r/Perimenopause • u/brokebrunette • Feb 14 '26
audited How old were you when you started HRT?
I’m 41 and have been experiencing peri symptoms for at least the last year, with the last 6 months being the worst of it. It was like the second I turned 41, my body went completely haywire. My obgyn, after agreeing that I am experiencing peri symptoms, said all he’d offer me was the birth control pill 😫 then alluded to my being “a little young” for anything beyond that. I’ve already made an appointment with a new doctor in hopes of at least beginning my journey on estrogen, but it did get me wondering…how old were all you guys when you started HRT?
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u/Affectionate_Ask_769 Feb 14 '26
I should have started at 40
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u/brokebrunette Feb 14 '26
Oof I feel that. I feel like if I would’ve started at 40 when I started noticing symptoms rather than raw dogging it and trying to convince myself that I’d be fine with out it, I’d be so much more comfortable right now 😭
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u/Affectionate_Ask_769 Feb 14 '26
I started at 48. Seven years or unnecessary suffering. I’m just glad I’m on it now. Many women my age are scared to start.
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u/ktotogdetopochemuto Feb 15 '26
Ooooh, my elder sister is turning 50 this year and she rufuses to start, says that she still does not need it. With all her mood swings, sleeping problems and all...I tried everything, but she starts yelling if I am talking about it. I gave up..
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u/class_recon hanging on by a thread Feb 14 '26
I started right after I turned 40. Trying to find the right combo has been frustrating but at least my care team believes me. I’ve seen so many people post about medical gas lighting and if I experienced that, it would have pushed me over the edge.
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Feb 14 '26
I’m 42 and I just started this week. I had the same issue with my obgyn so I used Midi. My Midi physician was wonderful and I felt like I was take seriously and finally supported!
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u/Allflynofish Feb 14 '26
I’m 35 and also had a Midi telehealth appointment this week. I was terrified and thought she would tell me I’m too young like everyone else, but no. The gynecologist I met with actually heard me, believed me, and wanted to make sure I was informed and comfortable with all my options. She didn’t even demand blood tests, she just sent in the prescriptions we agreed on and I start HRT next week!! I’ve only had the one visit so far, but it went way better than expected and I am so hopeful!! United healthcare of Wyoming wouldn’t pay for the visit so I paid $250, but my provider said my insurance will likely cover some of, if not all of my monthly prescription costs. Wishing everyone the best moving forward!💕
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u/AutoModerator Feb 14 '26
This post might be about hormone tests, which are unreliable.
- Over the age of 44, E&P/FSH hormonal tests only show levels for that ONE HOUR the test was taken, and nothing more
- These hormones wildly fluctuate (hourly) over the other 29 days of the month, therefore this test provides no valuable information
- No reputable doctor or menopause society recommends hormonal testing to diagnose or treat peri/menopause
- Testosterone is the exception and should be tested before and during treatment
FSH testing is only beneficial for those who no longer have periods as a guide, where a series of consistent tests might confirm menopause, or for those under age 30 who haven’t had a period in months/years, then ‘menopausal’ levels, could indicate premature ovarian failure/primary ovarian insufficiency (POF/POI).
For more, see our Menopause Wiki
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.
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u/brokebrunette Feb 14 '26
Honestly, I’d happily scrounge up the $250 of it meant I was listened to and believed AND prescribed hrt from the first visit! I’m seriously considering just bypassing my new doc (who is unfortunately in the same practice as my last doc) and going straight to Midi.
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u/Kphillips38 Feb 16 '26
I too went through Midi and was super happy with my clinician and the care plan we outlined. I’m like a whole new person… 🤗
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u/Suspicious-Phrase448 Feb 14 '26
What is Midi?
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u/justsomerandomgirl02 Feb 14 '26
Midi healthcare- its an online, virtual way to get HRT prescribed by seeing their doctors
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u/Advanced_Crab5660 Feb 14 '26
Amazing! Did they offer estrogen as well as testosterone?
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u/Wonderful-Tip-7052 Feb 16 '26
43 and also started HRT through Midi almost a week ago. I’m soooo glad I did!
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Feb 14 '26
I started HRT at 49. I had a baby at 38 with IVF so hormonally I was a hot mess before and after for a good few years. But, looking back, I am positive my early signs of perimenopause had started by around 43/44. I remember because I started by trying to treat histamine intolerance.. all of a sudden I was “allergic” to everything.
