I had an endometrial ablation around 8 years ago due to heavy bleeding. No periods since. I have had some hot flushes but mainly a feeling of being slightly warmer all the time. In the last couple of years I had a lot of problems with vaginal and vulval dryness. Was prescribed Betnovate and a general moisturiser. I ended up getting Hyalofeme online and trying that as well as Replens and other external creams such as the Sass range. I seem to be fighting a losing battle though. I am now 54. Lots of aches and pains, trouble sleeping, anxious, a little too warm all the time and hair shedding all the time. The main irritants are the vaginal dryness and the fact that I am struggling with depression. I do have reasons to be depressed in my life and never saw anti depressants as a solution as I have always had stuff to be anxious about so was worried about spending a lifetime on them. I have coped so far. This time it feels different. Almost physical rather than just mental. It leads me to believe it may be oestrogen related. I have an appointment with the doctor and I am planning to ask if HRT might help. The information seems to suggest a topical application for vaginal issues. The thing is that won't sort the aches and pains and depression. So would I have to opt for oral HRT and would that help the vaginal symptoms or do I need both? The doctor who provided me with the Betnovate seems to not be keen on HRT. I am seeing another Dr in the practice that I have not seem before as she is busy. So I suppose I will find out if the attitude is personal to her or the policy of the clinic.