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Menopause

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Turning 40 and wondering when to discuss HRT options

5 replies

JojoButBetter · 08/06/2026 17:20

So I am 40 this month. I had a copper coil fitted recently and the nurse said she found it odd to go for a hormone free option given my age, said the Mirena is used as part of HRT. I explained I wasn't on HRT, and she replied ... you will be soon!

I have been on the depo injection since 2022 and wanted to go for a hormone free option as I suffer depression which I take Venlafaxine and Mirtazipine for.

When should I be expected to start HRT? Should I be booking in with my Dr to discuss, but what exactly would I need?

OP posts:
JinglingSpringbells · 08/06/2026 17:40

I'm sorry but the nurse is talking rubbish. Or at least scaremongering.

Only around 15% of women use HRT.
That's not to say 85% don't need it, but many women are still unsure about it and don't always seek help.

You don't need to think about HRT until and if you have typical meno symptoms. You're statistically very young as the average age of menopause is 51, although that is an average.

Ironically, HRT is the first line treatment for depression in peri and NICE states that women are not to be offered SSRIs as they are not effective.

Do you think HRT would make depression worse?

The Mirena coil is only one option with HRT. Some women love it, some don't.
Only a tiny fraction of women on HRT use the Mirena coil as part of it.

The depo injection you had is not in any way like HRT. It's a synthetic progesterone (and it will be interesting to see if your depression eases now you don't have it because they can be linked.)

I'd take no notice of the nurse, but you work on lifestyle issues like taking exercise regularly, eating healthily, cutting back or out alcohol and doing things like yoga, mindfulness etc which can help with mood.

Don't assume HRT is a 'must'. It's there is you need it.

One thing to think about is that with the contraceptive you have used so far, you won't know when your periods have stopped. If your depression started around then, it could be the hormones in it, or it could be you are already in early menopause and that's why you've had depression.

See how you are now when you aren't using depo.

PedanticPrincess · 08/06/2026 18:07

I had a new copper coil when I was 44 as I didn’t want hormonal contraception either. Artificial hormones affect me negatively. The nurse who fitted mine didn’t think it was an odd choice. 40 seems a little early for HRT?

JojoButBetter · 08/06/2026 18:42

Thankyou.

It hadn't even crossed my mind that I could be approaching menopause as the depo completely stopped my periods.

Main reason I have chosen the copper coil is to see if my depression eases, exactly as you have suggested @JinglingSpringbells. I'd like to come off anti depressants eventually.

@PedanticPrincess how have you found the copper coil so far?

OP posts:
Sunshineandgrapefruit · 08/06/2026 19:37

You'll know wh n you need to start thinking about it! If you don't have symptoms then you are fine. You may have at least 5-10 years yet!

JinglingSpringbells · 08/06/2026 20:15

@JojoButBetter You are possibly nowhere near menopause.
Maybe the nurse is basing her comments on her personal experience?

I was 51 before I had any meno symptoms and regular periods right up to then. (The age of your mum and grandmother can be a guide as it can be hereditary.)

Don't give it another thought unless you have some symptoms.

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