Hi Cushytyh
This is a tricky one isn't it?
Yes Liz is right that HRT is recommended if you are menopausal under 51-2 but in your position, you are having regular periods so your cycle is still very strong. There are some women who do have regualr periods and yet begin to have menopausal symptoms and I don't understand why this is. Maybe your oestrogen has begin to decrease a little but your ovaries are still working well so you are having regular periods?
It's not that you are too young for HRT but it may be too early on your particular menopause journey to take the standard types. However I would not definitely not agree to take Citalopram as you youtself say you are not keen on it.
I know blood tests are unreliable for diagnosing menopause but has this been suggested? I am surprised that the nurse suggested this before having blood tests firstly just to have a look at your FSH and estradiol levels, and secondly to rule out other things like thyroid problems which can also cause sweats, especially as your periods are still regular'
I would urge you to visit your doctor before doing anything to discuss all of this, and see what happens after you have had one or two blood tests.
Hereis the info on this site about blood tests and menopause:
http://www.menopausematters.co.uk/diagnose.phpHurdity x