When to start HRT?

[teaandtoastwithmarmite]

Just that really! I was diagnosed with perimenopause a few months ago. Was having brain fog and heart palpitations. Came off sertraline two weeks ago and feeling a bit down and irritated by everything. Feel like my DH doesn’t like me and I’m not wanting to be around people which is difficult as I have him and DD plus work in an office and I’m generally a people person. I know the sertraline withdrawal won’t settle down yet but just wondering if I need to start hrt. Mainly because I will push my husband away soon and he’s mainly lovely.

Bump

HRT improved my symptoms within days of starting.

what are you reasons for delay and why did you stop your setraline

I just didn’t feel I needed it yet so said I’d go at think about it. Came off the sertraline as trying to get my weight down and was having the palpitations which have stopped since coming off it. And after 14 years on it I’ve been having counselling and felt I didn’t need it anymore. Since earlier I had a bit of a rant at him then randomly cried and things feel a bit better. DD gave me a cuddle as well

What were your symptoms @AgnesMcDoo and how long after being diagnosed did you start them ?

HRT will help mood but we all have to make lifestyle changes too in peri and beyond.

Exercise has been proving to help low mood/ energy levels (MIND - the charity- is a good source of info in this.)

Daily brisk walking is a start.

Also diet plays a huge role in mental health - lots of research out now showing a link between ultra processed foods and depression. So eating healthily does make a positive impact on mood.

If you're doing all of this anyway and it's not helping, then HRT may be the answer.

You've not mentioned other typical peri stuff like irregular periods, hot flushes, night sweats, etc- do you have those?

Did you mention those to your GP or is it mainly moods?