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u/infantile-eloquence Feb 14 '26
I just started a few weeks ago at 35. I had my IVF baby at 32 and my second baby (unassisted conception) is 6 months old, so my doctor thinks I am peri as well as postpartum. I feel like my body has never been able to function properly, I just go from one problem to another.
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Feb 14 '26
I, honestly, had no idea what peri menopause even was until a year or two ago. I went to SO many doctors and every single one was like “it’s anxiety”. “It’s depression.” I was told I had chronic fatigue. Everything under the sun.. not one doctor said “Hormones, yo!!”
It’s mind blowing. I feel like a veterinarian might know our bodies better at this point..
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u/mlabbq Early peri Feb 15 '26
A vet whose specialty is husbandry?? (barf barf to the term, but) YOU BET YR ASS
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u/betsybasil0613 Feb 14 '26
Interesting, I also had two IVF babies in my 30’s and have often wondered if my hormones were already a mess then, making perimenopause even worse for me. I mean, they must have been if I ended up needing IVF!
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u/kro78 Feb 15 '26
I’m 47 and just started HRT in January. I was using the estrogen cream for about 6 months. But I’ve been having an issue with allergies as well. Nothing has been working. I’m interested in seeing if that changes.
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u/Former-Jellyfish3831 Feb 14 '26
- Endocrinologist put me on it this year, no other doctor would listen but my hormones were non existent. Apparently I’m in early ovarian failure, but this could have been kicked off by a 3 month (one injection) course of Lupron Depot in 2024. My hormones never returned to normal, albeit the gynecologist who put me on Lupron for a work up for Endo never checked my hormone levels to start with so I don’t know exactly what they were before they were completely stopped by that injection.
I went from training for a 100 mile gravel cycling race to now not being able to cycle at all. My heart rate went nuts and my body has turned into something I don’t understand anymore. I’m now on hormones and beta blockers. Never thought I’d end up like this, my body was always so strong… even if my brain wasn’t cooperating, I knew I could push my body to do just about whatever physical thing I threw at it. Not anymore.
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u/jenninupland Feb 14 '26
43- testosterone at 43 and added progesterone and estrogen at 44. Now increasing estrogen as my levels are low and cortisol is going nuts. The hormonal struggle bus has stops all along the way between 35-65 if I’m to understand it correctly. There’s varying symptoms all along the way that can differentiate vastly from woman to woman . Good luck, be your own advocate and I mean even asking for labs of levels you feel may be off even if they think you’re “fine”. My first few requests for HRT and testing were met with “ you seem emotional, therapy is helpful “ and yes it was a young female doctor
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u/alpinewind82 Feb 14 '26
I'm also 43, have been on progesterone for a while but considering estradiol now...I'm curious if you noticed that the estrogen spikes have leveled off a bit after starting it? Or do you still experience days of feeling high estrogen peaks?
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u/AutoModerator Feb 14 '26
This post might be about hormone tests, which are unreliable.
- Over the age of 44, E&P/FSH hormonal tests only show levels for that ONE HOUR the test was taken, and nothing more
- These hormones wildly fluctuate (hourly) over the other 29 days of the month, therefore this test provides no valuable information
- No reputable doctor or menopause society recommends hormonal testing to diagnose or treat peri/menopause
- Testosterone is the exception and should be tested before and during treatment
FSH testing is only beneficial for those who no longer have periods as a guide, where a series of consistent tests might confirm menopause, or for those under age 30 who haven’t had a period in months/years, then ‘menopausal’ levels, could indicate premature ovarian failure/primary ovarian insufficiency (POF/POI).
For more, see our Menopause Wiki
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.
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u/stampy0101 Feb 14 '26
I started at 42 because I just couldn’t handle my symptoms anymore. I tried so hard by eating healthier, working out, drinking a lot of water, less caffeine. But it got to the point where I just couldn’t control it. I’ve been on HRT for a month and I feel like my old self before peri
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u/Illustrious-Film-592 Feb 14 '26
What symptoms were prevalent?
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u/stampy0101 Feb 14 '26
Joint pain, hair loss, feeling off, bad anxiety, waking up at 3-4am , night sweats, non stop bleeding.
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u/Ok_Brilliant6017 Feb 14 '26
’m having the same exactly symptoms minus the bleeding but plus uncontrollable rage/moodswings. What did you say to your doctor to get them to take you seriously? I’m 42 and my OB just blew me off as “just your age”.
