Hi Jay, welcome to the forum, and to the roller coaster journey that is peri/menopause.😘
I am post menopausal and now 51, I suffered big time through perimenopause, but was terrified of HRT, as most of us are/were. I used St Johns wort which did help my depression a bit I think.
I am now using transdermal oestrogel and have a mirena coil for progestin and I can honestly say it's the best I've felt in years, I've got me back. The anxiety and depression were horrendous, and now I feel so much better.
I found myself emotional that I had denied myself feeling better, for fear of HRT and the now antiquated guidelines.
The other thing I have now got my head around is ALL medication, whatever is it, even natural remedies etc, can cause side effects and other health issues.
It is very much a personal choice, but there is help available, and I'm sure some of the highly experienced and respected ladies on here will be able to offer you further advice
Read the latest NICE guidelines which all health care professionals should be using.