[DanceEngine7]

What age is it normal to miss a period as you are approaching menopause. I have been regular for years and wonder if it is menopause or if it is stress? I have been under stress and have been very depressed.

Mine was 46, it took over a year for anything to show up on blood tests.

[DesigningWoman]

Mine got irregular at 38 but my ob gyn is pretty sure it's not menopause. Just my cycle going wonky. It could possibly be all the meds i have been on for a long time. My family gets menopause very late. I think it can widely vary.

[winter loneliness]

I didn't have a period for years when I was using an IUD. Then after removal i have been having sporadic periods or spotting. I am almost 53.

[Artchic528]

Menopause can start at any time, really. My mother had early onset menopause at 38-40 years of age and my doctor said I'm most likely going to follow suit.

[lizardlady]

I started missing periods when I was 38. Scared the crap out of me at first because I was afraid I was pregnant. Finished menopause at 42.

[-jimi-]

Hope it's OK I jump in here. It is so weird to hear people having skipped periods or menopause so early. Maybe because my mom had natural periods until she was about 50 or a little more, so I thought that was the average. I am 48 and I live in the lovely land of estrogen dominance, which happens before estrogen gets really low, but progesteron already got low. So any food or natural medication to raise estrogen would just make me worse. Trying chaste tree because it seems the only over the country stuff here to raise progesteron.

I started notice drawing closer to menopause at around 44 when periods came closer to each other but at the same time lasted shorter as well. Part from that a little hormonal headache sometimes. No big deal.

48 and in estrogen dominance hell. It leads to things like nausea, night sweats and heavy and/or prolonged menses with a lot of clotting. It's really disgusting, seriously. I heard this stage can last 10 years! Also it increases the chance of stroke by blood clots. Why thanks.

I'm told that if a period lasts longer than 14 days or is especially heavy, one must get progesteron pills for a while. Ugh. I'm not sure I'd like that. But you can't bleed to death either I guess.

So you guys who already went through this, how long does this last before the menstruations space out and stop? Cuz I'm so done with this.

I have never skipped in my adult years yet. Only did when I was a teen, at times. So that's that. Tell me it will start soon.... So answer here 48, never skipped a period.

[lizardlady]

Jimi, your mom was more typical. 38 is really early for menopause. I think estrogen dominance lasted about two years for me. You're right it's horrible. I hope it ends soon for you.

For anyone dealing with menopause I highly recommend the book "The Pause". Sorry don't remember the author's name. The book talks in understandable language about what's going on in your body. It also gives useful, practical ideas for dealing with the effects of menopause.

So you guys who already went through this, how long does this last before the menstruations space out and stop? Cuz I'm so done with this.

You might want to look into progesterone creme. This works well for me. I don't even need to take it all that often. Just a little bit seems to spur my body back into normal balance. I use the Emerta off amazon.

Just so you know there is a blood test that will tell you if you are really heading toward menopause. It is the FSH test. For months now I have been suffering and my FSH test kept coming back normal. But recently I had terrible pains in my abdomen and I went to the doctor and finally, my FSH test came back very high. Too high to just be a fluke. The doctor said that is a sign I am not producing estrogen and menopause could be near. But as she said, there is just no way to know for sure, but this is a concrete sign that I am heading that way.

[healingme4me]

My maternal grandmother says that she was in her late 30s/early 40s and done with menopause, which is possible. My mom was in her early 50s by the time she began menopause. I remember her surprise and a conversation about the doctor putting her back on the pill as she remarried that women can bear children at 50.
My paternal gram had had a hysterectomy in her early 40s.
So, it seems really tough to pinpoint what's the approximate age for each person. Just when I begin to wonder about perimenopause for myself, nothing. I'm curious for myself because "they say" that it can release my dormant illness. So I'd like to guess when and if my health crisis may(or may not) arrive care of this stage of life.

[*Laurie*]

Stress can definitely alter periods.

My periods were perfectly regular until I was 53. Between 52-53 they were somewhat lighter and shorter. During my 53rd year, periods just stopped.

[possum220]

What ever the reason and whatever your age maybe it's time to get a check up by your medical professional.

What's the deal with hot flashes? Why do women in menopause get them? I don't know much about menopause, would like to know more. I mean, it's gonna happen for me someday.

Originally Posted by starrysky

What's the deal with hot flashes? Why do women in menopause get them? I don't know much about menopause, would like to know more. I mean, it's gonna happen for me someday.

I believe it is due to sudden hormone changes which can play havoc with your temperature system. But unless I am unaware... I don't think I have gotten this symptom ever so not everyone will suffer the same symptoms.

[-jimi-]

48 still and I missed! Never thought it would happen. But I feel if it does this on and off now... how the heck will I know if I risk starting a period? How can I travel? (I get really sick and have to stay home cuz i puke and such).

Originally Posted by -jimi-

48 still and I missed! Never thought it would happen. But I feel if it does this on and off now... how the heck will I know if I risk starting a period? How can I travel? (I get really sick and have to stay home cuz i puke and such).

Welcome to the party pal.

Sorry to say you won't know. I now travel with a pad in my purse and usually black slacks. Though you might find your periods easier -- mine are getting lighter and less crampy.

[splitimage]

I don't really know when I started menopause, because I was put on risperidone and it really messed up my periods. I'd go incredibly long periods between them. I do know I had my last period at 42, and I'm 49 now. I got off lucky in the menopause department. No hot flashes, no symptoms really. The only thing I really hate is the accompanying increase in really annoying facial hair.

splitimage

[benzenering]

I'm 48 1/2 and still perfectly regular...wish they'd go away, they are very heavy and painful!!!!

[Albatross2008]

Perimenopause has been going on for years with me. I can't say how many years, though, because I was irregular even in my 20's and 30's. Near as they can tell, stress was the reason. I started getting regular, ironically, *after* I had my tubes tied in my mid-30's. Late 40's, I went to having them every two or three months, and then once or twice a year. Now I'm 53, and the last one I had was right after my birthday. It was like, "Welcome to age 53. Guess what you're still having?" But I haven't had one since, and I'll be 54 in three months. I can only hope it was my last.

I'm 48. I missed two periods the year I was 46. but the year I was 47, and so far this year, I've had a period each and every month

[MidnightSparrow]

..............

[HALLIEBETH87]

I have polycystic ovarian syndrome
So I miss all the time when I'm
Not on birth control. I went six months once
Without a period

[technigal]

Originally Posted by Emily Fox Seaton

I believe it is due to sudden hormone changes which can play havoc with your temperature system. But unless I am unaware... I don't think I have gotten this symptom ever so not everyone will suffer the same symptoms.

You would know if you have suffered a hot flash.

[technigal]

I will be 49 in a few months. I have not missed a period because I am still on birth control pills for my PCOS. I really want to have a hysterectomy as I also have endometriosis and my periods are super heavy and painful. Trying to get a referral to a GYN.

[-jimi-]

The weird kind of heavy periods you can get during estrogen dominance I noticed will be normalized by just 3 teaspoons a day from Vitex seeds. They add enough progesterone like substances to balance you. A lovely herb!