No period for 8 weeks. Not pregnant. Do I need to see GP?

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I'm 44.

Been having slightly peri-menopausal symptons for the last year to 18 months I reckon - anxiety attacks, weird periods (duration and intensity). But mostly they've happened somewhere between 25 - 35 days.

But my last one started on 18th August (I remember because we were on holiday) and I haven't had one since. That's 8 weeks ago.

I think last month I had PMT type symptons (sore breasts etc) but then no period.

I'm definitely not pregnant.

Just wondered whether I need to see a GP, or just hang on and see what happens?
I feel generally OK.

Could no periods mean anything more serious?
What would a GP do anyway? What would she check for?

Mine seems dead keen for me to have the Mirena coil (which I don't want) so I'm worried she'd likely be a bit pro HRT too...

You can have a menopause test - I had one 3years ago (I was 46). Mine came out negative and then I had a miscarriage. I couldn't have been pregnant either. My advice would be see your doctor - or at least take a test. I ended up off work for 10 days after it all didn't totally come out and I had an infection and then had to go for surgical intervention.

Best to be careful.

I disagree. Do a PG test if any chance.
otherwise- no need to see dr.

Menopause happens between 45-55 usually and the wind down can take 10 years.

You have actually only missed 1 period which is no cause for concern at any age unless you are pregnant.

Menopause tests are uselss most of the time- your hormones are all over the place during peri so they only measure the levels on that day.

Why does your dr want you to have a Mirena- for contraception or to make your periods lighter?

I'd suggest you hang on and see what happens- more than likely this is going to be a pattern for many years to come!

I think you need to have gone without a period for at least a year before it is decided that you have reached the menopause.

The average age of menopause is 52 - so you are a bit young. I would probably go and see your GP just for reassurance, but otherwise, what else do you want/are you planning to do?

It is an entirely natural process.

That's right- menopause is not defined until you have not had a period for 1 year , then you are classed as menopausal or post menopausal.

Average age of meno is 51-52, but that is average- it is in fact anywhere between 45-56.

It is rare for periods to stop abruptly- what tends to happen is that your cycles become irregular/longer bleeding/shorter bleeding and you miss some- anything from a month to 12 months before you have another one!

Many of my friends in their 50s are having periods 6-12 months apart.

If you have a really long gap it might be worth seeing your GP as early meno is classed as before 45- and then you need to think about HRT until you are 50 as you will be at greater risk for osteoporosis and heart disease. But what is more likely is that this will continue for 4-5 years bringing you into the normal age for meno.

The website wwww.menopausematters.co.uk is good.

www.menopausematters.co.uk