Hi. My (long) story is similar, but also different.
I'm 45 now. Had horrific symptoms on and off for 4 years - I've tried all the pills available, some help a bit, but none made me feel good.
My symptoms are awful day 2-ovulation, then just not great after, but not as awful. I have now started having annovulatory cycles, which give longer cycles with bad symptoms - for me.
I echo what Gilla, says, we are very different in the way we respond to hormones.
I tried hrt for only 2 weeks - the estrogen made me feel horrifically poisoned. That was when I opened my eyes and realised im probably not low estrogen.
There's not much on this forum about the early stages of peri, where prog falls and estrogen can be erratic. I now believe that's where I am.
I've since had a 21 day blood test. This showed a good level of estrogen, for my age (obviously that's just one point in time, but it wasnt on the floor). My progesterone was on the floor however. I recall feeling particularly bad the morning of the test.
So, I'm now supplementing with progesterone. I've had a bad few months so I can't say yet if it'll work... More bloods to follow.
Unfortunately, my experience of the NHS is they dont take bloods, go off symptoms. I have bad symptoms, therefore I must need estrogen. I don't think I do.
That's not to say I won't need estrogen in future, just pointing out that I'm hugely symptomatic with early stage peri where my prog has bottomed out.
I think tests would be best for you. Give you an indication. I'm under a private clinic where they test and treat. It's expensive, but I had no other option. Good luck x