Alternative to HRT?

[RoxieLoxy]

I'm 47 and started experiencing bad anxiety and feeling depressed but only on some days which I'm thinking is due to perimenopause. Also went 3 months without a period and now they've returned and are very heavy.

Also suffering head, neck and shoulder pain and experiencing low level dizziness. Had an MRI scan and blood tests to rule other stuff out so now wondering if it could also be perimenopause-related.

I have a GP appointment booked. Should I be asking for blood tests to see if I'm in perimenopause? I have severe endometriosis and have read that HRT isn't an option. Feeling a bit desperate as the anxiety is quite bad today. Are there any good supplements people have taken? Thank you

I have friends who have bad Endo who are on HRT?

Health and Her perimenopause supplements seem to be popular?

I started HRT a month ago and can feel a real difference.

You won’t be offered a blood test for your hormone levels as due to your age they will ask you about symptoms. Also,blood tests are not very reliable for it due to fluctuations.

Might be worth having full blood count anyway to rule out other things.

I'm also 47 and can't take HRT due to breast cancer history. I haven't had major symptoms of perimenopause so far but take ashwaghandha to help sleep and prevent anxiety. When HRT isn't an option I think all we can do is treat the symptoms separately. some anti depressives, such as paroxetine, fluoxetine, escitalopram and citalopram have been shown to reduce hot flashes, for example. Yoga/physiotherapy might help with your shoulder and neck pain.
It's really shit when HRT isn't an option.

There is no hard and fast rule about HRT and endo.

Have you ever had surgery for your endo?

HRT is a much lower dose of estrogen than our own and with the right combination of estrogen +progesterone it's quite possible you can use it with endo.

I'd suggest you see a specialist (privately if you have to) for advice and perhaps a trial of HRT.

This link explains why it's often possible to use HRT.

www.drlouisenewson.co.uk/knowledge/endometriosis-and-hormones

Thanks so much for the replies. I'll look into the supplements suggested. Had a full blood count which was normal. Ferritin was 60 which is normal but wonder if I need to get that a bit higher to feel better.

Re endo I didn't have surgery for removal (just diagnosis laparoscopy). But my bowel is stuck down and ovaries stuck etc. It's very extensive. But silent in terms of symptoms. I'll take a look at that link, thanks.

Similar to me and taking just progesterone as pessaries has helped immensely. Really think a good memo dr could help