cycle length changed/odd bleeding .......quite worried

[flirtygerty]

I'm 43. have been getting odd bleeding between periods - not loads but enough to be noticeable iyswim. cycle length is also changing - some months 28 days, some 21, then maybe 3 months without anything at all. Have been feeling a bit under the weather for a while but thought it was proably hormones/menopausal linked.I had a smear about 2 years ago which was fine but have manged to convince myslef courtesy of a bad nights sleep that it is cancer. Obviously can't do anything about it until monday at the earliest but can anyone help me get through the weekend?!!

Almost def.menopause! You should see your dr though as any mid cycle bleeding does need to be investigated. It could be a cervical or uterine polyp, but it moreliekly to be a dip in your hormones mid cycles.

I had that a few times- but very very slightly- when I was 48-ish. Only for a couple of cycles. I was told to keep a record and it didn't come back. However, I am sure it was hormonal.

Your changing cycle length and your lack of periods is a sing of menopuase- as you are under 45, you may be experiencing an early menopause, so you do need to see your dr and possibly ask for a referral to a gynae- as pre. meno can be linked to osteoporosis, and other nasties, so they might suggest HRT. Don't want to alarm you, but 43 is quite young for the meno- average age in UK is 51, and my periods stopped- or appear to have- at 53. I didn't miss any until I was 52, although my cycles got very short from 51 for a while- sometimes down to 18 days.

What you need is a full hormone profile to see what's going on.

Thanks VEM. My sensible head agrees with you - my irrational hypochondriac one always thinks of teh worst!

Agree with VEM. I am currently under investigation for early menopause symptoms and sound very similar to yours. I also have a cervical erosion which can cause intermittent bleeding.

I am under consultant as only 36 so very early for me

See your GP but do not over think things

Oh dear do try not to worry. Get along to the doctor and get this checked out. Lying in bed awake at night worrying and you'll convice yourself it's all sorts.

Here's me..I'm 44 and my periods are all over the place atm. Nothing for most of last year, now awful and heavy and not stopped for 6 weeks It's crazy and I hate it.

I saw the doctor and I'm having blood tests to check hormone levels atm. From that they can decide if you are perimenopausal. I don't think this is too usual though. I have other friends about our age with similar stories to tell.