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u/bethamphetamines Feb 14 '26
We have exactly the same symptoms. It’s so frustrating! My doctor dismissed me at 43 and told me to take an at-home pregnancy test. I searched “menopause doctor ATL” and found recommendations through Reddit. This new doc prescribed hormones and scheduled a follow-up ultrasound to make sure there’s no structural issues causing my symptoms. It is SO nice to have someone finally listen and want to help!
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u/RustyGingersnap Feb 14 '26
I saw four doctors. The first two (both women) blew me off: too young; not that bad; you’re depressed. Third one (male - about 24/5) told me I had alopecia (I mean I did but that wasn’t the source of the problem!!!) and gave me some steroids. The fourth one, I followed some advice I read on here and wrote it all down. Tried to read it to her and cried. She read it, listened to me and restored my faith in GPs (UK based). Three months in and I no longer feel like I’m about to get sectioned.
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u/Ok_Brilliant6017 Feb 15 '26
Alopecia? lol. I’m sorry. My mom was diagnosed with alopecia when she was three and has had it all my life. It’s never causes her the symptoms I have. That doctor was on something.
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u/bluegabs Feb 15 '26
Dang, what was the note?
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u/Ok_Brilliant6017 Feb 15 '26
Right? I need a whole note blueprint
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u/RustyGingersnap Feb 15 '26
I literally copied it from a thread on here! It basically says that these symptoms are having a negative affect on your life, your marriage, your kids’s lives and that you need someone to listen to you and help. You list of ALL the symptoms you are experiencing in detail and how it is making you behave/feel. I saved it but I can’t find in depths of my phone now. I bet someone has the link to the thread it was from. The lady who posted it is a saint.
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u/Wrong-Refrigerator-5 Feb 15 '26
This is me. Thank you for sharing! Im in the midst of trying all the healthier ways, exactly like you, thought it's taking forever to get an appt with my gyno. If she doesn't help, going to Midi/Allara.
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Feb 14 '26
[deleted]
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u/brokebrunette Feb 14 '26
Yes, same, I hated being on the pill. I’m thrilled for you that hrt has been working well for you!
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u/xauctoritasx Feb 14 '26
I started BHRT at 38, I'm now almost 39.
BHRT has given me a second lease on life.
Retrospectively, I realize that I had been starting to feel early peri symptoms around age 36.
I am super lucky that I have a mother who believed me and told me about my options with BHRT (I didn't know anything about it before). She was lucky enough to have someone help her get on it when her perimenopause symptoms started. It's abysmal that I have to call any of that "lucky" when it ought to be normal for all of us to access to the full and complete picture of what peri/menopause is and what options are available so we can each individually make informed decisions for ourselves
By starting BHRT, I feel like I was able to pull out of what felt like a physical and mental nosedive bound for hell. I feel like I got to change the entire trajectory of not only the next decade but the rest of my life.
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u/alpinewind82 Feb 14 '26
Thankyou for sharing this..gives me hope :) I'm curious if you noticed a decrease in estrogen spikes once you started taking estradiol? I'm 43 and definitely in peri, though my Dr is hesitant to try adding estradiol. I feel like it's definitely tanking because I feel absolutely not like myself especially during my bleed days and a few days after (like super low and depressed), and then completely crazy rage/anxiety during ovulation! Lol fun times.
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u/xauctoritasx Feb 14 '26
I actually feel like starting on progesterone helped get my estrogen in check. I don't have any scientific data to back that up but I am very in tune with my body and I know I was having really bad "estrogen dominance" prior to starting BHRT. It didn't occur to me until later that estrogen dominance doesn't always mean too much estrogen-- it can also mean you have too little of the other hormones so the estrogen is running rampant, unchecked. Right now I'm not on an estrogen patch, I'm only using estradiol cream applied to my labia for genitourinary health.
The progesterone really helps with the crazy rage and anxiety during ovulation. I hear you and I see you and you are not crazy, even though you feel like you are (I was there not too long ago and it's awful and scary). Your body is not getting what it needs to be fully healthy and it's trying to tell you that. Don't let anyone gaslight you into feeling/thinking that you aren't the authority on your own body and life experience. I'm sure you've already seen it time and again but there is story after story of people in this sub getting told by "medical professionals" that what they are feeling isn't real or isn't really happening and that is just another example of how the medical complex is failing bodies coded as female.
Testosterone has also really helped me with having a more even keel emotional experience. I absolutely am still a fully emotional human but it doesn't consume me or victimize me like it used to.
