What age did you start HRT?

[Chocguzel]

Just that really. Interested to know when it’s most common to start.

Following with interest.

I am 43…my mood swings can be terrible, I am more anxious, question my ability, I seem to waken up sweating every morning, my ears are itchy! I didn’t even know that was a thing. Worse of all are the vaginal/vulval symptoms. Burning and pinching but not sure where from. This has happened 4 times in 4 years - months of Tydiscomfort then it almost disappears again.

I hadn’t even considered that HRT might be beneficial for me as didn’t think I would be viewed as old enough.

Almost 53. No real peri symptoms but flushes and insomnia started after my last period. Worked within 2 weeks.

Can’t remember exactly but very early fifties. Been on it about 15 years now. I did put weight on, but proper diet and exercise means I’m back to the weight and size I was in my twenties. Will never stop taking HRT

I started it last year at 45. It’s been brilliant for me and like night and in terms of how I feel

45. Started about 2 months ago and it’s been a game changer. Had awful anxiety, awake a lot in the night and intrusive thoughts. Got diagnosed with PMDD and prescribed HRT. Staggered by how quickly I felt back to being myself. Wish I’d asked for it sooner!

Sorry to jump on the post for my own gain, I’m 44, had tried it previously and didn’t think it made a huge amount of difference, that was last year. Now I feel pretty constantly anxious, wake up heart going like the clappers, clenched jaw all the time and I REALLY struggle to concentrate. Sick of feeling vacant and not present in my own life. Think I will go back on it to try as there is no real reason behind why i should feel so anxious now

Absolutely go on it again. It’s great for the constant anxiety

Thank you, I’m booked in for the mirena coil in a couple of weeks so I can just have the estrogen gel then x

I'm interested in this too. I think I am in peri but not really sure. Am 43. Symptoms are by no means debilitating.

Did people start as soon as they felt off? Do you need a hormone check?

40, I am 4 weeks in and been suffering for about 18 months. The anxiety and feeling of being overwhelmed was destroying me and completely unlike my normal self. I have had many symptoms appear over the last 18 months that they couldn’t ignore it any longer.

I used the Balance app to record my symptoms and other lifestyle stuff like sleep and activity. It was really helpful for building up a picture of what was going on. Hormone tests aren't useful because your levels fluctuate all the time, so perimenopause should be diagnosed based on symptoms

My symptoms came and went but they were getting worse over time, and new symptoms were popping up. It was horrible and I felt really quite unwell, mentally and physically

From very start of symptoms to starting HRT was about 8 months for me, and by then I was desperate. I had to go via Newson Health coz my GP was not following NICE guidelines. There are benefits to starting HRT early, for bone and heart health

That was for @purrrge

48 but my periods had stopped for a few months by the time I went on it. I had perimenopausal symptoms for years prior so should have probably gone on it sooner. However, I have individual risk factors so had to do lots of research and find a specialist.

Was trying to hold off but I was having horrific night sweats every 30 mins and no sleep so was untenable.

Seven months ago, just after I turned 51. Night sweats were my main symptom - all gone within 10 days - but I definitely feel sharper mentally and my skin, hair and sexual health have all improved too :) I wouldn't be without it.

That’s great to hear, I’m 49 and have terrible anxiety, I going to make a doctors appointment to try and get it, do you mind telling me what HRT you are on

I’m on 1 pump of Lenzetto every morning. Initially I was on 100mg (number more likely to be correct than units) for 12 nights per month, that’s 2 pills on those nights. After 12 months the pills were changed to 1 pill every night.

I started mid fifties as I could no longer cope with the hot flushes! Still on it 6 years later.

55, still on it many years later. When l started it my hot flushes disappeared almost overnight.

42 (cyclical HRT)

It was transformative within 3 months of starting. I went from feeling like a lunatic with awful physical and emotional symptoms, to feeling like myself again. I should've started sooner as I'd been having symptoms for 5 years (including extremely long cycles, night sweats, anxiety, mood changes, brain fog) but my GP fobbed me off with the "too young" stuff.

I use oestrogel (2 pumps) and Utrogestan tablets 200mg (second half of cycle).

Had a full hysterectomy at 38, started menopause mid fourties’ and have been on HRT ever since, I’m now 70. I will never come off it.

Just started it, I'm 47 and 2 months in. My sleeping is better and I do feel like I have more energy in the afternoons but I don't think it's helped my anxiety at all.

I am nearly 60. I have never taken it. It's not necessary for everyone.

40

Game changing, although huge weight gain

52

I was 55 and should have done it at least a year earlier.

I am still on it at 61.