Starting HRT - what should I ask pharmacist?

[Showmethedrugs]

After months of various tests and frustrating conversations with the Dr, they have finally accepted I might need HRT and I have a pharmacist appointment next week.

My main symptoms are increasing anxiety (claustrophobia in particular), lengthy periods (over twenty days), no libido, fatigue and poor sleep.

Appointments so far have tried to push me to the coil (for the periods) and anti depressants. I really don’t want these or at least now yet: I’d rather start with HRT and see what impact that has.

I’m finding the world of HRT very hard to navigate so all tips on what I should be thinking about and asking welcome. In particular, the symptom that is being most dismissed is my low libido but this is the one upsetting me most. What have others found helpful?

I had a coil as my periods got closer together and heavier, so I ended up anaemic.
I asked for gel so that I could control the amount myself.
HRT has done nothing for my libido.

I lost my l libido very early on in menopause, along with all the other symptoms, low mood, mood swings, hot flushes etc, etc.
Trying to navigate through it without much help and misinformation from my own GP was exhausting! I researched a lot and after trying various supplements that didn't work, I was eventually prescribed HRT. Low dose patches to begin with, which wasn't enough, so was prescribed a higher dose. It still wasn't quite enough so was then prescribed progesterone tablets alongside the patches. Finally I started to feel human again, and yes, my libido returned!!
I know everyone is different and what works for one doesn't always work for another. Don't let your GP fob you off. Go with what you want to do!

Really helpful to hear the different experiences, thank you! Such a minefield!!

Testosterone for low libido, I'm on Androfeme. It's worked wonders for me, my libido was completely non existent and now it's back! That said, you can't get it on the NHS and need to go privately for that.