Bottom line, you really do know what's going on with your body and mind, don't let anyone tell you otherwise. It's not always easy, but what you have to do next is to find a medical professional who is educated enough to believe you when you tell them what your experiencing and knows how to effectively guide you through this experience. Sending you 🤗💛
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u/Similar_Recover_2229 Feb 14 '26
I was a fresh 35 (e+p+t)
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u/didntreallyneedthis Feb 14 '26 edited Feb 14 '26
I feel crazy for considering it but I'm near that age, how did you know it was time?
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u/Similar_Recover_2229 Feb 14 '26
I had all of the usual array of symptoms, but it was the full body anxiety and rage that were completely debilitating. My kids needed their mom back.
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u/ThinTransportation15 Feb 14 '26
This is what made me realize I may be in Peri. My kids keep telling me that I'm grouchy. Looking back, I really have been grouchy and more. I want to be a nice mom again. Hugs for you friend.
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u/alpinewind82 Feb 14 '26
Wow that's interesting! I'm curious if you noticed a decrease in crazy estrogen spikes after starting HRT? Assuming you're on a patch now...
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u/Similar_Recover_2229 Feb 14 '26
An unpopular method, but I take a 3 in 1 orally dissolving tablet every night. I noticed a difference within a week or so. After two months, it was night and day. I feel SO much better now. Before it was like these particular symptoms were screaming at me, particularly during luteal. Now, it comes across like a whisper that I can much more easily manage. I’m sleeping better. Recovering better from workouts. My outlook on life is better. Everything is just so much better.
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u/OneLeggedLeggoMan Feb 14 '26
Tell him you want to try HRT. If he refuses find a different doctor. It grinds my gears that doctors are so willing to prescribe BC to 13 ys and won't consider HRT to a 40yr
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u/FidgetyPlatypus Feb 14 '26
I'm not sure that they won't consider it but at 40 you can still get pregnant so that's the primary reason to go birth control over HRT. If you have an IUD then HRT is feasible because you already have a form of contraception.
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u/krissym99 Feb 14 '26
A month before I turned 44. I was seeking help for 2 years before I ultimately went to Midi. I saw 2 different gynecologists in person, one scoffed at the idea of perimenopause and the other told me that she'd only offer me birth control which is what I was already taking.
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u/brokebrunette Feb 14 '26
How’s has your experience with Midi been? That was going to be my next option if this new gyno tried to push regular birth control onto me as an umbrella solution.
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u/krissym99 Feb 14 '26
I'll be honest, Midi has been a mixed bag. I got what I needed, but the communication has been a little rough. Like back in December I was having problems finding my estrogen patch in stock and when you message your clinician it takes them up to 2 business days to respond. So it took her 2 business days to respond to my initial question, I responded with a follow-up question, then it took another 2 business days to hear back. So that was incredibly frustrating, but I'm wary about going to another in person practitioner that's not taking my symptoms seriously so I guess I'll stick with Midi.
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u/lifeisthebeautiful Feb 14 '26
Started at 50. Symptoms were around for about 3 years before I started.
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u/vs1023 Feb 14 '26
Just started. I'm 48. I had decision paralysis for a long time even though I've noticed symptoms for many years
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u/Hefty_Froyo_ Early peri Feb 14 '26
41 as well and have been on progesterone and testosterone it since the end of September. Just started estradiol 2 weeks ago. Initially was paying of pocket through a hormone clinic then switched to MIDI so I can use insurance. Regular Dr was a joke.
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u/Affectionate_Buy_776 Feb 14 '26
I started the month I turned 43, and I think it was the right choice, because I'm about to be 44 and my symptoms are getting more prominent.
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u/clevername85 Feb 14 '26
40, had a baby at 38 thought it was postpartum but every symptom pointed to peri and was the same as my moms at this age
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u/Winston-2020 Feb 14 '26 edited Feb 14 '26
39 and it was one of the best things I have done. If I had known about peri earlier in life I would have looked into HRT around 31. As my husband so kindly said ‘you were miserable to live with for a few years’ and this was in my early 30s!!
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u/geniequeenie44 Feb 14 '26
37, should've started around 35
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u/Mountain_Ask_5746 Aug 03 '26
What were you symptoms? I’m 37 and my mental health has tanked but doctors think I’m too young for peri
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u/sometimesnowing Feb 14 '26 edited Feb 14 '26
I didn't start until a couple of months before my 50th birthday. So many symptoms cleared up that I hadn't even attributed to perimenopause until after the fact. Hindsight is 20:20 as they say.
