No periods do I need to visit the doctor?

[kissmelittleass]

I haven't had a period since mid October no other symptoms really so not sure whether I should bother the doctor with this or wait a bit longer? I don't know what he can do anyway? I'm 48 and had regular periods until my last one in October, about 2-3 years ago I had a pattern of periods getting heavier with big clots at times and back then they could come every 2 weeks or every 6 weeks. My periods then went back to normal and continued like this until now, it seems silly to bother the doctor without any real symptoms.

[PollyPerky]

No you don't. Menopause can happen anytime between 45-55 (average is 52) so unless you want help with HRT or have flooding etc no need to see your dr. You may well find the stop-start pattern goes on for much longer- that's normal!

[GertyTheGert]

Just to reassure, yes this is all totally normal - you dont need a Dr luckily - its the usual pattern of the menopause. I agree with PollyPerky, only if you encounter "problems" do you need the GP. Huzzzzzarrrrrr!

[kissmelittleass]

Is this the peri-menopause stage then? how do you know when your in fully blown menopause? I'm clueless about all this but I'm quite enjoying not having periods for a few months I'm just worried I'll be out one day and I'll get the mother of all periods!

[PollyPerky]

Have a good read of this site //www.menopausematters.co.uk
Written by Dr Heather Currie, Chairman of the BMS.

Post meno is when you got for 12 months with no period.

Peri can continue for a long time. It's the slow wind down from monthly periods to irregular ones then none at all.

[ladybirdpoppy]

Hi, like you I have had no period since October, I am 45. I went for a smear test last week and mentioned it to the nurse, she said unless it is affecting you daily let nature take its course. I could have blood tests done to check hormone levels but these ideally should be done in specific days if your cycle which is difficult as not got a clue. I have no other symptoms, not pregnant either as done 6 tests!

[Okite]

I've had completely irregular periods for over a year now (previously totally regular) and all the gp does is the hormone blood test which comes back fine and that's it. I'm under 45 so it should be investigated in case I need hrt but nothing much happens. i don't think they'd be at all interested if I were over 45.

[kissmelittleass]

Thanks for replies, still no period but since the weekend after going to the toilet for a wee! there is a brownish watery blood on tissue after wiping but this is only ever on the tissue and never gets heavy to stain underwear. TMI sorry I presume its old blood? and wondering if this is normal? I also have had a few left sided aches/pains started at the same time but they come and go.

[PollyPerky]

It sounds like a very light period. I had these at 53 as my periods were coming to an end.

At this stage you have to accept that you might get all sorts- light periods, short cycles, long cycles, heavy periods and all of them together!