Is this perimenopause?

[TealScroller]

Hi, first time poster on this board and I'm really in need of some advice as I'm really struggling. I'm 46 and still having regular periods (though shorter and heavier), no hot flashes but over the past 2 years or so my mood has gradually become lower and anxiety off the scale. I started my period on Friday and the week before I started with the worst depression which hasn't lifted and a knot of anxiety in my stomach, I've been in bed mostly for the past two days as I had a migraine and have zero energy. I just feel like I have lost all joy for anything in life, no sex drive, dread of having to go anywhere or do anything at all.
I have a supportive partner and kids that I'm trying my best for, but feel guilty that I'm being so pathetic.
I'm seriously considering calling in sick to work on Tuesday as the thought of it is making me feel sick with anxiety but I would probably feel worse and guilty for annoying my team and managers (health care role, small team).
I do have a history of generalised anxiety disorder and take sertraline but I've never felt this bad or so low.
I've got an appointment with my Dr next week to discuss HRT so there's the start of a plan in place.
I think I just wanted to know if anyone has felt like this, this bad, any advice for how to get myself out of this hole and if there's light at the end of the tunnel?

Almost certainly. I started perimenopause at 37 so wasn’t taken seriously, and suffered through the most horrendous anxiety and fatigue until they finally gave me a blood test at 43 and declared me post menopausal! Like you, I was medicated for anxiety and depression anyway, but I’d have needed knock out pills to manage the anxiety I got for 2 weeks before each period. My meds didn’t touch the sides of it, so I had 2 unbelievably horrendous weeks every month.

It’s great that you’ve got an appointment about HRT, it really helps. Just knowing it’s definitely menopause makes you feel loads better. Also, you’re nearly through the worst of it, so try to be positive about the future. Good luck!

My first symptoms were not the typical hot flashes either - I had shorter period cycles, mood changes (mainly rage if I’m being honest but definitely anxiety as well), and vaginal dryness that got misdiagnosed as recurring thrush (it was during lockdown so I wasn’t able to see a GP) from age 44. My hot and cold flashes didn’t kick in for another couple years. Good luck with the GP!