Hi Hulahoop
![welcomemm :welcomemm:](https://www.menopausematters.co.uk/forum/Smileys/extended/welcomemm.gif)
Periods coming closer together and beginning to vary in flow etc is indicative of the Late Reproductive Stage as per the STRAW criteria (on reproductive ageing) - ie the ovaries are still functioning but hormones beign to go awry. It is the last stage before peri-menopause starts (cycle length starts to vary by more than a day or two). Some (unlucky) women do begin to experience menopausal symptoms at this point due to the hormonal fluctuations but if oestrogen has not started to decline then HRT may well not be appropriate especially if you don't have menopausal symptoms. Regulating your cycle sounds like a plan!
There are two CCP types that contain oestrogen similar to HRT - called QLAIRA and ZOELY, which some docs recommend at this point - and these will regukate cycle, bleeding as well as give you more consistent oestrogen levels. You could alternatively decide to have a Mirena fitted to regulate bleeding, nad once you start to experience symptoms of oestrogen deficiency - notably flushes and sweats, or eg low mood, you can add oestrogen as tablet patch or gel.
Some women also find a low dose tablet hRT such as Femoston 1/10 also good (for symptoms and possible cycle control) at this point - although I'm not sure how effective this would be at regulating bleeding, and does not suppress ovulation.
There is an article about peri-menopause which might be interesting for you here
https://www.menopausematters.co.uk/magazine/articles-mainly.php#perils and you can Google STRAW also if you want to delve further into cycles etc.
Hope this helps
![Smiley :)](https://www.menopausematters.co.uk/forum/Smileys/extended/smiley.gif)
Hurdity x