Post # 1
Member
1836 posts
Buzzing bee
I’m 45, never had children. My last three periods have been weird … one day of bleeding and then one day of spotting and that’s it, or, in the case of the most recent one, one day and then nothing for two days and then one day of spotting. They are also further apart, but only very slightly (30 days instead of 28). About seven or eight months ago I had a couple of periods that were heavier than usual with some clotting that I don’t normally have. No hot flashes, or anything like that. I just saw the gynecologist who ordered an ultrasound because of some pelvic tenderness but it was normal, as was my PAP, etc. She was busy and we didn’t discuss menopause. Am I on the verge of it? Does it come earlier if you haven’t had kids?
ETA: I had my hormones checked about 18 mos ago for unrelated reasons and they were normal.
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This topic was modified 4 years, 10 months ago by alamana.
Post # 2
Member
11155 posts
Sugar Beekeeper
Sounds like you may be in perimenopause, the phase prior to actual meno. It can last for quite a few years & it was a real roller coaster. Just as you describe and add in major mood swings and irritability.
I don’t think having kids has much to do with it–my doctor emphasized genetics. What ages did your mom, sister, etc go through menopause?
IMO, peri was a million times worse than actual menopause, which was a breeze. I don’t look, act, dress or feel my age. Of course, some credit goes to talented cosmetic surgeons : ).
You will handle it just fine. You’re probably in the worst of it right now.
Post # 3
Member
961 posts
Busy bee
- Wedding: May 2016 - San Clemente Church, Italy
I don’t have advice to give, but I’m anxious to hear responses because women I know NEVER talk about it and it’s a huge mystery to me. I’m 47 and have a clockwork-like cycle and have never experienced anything unusual, so I’m dying to know from real women what to expect or look out for.
Good luck, Bee. I hope you find the answers you seek.
Post # 4
Member
5938 posts
Bee Keeper
alamana: Yup, peri menopause. And Yup, it can last a looong time. My understanding of when menopause actually comes is more like when your mom got it. Got it, sounds like a disease! Lol! Went through it??
Post # 5
Member
1162 posts
Bumble bee
Yes, you can go into menopause a little earlier if you didn’t have kids because when you’re pregnant you’re not ovulating. I am 47 and have been in menopause for a decade, no kids. I was early because of having ovarian cysts requiring surgery.
Post # 6
Member
5938 posts
Bee Keeper
lawandbeauty53: Dang, all the women I work with talk about it a LOT! Periods will change. Heavier, less heavy, longer, shorter, weirder. There can be sleeplessness, lower sex drive, mood swings, and peeing when you laugh. Yaaaay! Yippeeee! Wahoooo!
Post # 7
Member
5938 posts
Bee Keeper
Menopause is when you’ve actually stopped menstruating for one full year. Peri menopause is the road to menopause. Haha!
Post # 8
Member
961 posts
Busy bee
- Wedding: May 2016 - San Clemente Church, Italy
RedHeadKel: Thank you! No woman in my family has made it to a natural menopause due to serious fibroids requiring hysterectomies. I wanted to be the first, but alas, I’m going to give up the pain, anemia, crazy bleeding and now (a pregnant stomach, when I’ve had a flat stomach my whole life). I’m going to get the hysterectomy too when I get back from Italy. 🙁
Post # 9
Member
5938 posts
Bee Keeper
lawandbeauty53: Well you’re “in luck”! Because if you keep your ovaries you may still get hot flashes and other stuff. Woo hoo! Sorry about the fibroids, I hear those are very painful. But Italy sounds like a blast!!
Post # 10
Member
961 posts
Busy bee
- Wedding: May 2016 - San Clemente Church, Italy
RedHeadKel: Lord, being a woman is just a heap of fun….and so I hear now from you it gets even better? Yay, me!
Post # 11
Member
3302 posts
Sugar bee
Having been through it, it sounds like the onset of perimenopause. You’re at the right age for things to start changing.
Post # 12
Member
1836 posts
Buzzing bee
I don’t know when my mom got it–she never said anything and she died a few years back so I can’t ask her. My sister is younger. So I’ve got nothing to go by. Like
lawandbeauty53:, I feel like no one I know ever talks about it.
RedHeadKel: Whoa — wait a minute! Is THAT why I’m suddenly peeing when I sneeze or laugh??? That’s happened a handful of times in the past six months or so. Unfortunately I can check the sleep issues and mood swings boxes, as well.
So, with the hot flash thing — do you just feel hot or is your body temp actually elevated? Like if I felt hot, and it was a hot flash, and I took my temp, would it be elevated or normal?
Post # 13
Member
961 posts
Busy bee
- Wedding: May 2016 - San Clemente Church, Italy
I wonder if it’s some kind of cultural taboo. Even my sisters won’t talk about this, yet some women are so open and matter of fact about their experiences.
alamana: Yes!
Post # 14
Member
2863 posts
Sugar bee
alamana: I am 52 and my periods are fairly regular. I never had children. But I get very sick during my periods, my body bloats beyond recognition and I just want to sleep. I probably should have done something by now but I keep hoping it will end soon
Post # 15
Member
5938 posts
Bee Keeper
lawandbeauty53: Good times LOL! I guess I’m lucky. I have a small family, but the women are open about their stuff. Plus all the sharing at work.
alamana: Yes, on the pee thing. Quite possibly it’s related to perimenopause. It also happens with women who have had hysterectomies. I think there might be a couple remedies out there. Boo. Sucks to be a woman sometimes. Men have it so easy.