Starting HRT while tapering sertraline for perimenopause symptoms at 49

[70percent]

Hi. I'm 49 and have perimenopause symptoms since coming off combined Pill last November. I'm seeing my GP in a couple of weeks about going on HRT.

BUT. I am also tapering sertraline and am now on a very low dose. It's got a bit bumpy so it'll be a while till I'm completely off it. I had wanted to be off the sertraline (I've been on it for over 10 years) before I started HRT but that doesn't feel an option now. Can anyone tell me if they've successfully started HRT while being on sertraline, or even successfully come off sertraline while on HRT?

Thanks

I started hrt while on citalopram. I started citalopram around 48 for peri meno anxiety. Start hrt around 2 years later. I’m now 58, through meno and still on low dose of both. I take a tiny dose of citalopram but without it I get feelings I can’t cope with normal every day life. There a new study that show women’s brains can be permanently affected in meno re mood and memory. Think I’ve got both lol.

@Hellohelgado you have a link to the study ? Thanks

The bbc does a write up and there’s a link to the research if you want more
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c9qpp1g5ylvo

Thanks @Hellohelga

so I can be on an SSRI at a low dose and HRT at the same time.

I’d seen that study but thought of it more to be about likelihood of developing dementia.

I listened to a podcast about the menopause brain recently, which was sort of helpful and might be of interest.

Yes you can take both in fact I think citalopram is pretty common combine with hrt. Speak to your gp.

Thank you for the details on the study @Hellohelga. Do you mind if I ask what dose of citalopram you take alongside HRT ?

10mg currently but in the past have had 20mg

I was in sertraline then citalopram for 20 years. Started HRT in 2016 and came off citalopram finally in 2017. Still on HRT.

Thank you

I'm on Sertraline and HRT. I’ve been fine.

It’s very common especially for those who have had PMDD and are now in peri.

Your GP should be able to advise on this.

@70percent

You can be on both an not come off sertraline. These meds work differently - and affect different parts of our biology. And together - they may actually give you the best combination of help.

Good luck!!!!

I came off sertraline after being on it for a number of years. Started perimenopause and my moods were all over the place. Once I started hrt gel, I sunk very low, intrusive /obsessive thoughts, and my GP started me back on sertraline immediately. It was life changing.

I take 30mg citalopram alongside HRT, working well for me at the moment.

Thanks everyone this is really helpful and quite cheering! I’m seeing my GP in a week.