Hi poppins
I would definitely go for it while you are still under 60! I did start HRT in my 50's but was around 54 and not yet post-menopausal. However I am now 61 and still on it - I agree with everything that's been said about quality of life and being prepared to take any risks, and now drink much less frequently than I used to (often gives me headaches anyway).
I also agree with Stellajane about some docs being in a hurry to prescribe ADs for hormonal problems with no good medical reason not to.
Hurdity x