I am 49 and started perimenopause about 10 years ago. I had my last period 3 yrs ago. I had virtually no symptoms at all apart from a few palpitations. I only knew I was menopausal as my periods became extremely erratic. I was on HRT from about 40 which gave me a "fake" bleed every month. I was on this type of HRT for approx 5 yrs and then I developed breast pain so it was suggested I change HRT and I was on continuous HRT where I didn't bleed so it was decided I had reached natural menopause, however I tried gel, patches and tablets and they all made me feel very very lethargic, sick and again lots of breast pain. I am quite fit and active but HRT took this away from me and as I was literally on it for prevention as I had no symptoms I came off it and within 24 hrs I was back to my normal energetic self.
I still feel fine and go out about my daily life with no symptoms at all but I keep worrying about what my body is missing and I wonder if there is anything out there on the market that puts back the oestrogen and progestogen that I have lost which isn't HRT (ie a supplement) and that isn't marketed as controlling symptoms as I don't have any. I worry my heart and bones will not be protected. I had a DEXA scan 6 months ago and my bones are all fine - I just feel maybe I should take something for prevention in later life.