Age 57 - last period at 53 - first symptoms at 45

I didn’t realise perimenopause caused brain fog, second guessing myself at work and heavier periods. The GP I saw at the time told me I was okay - which I found dissatisfying. Then a girl at work went to a female doctor who prescribed me compound medications. They worked fabulously for 9 years but were very expensive. More recently I have had a large ovarian cyst removed by a female gynaecologist. She reassured me that the latest MHT/HRT is safe and effective so I have just started on this. Very happy to have met wonderful young female professionals who give great information and reassurance.