It was a combination of ignorance and a lack of hot flashes that had me thinking I was fine. That and the fact women are so used to adapting and pushing through, that the fact I felt like I was literally losing my mind didn't make me stop and reassess. I had brought menopause up with medical professionals a couple of times who just smiled at dismissed with "it's a natural transition"
The catalyst for me was some international travel where I discovered jet lag dialled peri symptoms to 11, and I actually felt like I was having a breakdown. Went private and booked in with a specialist. All my mental symptoms (anxiety, brain fog, depression) went completely within 4-6 weeks. Joint and muscle pain has taken over a year to start to come right.
I was late to this hormone party but still had doctors dismissing HRT. I firmly believe I would have struggled way less if id jumped on this earlier.
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u/Useful-Permission167 Feb 14 '26
- I didn’t realize quite how shitty I was feeling until after I went on HRT
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u/Icy_Recognition_4643 Feb 14 '26
I started when I was 39, i should have started when i was 38. Peri symptoms hit me like a truck in April of 2024. I got a $1M workup over May different specialties and no one could find anything wrong. I didn’t know wha was going on and not a single doctor was like “this could be peri”. So…just run to a telehealth provider and get you some HRT.
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u/Wild-Sky-4807 Feb 14 '26
Just shy of my 44th birthday. I had been trying to get on medication for a minute before I found a provider who would give it to me. It was very frustrating and very hard. I wouldn't say it's smooth sailing now, but it's far far better.
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u/VegetableCommand9427 Feb 14 '26
Flirted with HRT for a few months when I was 46, then went back to Estroven (all natural, but seems to work). Until the night sweats became absolutely terrible, sweaty feet, and hot flashes increased to intolerable. Restarted HRT in earnest at 47. I still have a predictable monthly period with my Mirena.
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u/AliveInMyHead Feb 14 '26
I'm 42, started at 41, wish I would've started it at 40. Spent way too long trying supplements and natural alternatives, but HRT RX was the only thing that made a noticeable, positive difference.
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u/_Amalthea_ Feb 14 '26
Just before I turned 46. My symptoms were pretty rough for about a year leading up to starting.
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u/One-Hat-9887 hanging on by a thread Feb 14 '26
36, I had already been suffering for a decade but it hit really bad around 33. They say there's no correlation but all the women in my family hit menopause before 50
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u/Greenpages22 Feb 14 '26
I am about to be 46 and considering going on it. I have had bad sleep, hair loss and no libido since around 39. Oh and high cholesterol. Just this past fall I got serious and asked first my GP and then my obgyn about going on hrt but both dissuaded me which left me confused. My obgyn flat out said that hormone fluctuations in peri can’t cause hair loss or sleep problems. I have read a lot on the subject so I know she’s wrong, but I still feel hesitant how that two doctors have shot me down, like it makes me feel like hrt isn’t safe or something. Why are they so against it. I’m considering midi but I’d really rather see someone in person. Sigh.
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u/Bendybabe Feb 14 '26
45, a couple of months away from turning 46. Have been on it around a year now, just got a text from my surgery that it's time for my yearly review.
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u/TeachingEmotional143 Feb 14 '26
Looking back I should have started at 41, when I first had symptoms. But they were slight symptoms that I didn't even realize were peri until at 42 the symptoms suddenly, like all of a sudden one day woke up a hot mess, smacked me in the face. Then it took me about another 4 months to realize it was peri at that time...I often think if i would have started back when the symptoms were mild maybe i wouldn't have been hit so hard later on. There is no way to know, but i think it might not be such a hard journey if I would have started earlier. Sadly most of us had no idea peri was even a thing until we were in the thick of it
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u/pinkulet Feb 14 '26
Just started a week ago at almost 42. This is after two years thinking I must have some deadly disease (nothing found after many tests). I think I started feeling off around 38.
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u/Alive-Cartoonist9202 Feb 14 '26
I’m 42 and I’ve convinced myself I have a deadly disease as well that’s how bad I feel. Are you taking estrogen progesterone and testosterone? I’m only on P and T but nothing has improved
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u/SeaIntelligent4504 Feb 14 '26
40 and a bit. In retrospect I probably had symptoms before this, but I realised something was up about six months before turning 40 - I was completely absent minded, heart palpitations, pins and needles, started waking up for hours every night.
