Longer than normal period in my 40s

[ienjoyeatingcake]

Hello, I’m on 12 day of my period. It was the normal 5 days, then stopped for about a day, then started again, heavyish, for a few days, then stopped briefly, now back again, not super heavy, but definitely not just spotting. So 12 days in total now. Could this just be a thing that happens in your 40’s (I’m 42) or should I be concerned? It has never happened before. I had a CA 125 test done in July last year, all normal, and a cervical smear in November last year, was also normal (negative for HPV).
I am seeing a doctor on Friday, but thought I would ask if anyone else in their 40’s had weird long periods like this, and did it come to anything bad?
Thank you.
xxx

Yes. At a similar age. Periods, previously very regular, just went haywire during peri. I once had two 10 day long periods in a month. Another time, whilst on progesterone only pill, I bled solidly, bar two days, for 5 & 1/2 months. It was hell!

Oh yes totally normal

Welcome to perimenoupause!

That's what peri was like for me about the same age
All done and dusted by 46 thankfully

Ah ok, just wanted to know if I needed any investigating! Oh that really sucks. I'm having night sweats too and am really tired - is that all peri menopause too?

Yep. The exhaustion starts in peri, I’ve no idea if it ever ends for some women. I had a hysterectomy, so surgical menopause, and my tiredness hasn’t ever improved tbh.
Night sweats are definitely normal for peri. If you have an up to date GP, or a good HRT nurse at the surgery, it would be worth a chat. The sweats at least do get better on HRT.

I have periods like this, from age 39 to now 43. It’s soooo annoying. Luckily the last 8 days are very light so I just wear period pants. My GP says to get a Mirena coil which I am dithering about. The pill made it worse.

Yes, mine can last about 12-15 days now, when they used to be 3-4 days. I'm 47, night sweats, tiredness, forgetfulness, total brain fog, but still a bit wary of asking GP for HRT 😕

Hi girls, glad I came on here. I thought I was the only one!
ienjoyeatingcake - How long did your last? Mine is heavy, med, than on and off spotting, pink colour. 2 1/2 weeks. I wonder if I should see my GP, but I have booked to see a Menopause nurse in and I am going to ask her about it.
Anyone had usual than normal periods?
Thanks.

Hi there! It stopped after about 14 days. I have also been having awful night swears. I talked to the doctor and am now getting a blood test to check for menopause, but I suspect as the others suggested that it's peri menopause. The doctor said long or short periods are not usually a concern, it's things like spotting in between periods that might need further investigating. How old are you btw? Xx

Christ and I thought 14 days was bad! ☹️

Did it lead straight to the menopause at 46 then? Xx

I can't have HRT unfortunately, as we have a strong family history of breast cancer. It's a shame.

No- all in all it took about 6 years, there were a few months that I did pregnancy tests even tho DH had already had a vasectomy 😂

Mine did that a couple of times, in my late 40s. Had a couple of three week periods, although no other symptoms. I didn't reach menopause until a decade later though! I bled for three months straight with the Mirena, I don't recommend!

HI all, I'm much older, 53. Still having periods and patiently waiting for it to end. 😠Too many symtoms this year, hormones up and down. 😩
I wish I was a guy!

So I've had the results for the test, and doc wants to talk to me about it but can't get a call with him for another couple of weeks. Anyone want to take a stab at what this means? Am I going to have an early menopause at 42?! I have posted a separate thread with the results, to get more traffic, but if any of you guys know that would be great.

Had the worst night sweat yet last night!! 😫

Results

Ah, peri. When it started I didn't realise what it was. I had a scary heavy but short period - just gushing but only for about 3 days.

That was back when I was 39 or 40. I thought it was just a post-partum thing since my younger DD was a toddler. Periods carried on regularly with the occasional heavy, short one. My most noticeable symptom was cotton mouth - went on for YEARS.

But even at 52, I'm still not properly in menopause (technical definition is not having a period for 12mos; the longest I've gone without is 6mos)

My neighbour GP advises that HRT has changed a lot so press your GP about it because there may be options despite your family history.

Thank you, I will talk to the doctor about HRT should I ever need it. Thanks for your comments xx