Hi grannyshaz50
![welcomemm :welcomemm:](https://www.menopausematters.co.uk/forum/Smileys/extended/welcomemm.gif)
Too young for menopause at 50 - doc doesn't know what s/he's talking about!!! Considering the average age of natural menopause is 51 - that is reaching menopause (no periods) - then a lot of women will become peri-menopausal in their 40's ie periods beginning to go awry.
You say your periods are hit and miss - what do you mean by that? If your cycle length has changed and is very variable especially if your period sometimes late - then you are peri-menopausal. Blow the blood tests - they can't tell you a lot re menopause. I presume thyroid problems have been ruled out but do ask for the readings for TSH etc and all the results of your last blood tests so that you can see for yourself.
If your cycle has gone wonky then you are a prime candidate for HRT and you don't need to suffer - provided there is no medical reason why you cannot take it!
Great that you have a doc appointment next week to discuss. Whatever happens - unless you cannot take HRT - don't let them fob you off with anti-depressants which is what some ill-informed docs do - these are not first line of treatment for menopause.
In the meantime read up as much as you can from the info on this website, and perhaps take a look at your overall lifestyle in case there are any changes which might be beneficial at this point eg diet, body weight/BMI, exercise, sleep, smoking, alcohol, stress....
Let us know re the cycle?
Hurdity x