[englishteacher]

I'm 42. I suffer from severe depression. I started my period on the first of march and it won't stop. I'm still crampy. It's just a trickle of blood when I go to the bathroom or just spotting, but I've always been a 4-6 day cycle. Could this be the onset of menapause, or just stress? Usually stress has the opposite effect - no period. Ladies who've been here already - help please.

[Shangrala]

Well....I'm not really certain about menopause, as I haven't really looked into it for myself...yet....but what I'm experiencing sure seems to point into that direction.

I'm 51, and my sysmptoms of premenopause began sometime last year.....i think? Depression definately set in. Lack of sex drive has been a serious result. I'm sure my hormones are in a complete anarchy of chaotic madness right about now, even though I'm not experiencing an uncontrollable emotional rollercoaster, I definately do show signs of drastic change in my overall behavior, with depression as a primary result.

About a year ago my period began to live a life of its own. Start and stop whenever it felt like it, sometimes months without in between, then return with a vengence, but vanish for a couple months again, (it's been gone for so many months now that I can only assume it wont return..tho wont surprise me if it does...lol).
I've had no other sysmptoms of menopause...no heat flashes, no emotional hell rides...just what seems to be some serious cycles of depression, (lifts forra while only to return again), and death of sex drive...which I missies....lol.

It's time I get into docs and get my blood tests in gear....see where my hormones are.....

Hope this helps some.

Shangrala

[englishteacher]

Well, I suppose it's helpful to know that I should be prepared for more depression...yippy. Same with me - no hot flashes, no emotional roller coaster - just my old buddy depression (except with really sharp teeth).

[Shangrala]

Originally Posted by englishteacher

Well, I suppose it's helpful to know that I should be prepared for more depression...yippy. Same with me - no hot flashes, no emotional roller coaster - just my old buddy depression (except with really sharp teeth).

Awww...I so know that one.
I've also noticed too...I've lost alot of energy....seems the simplest of tasks anymore take everything I've got to even attempt to start, (and finishing them now has become an 8th wonder..lol). I think my hormones must play a specific role in this change....so needta get to docs.

I wish you the best of luck....
Take good care~

Shangrala

[englishteacher]

Thanks Shangrala - I think a doc would be most helpful right now, but that's a different problem all together.

[Rhapsody]

I am one of those 42 years old that have already started the process to menopause and while it has been no parade for me (or my family) I will be glad when it is over - and with the way things are going this year just might be the year..... w00t w00t

[Michah]

I am in Perimenopause......and it sounds familiar. Please also get your thyroid checked as a malfunctioning thyroid can also effect menstrual patterns.

Please feel free to pick my brain. I am on HRT.

Take care and please see your gynea if you are concerned.

Michah

[englishteacher]

If it were only that simple...seeing a doc. Docs cost money. I don't have any to spare, not even for my health. I'd have to take something away from people I love to take care of myself. I'm losing weight - probably about 10 lbs in the last 2 weeks. I cramp constantly and I bleed and bleed and bleed. I think it might just be easier to continue to suffer silently and quit telling my husband about it because he just worries and there's nothing he can or will do about it.

[Rhapsody]

Do you have any medical places in your town that see's people on a sliding scale (based on income) and or have you called the local Health Department to see how much it would cost you to be seen there?

[englishteacher]

Yes, Rhapsody. We have those, but I make too much money for that and not enough to afford medical care.

Okay, it goeth like so: in your thirties (you didn't notice it,but it was happening) your eggs were in their thirties-you were beginning perimenopausal time-if you smoked, drank, or were overweight, you had had 2 or more kids in your 20's your bladder would piddle when you sneezed. Some women begin irregular periods at this time too--I did--when I least expected it I was elected it!

Now at, 42- you are definitely perimenopausal, you can expect the unexpected now.
Without the blood work-up from a Doctor-you won't know for sure how far along you are in menopause- full menopause or still running around it.

EnglishTeacher-you really have to do something to stem the bleeding--last post was March-so you must have done something by now. Worried there for a minute.

I was lucky-I was over and done with it all when I was 46-9 years ago--and i didn't have to suffer too much.
My mom (gone now) had it for ten years- depression, hot flashes, feelings of being overwhelmed, peeing her pants, suddenly getting her period, weakness,it was awful.

I was blessed--hope all of you are too--(((((hugs)))) to all

[Rhapsody]

Originally Posted by theodora

your bladder would piddle when you sneezed.

Couldn't help but laugh at this one due to the fact that every woman in her thirties that has had a child or two knows of this..... all to well.

I know I did - lol

[Perna]

I think it's a case of catching something when it's "smaller" or when it's major and life threatening. Either way you have to go to the doctor. The bleeding is not menopause (menopause is a one-time event, just means you have not had a period at all for 12 months).

The blood doesn't have to be female related, you could have a bladder infection or any number of other things with those symptoms and they don't just "go away". That you've had it so long makes it indeed look like another problem besides your period going astray.

I would go to the doctor's, an emergency room if you have to, someplace they'll bill you later and worry about the cost later. An unchecked, illness will make things much more complicated and expensive the longer it goes without care.

I agree with you Perna, and English Teacher hasn't posted about this problem since March--which is why, I realized , during my post that she'd probably settled the problem.
I didn't realize I was answering an old thread. I was really worried there, and going to say- "Get thee to the Hospital Woman!!!" This is not normal!!!---
Thanks Perna--Hugs to all us piddlers lol

[sunrise]

Originally Posted by englishteacher

I cramp constantly and I bleed and bleed and bleed. I think it might just be easier to continue to suffer silently and quit telling my husband about it because he just worries and there's nothing he can or will do about it.

Those symptoms sound scary--what if it was something really serious? I hope you and your H can somehow come up with the money for a visit to a gynecologist. Is there a community clinic you could go to? I don't know how those work--do you have to tell them your income? Maybe it's enough to be in need and not have health insurance?

How about this clinic? It says anyone can go there and what you pay is based on your ability to pay. It is designed for people with low income who do not qualify for medical assistance (the people who fall through the cracks--maybe you are in this group?)
http://www.caller.com/news/2008/apr/07/amistad_clinic

Good luck.

[BrokenNBeautiful]

I too have menstrual problems. I am also 42. I have months without it, months with 2 per's or just one heavy per for ten days. And it's heavy, too. Back in September, I had such a heavy one that I went thru a whole box of pads!

It stinks that you can't see a doctor.

My own health care is in jeopardy as well.

And I hate going to the gyn.

ty for sharing.

I am relieved that this isn't just me.

Billi