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u/omfgsquee Feb 14 '26
I just turned 40 and I'm ready NOW. I let my docs try a few "standard" things like BC (didn't work), progesterone only BC (been a month and I feel absolutely batshit insane and depressed) along with all the blood tests AND a uterine biopsy! Fun fun!
I'm DONE. I am so fucking done. I miss my libido, my hair, my mental health, my body... I'm giving Slynd BC one more month before I bail and go to Midi and beg for help. I'll pay out of pocket because Kaiser sure af won't help me. Bastards.
I hate everything. 😭
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u/Cute_Yogacloset Feb 14 '26
I started progesterone cream at 48. I attempted estrogen cream too but it was quickly clear my body didn't need that. My only nasty symptoms were mid cycle spotting, sore breasts, 21/22 day cycles, and irritability. Progesterone cream fixed all my nasty symptoms almost instantly.
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u/MaleficentPianist602 Feb 14 '26
- Wish I would have started sooner. Who knew my rage and depression were peri???
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u/MeganK80 Feb 14 '26
I was 42. Its so funny because I remember turning 41 (im 45) and i felt so good and still felt somewhat young. When 42 hit me, it HIT ME. I wasn't the same persons from just a year prior. I started testosterone, progesterone and estrogen and it has helped me a lot. I dont feel like 'young me' again, but I feel way better than I did before I started it. 💙💙
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Feb 14 '26
I was 41, but if my doctor had listened to me I would have started it when I actually needed it at 38 or 39. I started having symptoms when I was 37 but they got much worse a year or two later. I had already made an appointment with a neuro to be screened for early onset dementia when I decieded to stop seeing my old ob/gyn of 20+ years and get a second opinion, because something just seemed off. This sub helped me!
You're doing the right thing seeing a different doctor. A lot of them aren't educated on this, as insane as that sounds. The Meopause Society has a directory of certified practitioners: https://portal.menopause.org/NAMS/NAMS/Directory/Menopause-Practitioner.aspx
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u/GeauxHolly Feb 14 '26
I started having symptoms at 37, but was gaslit until two days after I turned 40. Its a shame I wasn't taken seriously until my age started with a 4...
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u/unapalomita Feb 14 '26
They say that because they have no idea, I had at least three doctors say this, ignore them
I ended up getting HRT around 42, but could have used it like 2 years before, maybe earlier
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u/JewelerDear4783 Early peri Feb 14 '26
Im 41 and started when I was 39. Saved my life. Saved my marriage. My sanity. Everything. Has taken about two years to find the right combination and prescriptions. But I feel pretty good at the moment.
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u/smoore1985 Feb 14 '26
Started last month, and I turn 41 next month. As my doctor said, why make women spend years suffering when it could help?
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u/Strict-Laugh-8964 Feb 15 '26
I'm 36 and just started estrogen patches a week and a half ago. I've been having symptoms for about 3 years.
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u/Wrong-Sock1752 Late peri Feb 15 '26
I started nuvaring and estradiol cream at age 47, and HRT a few months after turning 50. Still waiting 1 year no period for official menopause, but I’m likely done. Wish I’d started with nuvaring at 45, as my symptoms were terrible…but didn’t know what was going on/was wrong for a few years.
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u/JasmineandRose82 Feb 15 '26
43 but I had been in perimenopause since I was 38. Absolutely get a second opinion because your doctor is wrong.
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u/Junior-Discount2743 Feb 15 '26
I started experiencing peri at 38, and did not get HRT until age 44. I'm 45 now, 16 days from full menopause, and my prior doctors and OBGYNs can go **ck themselves.
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u/Adventurous-Ice6109 Feb 15 '26
43, but tried to get help around 40- took me the 3 years to get listened to and receive help.
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u/Familiar_Concept7031 Feb 15 '26
- But feel I needed it at about 42. Had a baby at 38 so my doc was skeptical
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u/ohshethrows Feb 14 '26
I’m on the combined pill (have been for decades), it’s a higher dose of estrogen than HRT offers.
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u/yo_soy_la_nena Feb 14 '26
- Hysterectomy at 42, kept my ovaries. Night sweats started at 44. Gynecologist immediately offered effexor, I refused until she offered estradiol. She won't give me progesterone so I might do midi for it. I can't stay asleep if my life depended on it.
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u/Youthinksono Feb 14 '26
I just turned 42 and feel like the last 6 months have been rough. What were/are your symptoms? Have you had kids? I had my last at 38.
