Perimenopause and ADs

[Username0110]

Hello!
41 yo mom of 2 here.
So last few months hormones have been really out of whack, im so bloody irritable ans anxious and my rage...well lets just say could give the hulk a run for his money!! All this added together with staring the celling at 3am, hair thinning and cycles shortening by a week, GP thinks im heading for perimenopause. Lovely!
So he wants to put me on venaflaxine? I think thats what he said, anyway ive been reading side affects and holy cow, im not sure i want to go on it!
HRT isnt an option just yet as i still see a period each month.
My question is, has anyone been on venaflaxine? How is it? Also anyone have any other tried and tested remedies for the irritability and rage? Before my partner of 25yrs makes a run for it! Poor bloke!
Many thanks!

I'm a bit confused about why periods mean no HRT - can you explain why?

I duno he just said because i still have a period each month, he doesnt want me to go on hrt yet?
Theyve gone from cycle of 32 days to 24-25 days.

See a different GP if you can.

Regular periods are not a reason that you can't use HRT.
GP out of date/ doesn't know.

Your cycles have changed and that is enough evidence.

You could bring the NICE guidelines in case the Dr isn't up to date with their training on menopause.

Your periods don’t have to stop before starting HRT. Ask to speak to the HRT specialist at your GP practice there should be one. ADs can help but good to have a balanced view about whether HRT might be more appropriate.

Most medications have worrying side effects if you read the list but it really depends on the individual. Starting slowly on ADs can help minimize side effects & most subside after a few weeks. If one type doesn’t suit there are always others to try to find one that does. Def go back for more info and considered options though.

https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/hormone-replacement-therapy-hrt/when-to-take-hormone-replacement-therapy-hrt/

I think venaflaxine can be used to control hot flushes if you can't take HRT which is probably why he suggested it, but GPs usually push SSRIs over venaflaxine, bit of a weird call.

I was on it for migraines for a while a few years ago. It can cause severe mood issues so it's used with caution in anyone with a history of depression or mental illness (even though its an antidepressant).

It gave me vertigo, so I stopped it very quickly.

I'm 40, I have regular periods and am on HRT.

@BSky4 Antidepressants are only offered if HRT is not possible. They are usually only given to women who cannot use HRT for very specific medical conditions or previous illnesses.

NICE guidance makes this very clear and it says HRT is the first line of treatment for hot flushes, sweats, and other peri symptoms.