Dr appt re peri menopause - what to expect

[Singleaftermarriage]

Heard some pretty awful stories of appts women have regarding menopause so want to make sure im saying the right things or highlighting the right points.
46, regular periods, on a contraceptive ring. Main issue is horrendous PMT that is flooring me every month for 2ish days. Went through a painful separation and divorce 2022-24 and took sertraline. Off that now and have been feeling good and happy. But a couple of days before my period I go into complete despair. I had to leave work yesterday as couldn't stop crying (I'm a deputy head in a school so not a good look!). I'm spottier and exhausted too. Does it sound like hrt will help? Any advice?

Hi, I’m 49 and had a phone consultation the other day with my GP. I’m not having horrendous symptoms, mainly loosing the rag quicker than normal and feeling more anxious at dealing with simple things. Getting a pounding heart too. I was honest about my symptoms and she took no persuading that HRT would be worth trying. There’s also evidence that starting it earlier rather than later is beneficial. It also protects against heart disease and osteoporosis so there’s no point in putting it off or living with the symptoms until breaking point!
I mentioned my nails are breaking a bit easier so she’s doing a blood test next week to check my thyroid and if that’s all ok I can start HRT.

I’d suggest changing your contraception before trialling HRT; also if you want HRT you won’t be able to use your ring.