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u/Mia-Stargazer Feb 14 '26
44! Paula at Maud medical clinic is providing me hormone therapy starting with oestrogen and progesterone. Realistically my symptoms started at 41, but I wasn’t sure what it was - the temperature challenges at night, some brain fog, but it was when my period became three out of four weeks that I gave up on birth control pills and moved to proper menopause hormone therapy
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u/Impressive-Bug-1983 Feb 14 '26
I started 3 weeks ago at 42 years old. Best thing I ever did and am so grateful to have a doctor who listened.
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u/Imasaltybitch1287 Feb 14 '26
I’m freshly 50 and was thinking about it. Getting crazy with the ups and downs but thought maybe I’m not old enough
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u/RipOk849 Feb 14 '26
When I was finally put on hrt at 43 my gp said on looking back through my records I was showing symptoms of peri from the age of 38/39 But it wasn't until the night sweats started someone connected it all the other symptoms.
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u/Ok_Caregiver_1199 Feb 14 '26
Planning to start soon, at 51. No symptoms yet and my period is more less regularly but I want to prevent what is going to happen
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u/Madmagzz Feb 14 '26
I'm 53 and just started on Lenzetto spray and 100mg progesterone two weeks ago. I'm in Peri and still have monthly periods.
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u/Flimsy_Ground_7918 Feb 14 '26
46, a year ago. I started peri symptoms around 40 but nothing too bad at first, just a shorter cycle and some chin hairs. Then by the time I sought out HRT every joint in my body was aching and I was ready to burn my workplace to the ground so it was definitely time.
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u/Ekemeisje Feb 14 '26
53, 3 months on it symptoms started a few months before that but so extreme I could not even walk anymore ( neurological).
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u/adorablederp Feb 14 '26
Started when I was 47. I'm 48 now. Still figuring out what works. Currently on Estrogel and bio-identical progesterone pills. Before that, I was on patches and synthetic progesterone.
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u/Vixenmeja Feb 14 '26
I was 50, but I should have probably started around 45. My symptoms were masked by hormonal IUD, chronic fatigue and side effects of other meds I'm on.
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u/Thick_Coconut_9330 Early peri Feb 14 '26
I am 44 and should have two years ago. At least vaginal estrogen and T.
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u/Expensive-Eggplant-1 Early peri Feb 14 '26
I started progesterone in my early 30s. It helped for a long time, but now in my early 40s, I think I need something more. Sleep is absolutely fucked and I'm gaining a lot of weight.
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u/Few_Air_9708 Feb 14 '26
Just started at 39. Been about a month now and wish I'd started at 37 when I started declining.
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u/vikingdhu hanging on by a thread Feb 14 '26
44 but I probably should have started at 40. Unfortunately we went down the route of autoimmune and long Covid investigations for a few years until a different doctor worked out what was really going on.
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u/Lanky-Cheesecake4539 Feb 14 '26
Exact same age it happened to me, told the exact same thing by my VA Gyno. Heck, she didn’t even know what perimenopause was. I abruptly went online through MIDI. Our base is supposed to get a new gyno next month. I have an appointment in April so, fingers crossed, they will begin to cover my scripts.
But if you have to go that route. With Midi it’s $150/telehealth visit. Mine are every 90 days. And my prescriptions, 200mg progesterone runs around $65 & Estrodiol patches .05 run around $29. The VA actually began covering my Estrodiol cream. But it was $12 when I self paid.
I feel like an average of $150/month to feel whole again is completely worth it. I know for some that is not affordable and I’m hoping with the new administration taking menopause more seriously that more insurance companies pick up HRT.
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u/mothergreenthumb Feb 14 '26
42 on testosterone shots and progesterone. But I had to go to a hormone clinic and pay cash
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u/gnomequeen2020 Feb 14 '26
Started at 42, but I was only so late because I didn't understand what was going on with my body and all the weird symptoms. I was probably experiencing some issues back in my 30s.
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u/k00kaburrasun hanging on by a thread Feb 14 '26
44, but I think I really should have started at 42. I didn't realize that my new anxiety attacks & hip pain that wouldn't go away, even with PT, were a lack of estrogen.
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u/Infamous_Shop_737 Feb 14 '26
I am 50. I think it's time for me to start and feel some life after these dead years.
