Hi AndieM
If you are peri-menopausal then sometimes your hormones will fluctuate, so periods and symptoms of PMS will therefore vary.
Sometimes herbal remedies, like Agnus Castus are considered effective when you are peri menopausal but that most likely is due to the hormones behaving themselves on a "good" cycle. It's a different situation when you hit the menopause proper.
I do realise some women really advocate herbal remedies, so it's just my opinion.
Obviously eating well and exercise is always a good idea
Being offered AD's is appalling! I had suggestion that from my (admittedly often cited) 12 year patronising GP.
As to a "diagnosis based on symptoms" that's rubbish. It's a simple blood test to assess hormonal.
Plus peri-menopausal "symptoms" aren't just physical but can also cause psychological problems- anxiety, low mood, lack of motivation, etc.
When I was peri- menopausal I had no physical symptoms at all but plenty of psychological ones (which I'd never had before)
I had to argue with my then GP for blood tests and then getting HRT, as apparently feeling you are going mad, being unable to function properly, etc is "normal" for being peri-menopausal and the that menopause should be put up with about five years as it's "natural".
Of course it is, but anxiety and depression isn't. Neither is having a C-section when giving birth to an overweight or distressed baby.
Sorry, rant mode there!
Obvious thing to say, but if your symptoms are due to a hormonal imbalance, then you most likely need HRT, not AD's or the mini pill as they won't address peri menopausal or indeed menopausal hormonal imbalances
Contraceptive doses of hormones are not the same!
I'd read around on previous threads on MM to get plenty of information.
Generally trans-dermal (i.e. gel or patch forms of oestrogen) are considered safer and more effective than the tablet version.
Once you have read around on here then consider your options.
Personally I'd ask for your hormone levels to be checked by your GP and to read up on the NICE guidelines on HRT before you see him/her. Quite often GP don't know about these and just prescribe AD's as they are cheaper and easier to offer.
Whatever you decide to so, good luck!
Freckles x
