Still having periods at 56!

[alltheapples]

And having peri menopausal symptoms.
I am so fed up with this, I thought my periods would have stopped by now.
Anyone else still having them at this age.

really? oh fuck, I thought I'd be done by now (nearly 50) but not sure mentally I can do 6 more years.

I knew I should have paid for a hysterectomy in my early 20s.

Sadly yes, I turn 56 this year. Like you I thought that I would have finished with them now.

My mum was having them until 58 or 59 😭

Bloody hell 59!

Stopped about 52 ish with a random one every 4/5 months. Nothing after around 54.

I'm 55 next month and still having them. I had a more a coil and they pretty much finished but as it wore off periods came back, I've had another fitted but I'm now having a period every month. My sister is 59 and still regular, although with HRT. I'm expecting to go for a few years yet.

I'm 55 and on HRT so am having periods. Am totally fed up with it but the night sweats I was having before the HRT were absolutely horrendous

*mirena coil

Isn't there an HRT that stops them?

I'm 54 this year and still having them am on HRT. My gp is changing it this year and I was hoping it's one that doesn't give periods? As it's the progesterone part that does that.

Everyone else I know my age has not had any for years.

My last one was in December. I’m nearly 58. However, I am not convinced I’ve stopped totally. 45 years of periods so far.

I am overweight though (about 2.5 stone, somebody mentioned to me that might be why I am suffering late onset menopause).

My mum had them until her late 50s, she was very slim so not a weight thing, it didn't run in the family though because mine stopped in mid 40s,

I'm 59, and though I haven't had any actual bleeding since having the mirena coil fitted many years ago, I still get the symptoms of my period each month such as bloating, tiredness and insomnia.
I've never had HRT, and with the exception of feeling over warm occasionally, I've not suffered any hot flushes, yet I have a terrible brain fog, and I'm informed, irritable snappy moods.
So to summarise, I haven't got a clue, nor it seems, does my stupid body.

For those still having periods, it's because your ovaries are still releasing eggs and/or your FSH levels are still good. It is perfectly possible to menstruate regularly while experiencing other perimenopause symptoms/are taking HRT. This is your hormones are in flux and levels aren't stable in the way they were when you were younger.

@maddiemookins16mum Yes, weight can be a factor in a later menopause because oestrogen is held in fat cells. If you're over 50, you need a full year without a single period to have reached menopause. (For those under 50, it's two years).

@PutinNOnukin The things you describe are all perimenopause symptoms. Poor vasomotor function causes hot flushes and sweats in some, and in others, being hot all the time. HRT will help 'cool' you down and stop your brain fog and moods.

It is worth remembering that periemnopause is unique to the individual although many do experience the same symptoms.

I always wonder if those with PCOS will have periods for longer? I have PCOS and, until the last couple of years, my periods were incredibly irregular. I'd have one once every three or four months. When I was TTC our 3rd baby my egg reserve (can't remember what its called now) at 38 years old was similar to a 21 year old (or so said my gynae). Always made me wonder if I'd go through the menopause late because I still have more eggs than I should have? Do you have PCOS @alltheapples?

I was 58 when I had my last period, by which time I had pretty much given up hope that they would stop. I had been in peri for 18 years, was massively anaemic and was being to,d by GPS and hospital that this was all 'normal'.

Also still using contraception!
I know it is unlikely, but giving birth at 57 would be a nightmare.

I’m 50 and still have them. Not particularly heavy, tbf but still happening. I remember missing a month around 45 and thinking that was the end of them. I was a bit upset about it.

@MorganBrocklehurst I can't have HRT due to severe hypertension. I don't have hot flushes as such, I just feel a bit warm every now and again, maybe once a month.

@PutinNOnukin

The warmth of which you speak is caused by an unbalance of hormones. HRT has come on a long way, and there possibly is a combination that will work for you. You would be best off speaking to a specialist like Louise Newson, indeed, she's even written about HRT and hypertension

Hardly any periods between approx 34 and 48. Then regular as clockwork every month from 48 to 56. Not very much "activity" in the months since turning 56, but I'm still not entirely convinced it's all over - sadly!

I was having periods at 56/57. Only a hysterectomy stopped them.

Prior to the op, my gynae surgeon asked if I would be interested in having my ovaries and cervix removed at the same time for preventative reasons. I hummed and haahed a bit and he said brightly, 'let's do a hormone test!'

(I think this was to prove my ovaries were fucked and useless, and I'd have a reading of about 100.)

The FSH count came back as 13. Basically, fertile.

I did have the full op in the end; but with guaranteed HRT immediately after.*

*which my ridiculous GP keeps trying to block access to, the twat.

@Sansucre I'll take the advice from my GP who specialises in menopause and my consultant.
I don't fancy another stroke.

Almost 55 and still having periods which last for 2 weeks, no pain at least. Two years ago I had flooding (super heavy periods) for about 6 months. That was the worst part of menopause for me. Would love them to stop or even have one month break! I think we not the norm but equally it’s not unheard of.