Is this the start of the peri-menopause? TMI Warning.

[ScarahStratton]

Normally I have nice, light, regular periods. No cramping, no pain or bloating (I know, I've been incredibly fortunate).

This month I am having the period from hell. Very heavy, feel like I've put on 2 stone in as many days, and absolutely horrific cramps that nothing is shifting.

I've spent hours in a steaming hot bath today, and just want to crawl into bed with a big mug of tea and LittleDog to cuddle.

I'm 44.

Could be or it maybe just one of those wierd periods.

Note any differences over the next few months and if you are still concerned I would ask for a hormone level check at your gp surgery.

Hope you feel better soon.

I've had weirdness too. 15 days into my cycle I started again, then a day later it stopped. Now I've got PMT and want to kill someone, but no sign of a period yet. Day 32 now. I'm too fucking young to be menopausal, I'm 41 for fuck's sake! [hangry]

I got checked out last year for this - had a whole heap of blood tests to check why I was so tired all the time, periods became hit and miss and the HEAT!!!

All came back as ok, but I still get the heat especially at night - there are times I sleep on top of the duvet with a very thin sheet for cover as that is all I can stand.

I'm only 38, so not too sure what is going on, but I do think that diet and alcohol excerrbate the symptons, for example if I have a few drinks then the 'night heat' gets worse.

Ah Celia, I've never had the Rage, and I was going to say I wasn't feeling Rageous this time, but I had the Rage last night on that television thread. It bugged me. I hardly ever get bugged by threads, but I wanted to shake the OP until her teeth rattled.

Thanks Thingumy, I've not had a period like this ever. It's awful and I don't know how women put up with this every month.

I too get the night heat thing. Like you said witchy it is worse if I have had a drink or two, but it also happens a week before my period. My periods are really, really light, perhaps because I run a lot, but I have started to get the cramps, just like being a teenager again but without the acne.

I am a serious RAGER. It seems to have got worse over the last couple of years. Perhaps I need to go and see someone, but what can be done, really??

I'm not really getting the heat. But I'm not a cold person anyway, I only ever need a really thin duvet at the most.

I'd rather see if there's any supplements that would help first.

Can I just ask,does the length of numerous cycles have a bearing on if menopause is nigh? I am 48,and here are my last 8 cycles:
38 days
23 days
39 days
20 days
20 days
26 days
47 days (bliss!)
30 days
As you can see,I am getting caught out all the time,at work,in Tescos. [hblush]. Other symptoms are really tired,raging PMT (but just for 2 days),and weirdly indigestion which could be because I am a greedy cow.
Should I have a blood test? [hsmile]

Crazynanna, your cycle is looking a lot like mine. I used to be as regular as clockwork and now it's ranging anywhere from 20 days up to 50 this last time. The PMT is dreadful and they are horribly heavy and painful. I presume menopause but probably should go and get checked out. I'm 47.

Thanks Whippoorwhill I think I will. I just wish it would all just make up it's mind.

I have a heavy messy period every 15-18 days and if I'm not up on a manslaughter charge VERY soon I will be amazed. Am awaiting hormone results from blood test

I'm 41 1/2 btw

CrazyNanna - your cycle is the same as mine, I'm 36. I have no idea when my period will arrive. It always feels like any day now but no bleeding appears. I hate it. Long line of problems with me, my mum, my nan and now my DD

Yes you all sound lie you could be at some stage of the peri-menopause

I have been having wierd cycles/manslaughter-like periods/raging PMT/night sweats, etc for about 3-4 years now and I am 47. I have had hormone tests and am now on HRT which seems to have calmed everything down - most omportant when you have a pre-teen hitting puberty in a big way!

Some months my family willingly leave me retreat back to do my own thing and then other months period turns up with no pmt stuff

TMI, but sometimes some months are heavier than others, again can't explain why this is - BLOODY HORMONES!!!

Yep, all sounds horribly familiar!

I'm 42 and missed two periods. Went to docs after negative pregnancy tests and was told to come back after I had missed 3 periods and he would organise blood tests to test my hormone levels. The night sweats have been hideous and I am extremely tetchy.

But, on Friday I came on and have been laid in bed most of the weekend as it is so heavy and painful. Hope this is a blip because I would rather be menopausal than have this type of period.

I have been telling myself that this is a new phase in my life and I should embrace it. Then I tell myself to STFU and stop being so drippy. Then I get angry followed by tearful. New phase my arse.

BigTilly What difference does the HRT make? Is it noticeable?

OMG Electric - the bloody tears, there are some nights I cry myself stupid over the stupidest thing - never watch DIY SOS when feeling slightly hormonal!

at DIY SOS.

I'd say that any changes in your periods, whether changes are related to duration of actual period, length of cycle, type of discharge etc, are likely to be indicative of peri-menopause. But also probably a good thing to have your hormone levels checked and to rule out anything else.

Mine are just starting to become irregular, which is fine. Big problem here is the horrendous night flushes. For similar sufferers, have your tried agnus castus or black cohosh? I have friends who swear by them but for me they did bugger all.

Mwahahahahahahahouseface You been to the docs?

I think that we all sound peri. I hate my body and it's unpredictability.

I spend days wearing a sanitary pad, expecting to see blood, (always bright red and fresh BTW, never old, dark blood) and I hate not knowing.

Then there's the weight gain. 2 weeks of swelling, bloating and even constipation, anyone else get constipation?

My breasts are beyond sore, plus half the time DH doesn't know where he's up to.

I hate who I am during that time.

Softpusporn, yes the periods are now back to a regular once a month, lighter than recently and the PMT much lessened (though my family may still find me ranty and unreasonable at times )

Yes Barry, same for me - worked for one friend who has now gone 11months without a period , but I didn't notice much difference.

Mwahaha, I still get a bit of bloating I was also found to be pretty anaemic, and the iron tablets make you hellishly constipated

Mwahahaha I have always been regular but now I too know the joys of constipation.

It all wears you out, doesn't it?