Help - Pregnant or Menopause?

[Oneeata]

Advice/insight needed...
I'm 42, periods as regular as clockwork and I'm 10 days late. Have never used contraception for well over 15 years (withdrawal) I know, I know, I know it's not impossible and really need to take a test but it's just I suppose I'm just kind of in a not knowing/denial state of mind. I've had my usual pre period issues, felt crampy but no sore/achy boobs (which is my main symptom) I'm not stressed out out, have no health issues, have put a little weight on during lockdown - who hasn't 🤷🥰, only issue I'm having at the moment is broken sleep.
I haven't told DH I'm late (it's his birthday today anyway so don't think that would go down well as he blows out his candles) I just don't know if I'm too old to get pregnant or too young to be the start of Menopause. It's 24 years since my last pregnancy and I can't recall my early symptoms at all. Any kind words of encouragement or comfort appreciated 😌

I've used the withdrawal method for years too. If I were you I'd get a test ASAP.

Critical and unhelpful?
She's a 40 something year old woman asking strangers on the internet if she could be pregnant after having sex with a somewhat laissez faire attitude to contraception.
What replies were expected?
That being said, I hope she gets whatever result she wants.

Hope you get the result you want op x

Not pregnant...
Finished work at 6 nipped to shops, spent £19 on a test, got home legged it up stairs to take it and low and behold had already come on. I took it anyway - negative.
I can only apologise if I came across like I was asking the obvious.
As for contraception, we have no issues using withdrawal and have never been "caught up in the moment" as it were. DH is a mega doctor/hospital aphobe so vasectomy is out of the question - we're happy with our choice and are aware of possible consequences.
I suppose I just got caught up in my own head as just felt so strange being so late, like I said I'm usually like clockwork - never been more than a day late.
Thanks

Hooray! That's made my day. Congratulations on not having a baby!

Well done!

Glad you got the result you wanted. £19 for a test
We should probably have been kinder, like you say your head must have been all over the place.
It might be a good time to review things though if your cycle is starting to become less predictable?

Thanks OP for coming back and letting us know.

Menopause doesn't come on in a fortnight. Perimenopause is a different matter but even that doesn't come on in a fortnight
It was obvious that OP was referring to the start of the menopausal process, ie. perimenopause when referring to the menopause as a possible explanation for a late period when otherwise clockwise.

Perimenopause can very much start as cycles getting longer to start or just irregular, and 42 is not exceptional late. Some women will be in perimenopause for 10 years before going through 12 months without a period, ie. menopause.

OP, it could be a one off, a luteal cyst. I had this twice, which was very confusing as my temperature stated elevated during all this time, a normally clear sign of pregnancy.

It could be a one off, stress you might not have been aware if, or indeed, the very start of the perimenopause.

Glad you got the result you wanted OP.
I would have been surprised if you were pregnant, given your history.
I'm coming up on 49 in a month here and from about 42 onwards, I'd get the occasional missed period or late period. You'll find that you will go through some mild, perimenopausal changes throughout your 40s. It's all fun and games! But £19 for a test? Was it flecked with gold dust? I hope party streamers popped out of it!

Advice please: I’m 44. It’s been 50 days since my last period. Zero symptoms of pregnancy. Have had irregular periods for about 6 months now, but have always come on by about day 45. I’m really unsure what to do, concerned that it’s just needless worrying & I’m just perimenopause. Other element is my husband has fertility issues & Drs said it’d be a miracle if we ever conceived so never used contraception. Took a few pregnancy tests previously when late, all negative. I know people will say I’m being ridiculous, but just don’t want to take another test just to be told no, and feel just as bad as too old for even the possibility now. Someone talk some sense into me please.

@AnnaJCG it may be worth you starting a fresh thread as this is an old thread now, you may get better support. I will say though that if you're nearly 2 months late then you should get a test.

Thank you. And I have just done that!

I know someone who had a baby naturally at 52😳 however my first sign of perimenopause was a 10 week gap between periods at 43🤷

I know someone who had a baby naturally at 52

Are you sure?

@HeidiHaughton
Hilarious!

Started a new thread, not a test-yet!

have a friend that went to see GP at 50 with menopausal symptoms.
she was pregnant.
do a test