Assumed it was perimenopause but could I be pregnant?!

[tumpymummy]

Periods have been erratic over the past few years and I have been having periods of hot flushes over the last year so I assumed I was perimemopausal. I'm 49. Haven't had a period for 5 months and have been experiencing weight gain. This weekend I suddenly realised last time DH and I had sex was also 5 months ago, so what if I am pregnant and not menopausal?!? Help I really do not want a baby! My kids are teenagers. Finally plucked up the courage to do a pregnancy test this morning and the stupid thing hasn't worked. Think i wee'd on it too much. I don't feel pregnant, but my stomach looks as though I could be! I've always been slim but have it on weight recently. I know I need to buy another pregnancy test but read in my internet searches today that sometimes menopause can make pregnancy tests show positive? Should I go to the doctor instead? I won't get an appointment for a few weeks.

[Shemozzle]

Eek! Fairly positive menopause wouldn't invalidate a pregnancy test. Go and buy another and come back and tell us right away.

[TrainedGiant]

This happened to my SiL. She had three teenagers and was in her late 40s. Assumed her periods had stopped for the menopause and then discovered she was six months pregnant! In her case it worked out well as the baby is much loved and she has three enthusiastic live-in babysitters.

Do another test. Menopause won't invalidate it.

[PollyPerky]

The bottom line is if you have had sex with no use of contraception ( you haven't said either way) the yes you could be pregnant.
Did you not know that you need 2 years of no periods at all (under the age of 50) before you can ditch birth control?

If you are 5 months pregnant surely you'd have felt the baby moving and had other signs like bigger / sore boobs etc?

Do another test. If you are still uncertain then go to your local FPA clinic or another well-woman clinic.

[tumpymummy]

Sex five months ago was protected with a condom. Having said that it might have been past it's best before date as sexlife is not prolific! Have been with hubby for 25 years and have teenage kids! I'm thinking that by 5 months I would be fatter and boobs tender (which they're not) so really hoping that weight gain is menopausal and not a baby. Can't get out at the moment to buy another test!

[MyOtherProfile]

Yikes. Mind you chances of being preg at your age with a condom are pretty slim but not nonexistent

[Dorje]

I think a trip to your GP is in order. You need a blood test and ultrasound.

Don't want to alarm you but it could be any number of things, including ovarian cancer!

Do get a doctor's appointment without delay and let us know if you like

[tumpymummy]

Ok, good news is that I relooked at pregnancy test this afternoon and some of wee has obviously evaporated (think I flooded it this morning!) and now the control line is showing and nothing else so hopefully that means I'm not pregnant. (I know I should really do another to double check as hours later test might not be accurate). So bad news is that I now have to google ovarian cancer! I'm sure I'm just getting fat because my metabolism has slowed down.

[Dorje]

Seriously, tumpymummy, go to your doctor, and stop looking for answers on the internet.
Good luck.

[tumpymummy]

Appointment booked for next week (earliest I could get)

[tumpymummy]

So, update is that I'm now worried I have ovarian cancer. Did another pregnancy test which also came back negative. Went to the doctor last week who examined my stomach and she didn't think I was pregnant, so at least that can be ruled out now. However she has now sent me for blood tests and next week I am booked to have a trans-vaginal scan. In the meantime I have also had a prolapse of my uterus. I had a busy day with lots of activity and walking, and I got a big scare when in the evening I realised I could feel 'extra' down there. Since then I have been religiously doing pelvic floor exercises, so that seems to have helped the prolapse. I now have an appointment to see the doctor on Tuesday to discuss blood results and prolapse. In the meantime I am trying to keep busy to keep my mind off the waiting, but it is hard when I am worried. One of my best friends has cancer at the moment, so I now cant believe it might also be happening to me. The weird thing is that apart from the worry I actually feel fine. My only real issue is that my stomach is bloated.

[Dorje]

I am glad you've gone to your doctor.

The tests and scans will illuminate your position.

Fwiw, I know it's easy to freak out until the tests are done and results are in.

Please remember, just because your friend has got cancer does not mean you have it. Seriously. Tell yourself that. You are not the same person in the same body just because you are friends.

Wishing you health!