due to come off it soon, hopefully. I wish I'd had a normal menopause obviously but the upside has been no periods for 11 years.

49. I was post menopausal and periods stopped for me at 48. I didn't need hrt when peri (though i could have done without the hot flushes, i managed) but after stopping my periods, a debilitating anxiety came from nowhere.

I suffered badly for 18 months before thepenny dropped that it was hormones. All lifted away like magic after 3 weeks on hrt.

So - 18 months earlier would have been better.

I too was fobbed off for years from age 37, finally started at 43

Thank you so much everyone. I'm already on citalopram and recently had the Mirena fitted but my symptoms are still there so I'll go to the GP!