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[KarineT]

I'm in the same situation.   I get these horrible moments of anxiety and low mood. These symptoms seem common apparently and I do wish that they will subside over time. I'm 49, nearly 50  so for me it's definitely menopause-related.  I'm not on HRT as I'm worried I won't be able to wean myself off it.

[Flan747]

I will try anything to make life easier and don’t mind being in HRT! I’ve just booked in with another specialist to get a different opinion and also hoping to start again as I honestly do not know what I’m doing at the minute! I’ve tried 4 different HRT and each time it appears to be working then the effect stops! I’m 51 and peri as still have periods so think I’m in kt for the long haul

[Shelster]

One of my friends has been advised by her GP to just take sertraline when she’s having her period. I’m not sure about it like you Flan747. Given that it takes a few weeks to get into your system, I can’t see the benefit of chopping and changing but I’m no expert. What I would say is that I found sertraline really easy to come off after a year of use so if you’re worried about withdrawal, please don’t be! x

[Flan747]

Thank you Shelstar that’s the advice I had it cannot see it working. I was put on Citalopram when things were bad and really didn’t get in with it so am reluctant to try another one. Also I honestly don’t feel like I’m depressed just low because I feel rough all time. Palpitations and tight chest so bad today I’ve taken the patches off and gone back to the gel until  my specialist appointment(Video call) on Tuesday. Hoping she can help me out

[Shannonplussed]

I started Sertraline several years ago for PMDD--although in retrospect, it was probably perimenopause. Definitely followed a pattern of hormonal change. I have been on and off it several times now, but I think my brain is now so used to it that I can't go off it. It works for me and I expect I'll take it for life. I'm a much better mother, wife, and employee on it. I can't control my emotions off it, and have an embarrassingly short fuse and thin skin. Whether or not I needed sertraline or actually needed HRT is a moot point, because it seems my brain chemistry demands I continue it. I had hoped that once I was stable on HRT, then the hormonal fluctuations would be a thing of the past, and I could discontinue sertraline. Doesn't seem to be the case for me.  FWIW, it took a good 3 weeks for me to notice a benefit from taking it, and 6 weeks for me to feel very pleased with it. I take it continuously.

[Flan747]

I am seriously considering it today! Have had an awful few days and feel like things are getting worse when usually they are a bit better after I have had a period! I have a list of questions for my appt this evening! Keeping everything crossed that she may have a few ideas for me. Willing to try anything that she may suggest. Really didn’t want to go down the antidepressant route but things are getting desperate. Can I ask Shannonplussed what dose you started on?

[Shannonplussed]

I started on 50mg. After about 4 weeks I felt different, better—like I still felt like myself, I could feel things (not numb or like a zombie), but I had an arm’s length from my feelings so I could use my tools to handle them. I felt better but some room for improvement, so I moved up to 75mg and that’s been perfect for me. Very occasionally, I’ll top up an extra 25mg on a very rough day (in line with the dosing variation to take it just in the luteal phase) but I’m not sure that it does anything.

[Rosepetal73]

I can recommend it and if my mood doesn't improve on HRT (my main perimenopause symptoms are mood related) I will definitely be taking it.  I thought the HRT would be more of a sure thing than it seems to be and as it is recommended over AD's I thought I should try it. With regards to the sertraline  I found it upset my stomach for a few days (great for losing a few pounds ) and it affected my sleep for a couple of weeks and did increase the anxiety a bit.  It is one of the SSRI's that is recommended for PMDD and it is my understanding that it works within a few days for PMDD rather than the 2-4 weeks for non-hormonal depression hence the ability to use it in the luteal phase only

[Shannonplussed]

I had the same symptoms to start. Diarrhea, insomnia, and increased anxiety. Had my first panic attack, actually. But that passed after the first week.

[Dolphin12]

I've been taking it for just 3 days now - finding it tough. I feel exhausted, and jittery. Debating at the moment whether to give it up, or persit in the hope that things improve

[Shannonplussed]

In my experience, it got worse before it got better. I remember being on google often, reading other people’s experiences, which were much the same. Everyone is different, so no one can say for sure it will work for you—but if you don’t press on a little bit longer, you won’t know.