How HRT, Lifestyle Changes, and Testosterone Helped Me Feel Like Myself Again in Perimenopause
Today is World Menopause Day, and it feels like the perfect time to share something personal about my perimenopause journey. Raising awareness about perimenopause and menopause is something very close to my heart and I hope my story might help someone feel seen, understood, or encouraged to seek support.
Realising I Was in Perimenopause
Two years ago, I realised I was in perimenopause - although looking back, I probably had been for much longer without knowing it. I’d been putting up with a variety of disconnected symptoms: brain fog, fatigue, low mood, low motivation, and other changes that felt confusing and overwhelming.
At the time, it was scary. I didn’t know what the word “perimenopause” meant or what my body and brain were going through. Like many women, I assumed it was just me - or part of getting older - and I didn’t understand that these symptoms were connected.
Seeking Specialist Support
After increasing my HRT dose at the end of last year, I started to feel worse rather than better. Grogginess, PMS-type symptoms, and a deep dip in my mood made it clear that something wasn’t right.
I knew I needed guidance, so I made an appointment with Newson Health Clinic. I had lost confidence in my GP and wanted specialist support. The Newson doctor confirmed what I had suspected: progesterone tablets just didn’t suit me.
Making Changes
We reverted to my Evorel Sequi patches, and I continued making lifestyle changes, wellbeing pursuits, and diet adjustments.
It’s taken time, patience, and a bit of bravery to get to where I am today, but I can finally say I’m feeling a lot more like my old self again… or perhaps it’s a new self. A self that’s far more aware of what truly matters in my life.
Prioritising self-care, focusing on movement, sleep, nutrition, and mindfulness has been a real shift in focus for me and it’s helped me gradually feel better and regain a sense of control over my wellbeing.
I’m in no way perfect, and as much as I try to be consistent with an early bedtime, eat less processed food, add more protein into my diet, and stay hydrated, I still have days that don’t go to plan.
A big shift came with my decision to go freelance this year. I started working as a Virtual Assistant, supporting small business owners. I’ve really noticed a difference being in charge of my own hours and being more present for my family - it’s been scary at times, but so worthwhile.
Testosterone: The Final Piece of the Puzzle
Alongside HRT and lifestyle adjustments, the Newson doctor suggested introducing Testosterone (Testogel) just a tiny amount daily, about ⅛ of a sachet (the size of a pea).
It wasn’t an overnight change, but slowly I began to notice real differences:
My mood lifted
Brain fog improved
I felt more motivated
I started to feel more like myself again
After around six months, I felt genuinely different - calmer, clearer, and more energised. Adding Testosterone has truly been a game-changer in my perimenopause journey.
A Holistic Approach
It’s important to remember that it wasn’t just HRT or Testosterone alone that made a difference. Lifestyle changes, wellbeing pursuits, and diet all played a huge role in helping me feel like myself again.
Every woman’s menopause journey is different. What works for one person might not work for another, but seeking guidance, exploring options, and combining approaches can make a real difference.
Reflections and Support
Perimenopause and menopause can feel isolating at times, but support and knowledge are out there. Sharing experiences, learning from specialists, and being gentle with yourself are all part of navigating this stage of life.
If my journey resonates, I encourage you to explore what might work for you, seek specialist guidance if needed, and know you are not alone.