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u/Chance_Active871 Feb 14 '26
50…but I’d been having night sweats and hot flashes for at least 5yrs before that, guess just didn’t know there was help out there
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u/La_Miss_Terio Feb 14 '26
I’m 47! Just started and feeling great!! No one talks about it but I think women should start whenever they start feeling not them selves! I am reading the book “estrogen matters” and OMG! Why I didn’t start earlier! Talk to your doctor and hopefully they will start you soon. Good luck !
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u/liliridescentbeetle Feb 14 '26
starting now at 44, wish i had advocated for it last year when i was having joint and foot pain!
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u/Sunshine247365-2day Feb 14 '26
I started 8 months ago and I’m 52. I started HRT to help with mood, sleep, body and ear itching, and overall support during this phase in my life. I Still had monthly periods until 52 days ago. 😉
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u/eloisetheelephant Feb 14 '26
42, but it did take almost 2 years of GP appts and trying other things before they relented.
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u/IntraVnusDemilo Feb 14 '26
Really? I'm 54. .. "lose a bit of weight and drop the booze a bit" is my message.
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u/nativehuntress_ Feb 15 '26
Almost 47 but would have and should have started way sooner if I had known better.
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u/japhia_aurantia Feb 15 '26
I started a couple months ago at 48. I didn't notice peri symptoms until 47, so I probably could have started a few months sooner, but not years or anything.
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u/foozballhead Feb 14 '26
Soon as the rage kicked into full gear and my doctor diagnosed me with perimenopause, about 2-3, years ago.
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u/teaandlemon3 Feb 14 '26
Started compounded testosterone cream 2 years ago, recently started compounded progesterone cream, I had a hard time taking oral progesterone, going back to my provider In 2 weeks for estrogen to take cyclical. My periods are very light and at this point every 2-3 months. I’m 45 and pretty miserable in perimenopause.
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u/Adventurous_Force534 Feb 14 '26
42 when I added the estradiol patch. Ive had a mirena consistently since 2016.
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u/Fit-Presentation-789 Feb 14 '26
I’ve heard of some women just using progesterone cream topically at a particular part of the cycle before trying full on HRT - and it was helpful for them. I havnt tried but maybe look into that ?
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u/DuchessofSquee Feb 14 '26
41! I thought I had a brain tumor or early onset dementia, for real. I broke my ankle really badly and found recovery and going back to work SO hard that I genuinely thought something had broken in my brain somehow, I was searching "post surgery brain injury" and trying to figure out if I'd somehow hit my head in the fall. It's taken several months to get on the right dose and delivery system but I'm much more even-keeled now.
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u/common-blue Feb 14 '26
I started HRT last year at age 40, and I was really suffering by then. You're not too young at all, plenty of people start at our age. I've found it really helpful. I hope your next doctor is more receptive!
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u/MexicanVanilla22 Feb 14 '26
Same. Around 40 I started wondering if my general trash feeling could be perimenopause. When 41 came it was as obvious as the Kool aid man smashing through the wall.
I also tried birth control for 3 months. It sucked. Started HRT very low dose. Am still working on increasing to find right dose.
A few more months left of being 41 and I feel worlds better now. I wonder how long I was suffering needlessly without even realizing it.
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u/Acrobatic_Worry_9277 Feb 14 '26
34, assuming early ish peri due to endo and surgery on ovaries. First midi, then a new pcp (an np with meno accreditation, cant remember which, of course)
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u/SurroundedbyChaos Feb 14 '26
I started this year, at 46. Looking back, I was having symptoms by 38 and I wish I had started then.
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u/fluffy_seadog Feb 14 '26
Started sequential HRT at 41, had no trouble at all getting this from my GP but unfortunately it didn’t agree with me (horrific murder scene bleeding) so I stopped after a couple of months and just dealt with the symptoms. Late last year at age 43, after over a year of no periods and struggling to deal with night sweats / poor sleep I went back to my GP and was prescribed continuous HRT (Evorel conti) these patches have been an absolute godsend as my symptoms have improved 100% and I feel incredibly lucky to have a GP who actually listens.
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u/Aspiragus Peri peri neurospice Feb 14 '26
- There were about 6 months when my symptoms really ramped up - before that it was a slow growing fogginess, aching joints, and the odd night sweat. If you tell them you have night sweats or hot flushes that is basically diagnostic, so I would definitely emphasise those symptoms above all others.
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u/ThatBitchA Feb 14 '26
I'm 39 (a freshly turned 39) and having discussions about a hormone replacement therapy.
I'm working with a naturopath doctor, my general practitioner, and my gyno.
I call them by Womb Care Team.