Page 4 | When do you start menopause?

Seafog · 2021-03-27T23:46:00+00:00

My mum had regular periods until 58, and sporadic ones until 60 (last one started on 60th b-day). I had an ablation in 2013 so no period since, but have begun spotting, in a regular cycle over the last few months. I'm 43, and hoped I'd just slip into the menopause before my uterus decided to reboot...

user1471538283 · 28/03/2021 21:36

My periods were a little irregular for a couple years. My last was when I was 50. I was ok with the menopause until I was 52 and then I had mood swings, night sweats and brain fog. I went onto HRT and it saved me.

So that's 39 sodding years of periods!

Brownlongearedbat · 28/03/2021 22:40

I started with the hot flushes at 42 and had my last period at 47. I was mighty pleased to see the back of them.

Floralnomad · 28/03/2021 22:44

I’m nearly 55 and absolutely no sign of a menopause ,can’t wait .

PrincessNutNuts · 28/03/2021 22:48

The average age of menopause is 51 I keep reading.

MondeoFan · 28/03/2021 22:52

I had a baby at 43 and breasted for 4 years. I'm 49 now. Still regular periods, no peri menopause I don't think. Maybe having a baby later in life has staved it off?

SarahAndQuack · 28/03/2021 23:09

I was told by the consultant treating me for fertility issues that it's strongly heritable, but they think it has to do with when your periods stop being regular (if, of course, they ever were). My mum had periods well into her 50s, which isn't late for menopause, but she was having regular periods until nearly 50, and apparently that is quite late.

She had the most horrific menopause so I sincerely hope I dodge a bullet!

SarahAndQuack · 28/03/2021 23:10

I also want to say - there's fuck all research into menopause and women's reproductive health in general, compared with most other health issues, so while I really respect the few researchers who work in this area, it's pretty clear we need more information.

Floralnomad · 29/03/2021 00:20

@SarahAndQuack

I was told by the consultant treating me for fertility issues that it's strongly heritable, but they think it has to do with when your periods stop being regular (if, of course, they ever were). My mum had periods well into her 50s, which isn't late for menopause, but she was having regular periods until nearly 50, and apparently that is quite late.

She had the most horrific menopause so I sincerely hope I dodge a bullet!

Well I’m still having regular periods so my menopause will probably be when I’m in my 60s then .

justjuggling · 29/03/2021 01:00

I started peri menopause in mid 30s and was all done and dusted by 42. My mum, grandma, aunt and sister were very similar.

caringcarer · 29/03/2021 01:12

I had perimenopause from about 44 and it was horrible. Flooding so bad I had to change my supper plus plus tampon and large pad every 30 mins. Periods would only last 3-4 days but felt like I lost 7 days worth of blood in 3 1/2 days. Dreadful migraine headaches too. Finally went through menopause at 52. Only had hot flushes and other symptoms from 50. For me when the flooding stopped I felt relieved as very difficult when teaching as can't just walk out of classroom and leave kids. When going through flooding stage I had to take 2 days off work a couple of times. My older sisters all had their menopause between 50 and 54.

bruffin · 29/03/2021 06:43

@caringcarer
I had the same problems at 42 except periods were really painful and no migraine.i had endometrial cysts .which i think were bursting every few months.
I was given progesterone and instead of feeling rotten for 2 days a month I felt awful for 10 days, which is why i was reluctant to take any more hormone treatments

Frazzledd · 29/03/2021 07:39

I'm really starting to think this is happening to me. I'm having night sweats, insomnia, bleeding heavily every two weeks,. overly emotional (not usual for me but have been through alot recently)....

I'm seeing a gynaecologist for a couple of reasons (my youngest is 2, EMCS where they've cut through nerves on extension so been in a huge amount of pain since, had adhesions removed at the end of last year also, cysts and pelvic fluid removal...long story...).

I'm 41, he dismissed menopause (I did ask) as I was 'too young' but reading this I'm really questioning that now.

I'm having an ablation soon to control the bleeding,

I'm also getting these painful spots on my face (haven't suffered with skin problems before ever, he's said these are due to hormones...??) so why not menopause? Should I bring it up again with him? Did anyone have skin changes too? That'll just be another tick box....?

Confused....(that's a sign too right!!??)

Delatron · 29/03/2021 08:18

I think many GPs can be dismissive. How can they not know peri menopause can last for 10 years so of course late 30s/early 40s is not too young to start to have symptoms?

My Mum went through a premature menopause aged 40. It was horrific for her. I remember her continually coming back from the doctors in tears saying they just wouldn’t believe or listen to her.

She eventually got HRT but her experience wasn’t great. You’d hope we’d some progress in this area in the last 30 years but many GPs are clueless. I think it’s always worth pushing to see someone who specialises in this area.

Donatella · 29/03/2021 08:57

That sounds promising, thanks! I'm 41, due for a mirena change this year, and I think the nurse said last time I had a smear that they would leave this one in for 10 years rather than 5 and then it should hopefully see me through menopause (I might be wrong about that though)

Donatella · 29/03/2021 08:59

That was to @dramaalpaca, it didn't let me quote when the post already contained a quote

Frazzledd · 29/03/2021 09:34

@Delatron thanks for your post! Who should I be looking for that specialises in this? I would have thought a gynaecologist?

If I do get a diagnosis for peri I'd reconsider the hysterectomy, it'd solve a mountain of problems and it seems the only reason for him not doing is the early (ish) menopause.

Delatron · 29/03/2021 12:41

I think gynaecologist yes. I got some good names of specialists on another thread. I think the menopause board is good for who who you need to see and ask to be referred to.

DramaAlpaca · 29/03/2021 16:17

@Donatella

That sounds promising, thanks! I'm 41, due for a mirena change this year, and I think the nurse said last time I had a smear that they would leave this one in for 10 years rather than 5 and then it should hopefully see me through menopause (I might be wrong about that though)

Hopefully it will @Donatella.

I was keeping my fingers firmly crossed when I had mine out, just in case I wasn't out the other side even though I was fairly sure I was.

QueenofGallifrey · 08/04/2021 23:07

I started the menopause last year when I was 40, and it’s hell

When do you start menopause?

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