HRT for perimenopause

[sunnyfields25]

Hi all

I'm 41 and I've been having symptoms of perimenopause for about 6 months now. I spoke to a GP about starting HRT and she explained the options and advised me to do some reading, and she's going to call me back next week to ask what I've decided.

I'm a bit confused though... Still having periods currently, and because of that she said I would need to either have a coil fitted or take the mini pill for contraception when I start HRT. She said that I can't just rely on condoms. I've never had issues with this form of contraception. Was anyone else told this?

I'd like to be prescribed combined HRT tablets if possible. But I'm worried the GP will refuse if I don't agree to the coil or mini pill.

Many thanks!

Transdermal is usually recommended first, gel, spray or patches. I am 47 and been on HRT for 2 years. I have oestrogen patches and separate progesterone body identical tablets which I take for 12 days a month. I have never been told I need the pill and just use condoms. Have you got the balance app? Loads of info on there.

I'm 44 and definitely peri; still having periods but more spaced out. I'm not on any form of contraception which is brilliant as the mini-pill was playing havoc with my body and MH (more than I realised at the time).
If you have a long-term partner/husband, would he consider a vasectomy?
My husband had his about two years ago after we had our daughter (his first and last!) and it's been the right choice for both of us 😀

Thanks both. After doing some more reading I am actually now leaning to what you mentioned @Christine0708 and using a patch with separate progesterone tablets. The main thing that puts me off the patch is that I have quite long baths and I don't want it constantly dropping off. Have you ever had that problem?

@everychildmatters I'm sure my husband would have a vasectomy if I asked him. But life is so busy at the moment, it would be tricky to fit in. Probably something we'll consider a bit further down the line though.

There is no reason why you can't have HRT as tablets.

The International Menopause Society published a very long report on menopause and HRT in Dec 2024. They state that tablets are fine for women who have no blood clot risks- and if they are under 60.

You can certainly carry on with condoms.

Or you can use any form of estrogen AND the mini pill in a larger dose as part of HRT and it also works as contraception (your GP may not know this.)

I'd see someone else as her advice isn't quite accurate.

@sunnyfields25 I’ve not problems with patches coming off even when being on holiday and constantly in the pool x