Hi Natters
As coldethyl says - if your periods are few and far between then you are in the later stages of peri - but women still vary in how long this stage is - going by reports of women here who have gone of 11 months without a period only for them to start again even if sporadically!
Re the migraines - I started getting these ( classic type - not aura) when I was in the late stages of periods ( ie before peri-menopause) and my pms was much worse - this type of migraine is definitely not a contra-indication for HRT and in fact they may even improve with HRT. I'm pretty sure mine were due to the progesterone withdrawal stage just before a period as I continued to get them on cyclical HRT. I have never taken any special medication for mine but fortunately have never been sick with them al though have experienced nausea. Mine always last 3 days from waking in the early hours on the first day - two more nights follow when the headache wakes me as the painkillers ( Ibuprofen or paracetamol) wear off.
HRT is not a necessity but depending on the age at which you are likely to reach menopause - it is strongly advised for early menopausers. Also depending on your symptoms vastly improves the quality of life for many and can help protect heart and bones, and give you more energy while you are still young enough to enjoy life!
It is sometimes hit and miss if you are too early in peri because of your own hormonal fluctuations but can be worth a try - some are recommended to try the birth control pill at this stage to regulate their cycle - there is a fairly new one called Qlaira which is gentler than the old type and contains estradiol - the same as our own oestrogen, not the strong synthetic ones.
Good luck with the doc (you may have already been?) and let us know how you get on.
Hurdity x
