Have I started the menopause? :(

[PermaShattered]

Would really appreciate advice on something which is new to me! I'm 42, have four children (youngest 20m) and have always had very light periods that have caused me few problems.

I'm still breastfeeding - which stops my periods completely for about 14 months after delivery, and they restarted about 5m ago. But they are now very heavy, and sometimes 3 wks apart - or more than a month. The last one was more than 6 weeks ago. Have done 2 negative preg tests to rule out that issue!

But i have also been having night sweats for weeks, nearly every night.

And the latest symptom is - over the last few days occasionally i'm suddenly getting very hot and sweaty. Doesn't last long - seconds really, no more than a minute.

Does this sound like i'm entering the menopause? Thanks in advance :)

[Amerryscot]

I am 47 and have similar symptoms. Mine are very erratic - AF gone for 8 months, then back for a few months every 3 weeks, sometimes light, sometimes Niagara Falls. Repeat the next year or two.

[FlyOverTheMistletoe]

Yes that sounds like it. A trip to the gp, and blood test will confirm. It gets much worse (well not for everyone) my hormones drove me nuts - so for me it was hrt all the way. (I am sure some people will tell you hrt is the work of the devil - but it works for me)

[PermaShattered]

Thanks both, that helps! It does make me feel old though - the thought of going through the menopause :( What's suprised me is the speed of it really.... Right, i'd best get an appointment at the docs then!

[Missbopeep]

Hopefully your GP will know what to do- one blood test is no good because your hormones fluctuate from hour to hour in peri. You should have 1 test on day 3 and the next after day 14.

If you are haing an early meno ( now classed as under 47) then you really should be offered HRT to protect your bones and cardio vascular- at least until you are 51.

Loads of info here //www.menopausematters.co.uk

[FlyOverTheMistletoe]

Perma you are a springchicken. You are only old when you think old voting for protecting your bones, that was why I opted for hrt - luckily it also stopped me argueing with myself in an empty room - ALL THE FUCKING TIME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! now its all just