Questions about Menopause...

[Horsemad]

I'm 48 (just) and know that I'm probably peri menopausal. My cycles are shorter nowadays - approx 23-25 days whereas they were always regular 28 days on the dot, to the hour. Chin hair - tick! General tiredness/lack of energy - tick! Have not had flushes, exactly, but feel 'warm' most of the time. Libido has been erratic but currently daydreaming about nice men I know instead of DH - prob a symptom of my marriage I think!

PMT is non existant compared to what I used to be like - I was horrible :( although I still get a bit snippy but it's now maybe only a few days before I come on and I still crave chocolate which I have always done :)

I have suffered from heavy periods over the last few years and was anaemic which was treated with iron tablets. Bloods currently within 'acceptable' range, but I am tested every 3 months. Periods for the last 6 months have eased a bit, but still fairly heavy. I was slightly ditsy, but put that down to the anaemia possibly as I don't seem to be too bad at the moment :)

Anyways, if I'm coping(!) with all the above do I need HRT? Or, can I just carry on as I am?

Also, if I was late starting my periods (almost 16) does this mean my menopause will be later? I kind of have it in my head that by 52 I'll be done!!! Wishful thinking, I think!

Does the fact that my periods are slightly lighter mean things are easing off? (hopes so)

If anyone can offer any help, it would be much appreciated :)

you sound a bit like me
i am 49 and not really had any probs at all so far except really what you say in your post. anyway last month i didnt get a period, first time in 20 odd years and i have really sore breasts. i did a preggers test but that was negative thank god. i dont think i am gonna get a period this month either, not had any "feelings" that i usually get

does anyone think i should go to docs, or is all this completely normal?

I went on HRt at 53 after an almost non existant peri meno, but once my final period came I had really bad insomnia and hourly hot flushes.

From what you say horsemad I don't think you need HRT! It's not a panacea for peri symptoms and TBH if you are still having quite regular periods then you don't really need it.

Are you doing all you can with changes to your diet and lifestyle? Having a really good diet cutting out all the crap, alcohol and caffeine can help, along with exercise every day- at least 30 mins brisk walking.

Your periods might stop early- a late start does not always mean a late finish- sometimes it means an early finish!

You will just have to wait and see

feedme I don't think you need to go to the doctors - I think this is the way it will be from now - missing the occasional period, maybe missing a few, maybe stopping all together! My friend who is 6 weeks older than me didn't have a period for most of last year, lucky thing! Then, she got one that wouldn't stop!

I had painful boobs last month, reminded me of when my milk came in when I had my DC!!!! Never usually suffer, so was a bit put out at that, I can tell you! DH accidentally caught me in the boobs in his sleep and I actually shouted out in my sleep and woke myself up, it was so painful!!!!!! :o

amelia I wish I could say I have a good diet and take exercise, but it's always there on my 'to do' list. Don't get me wrong, I cook mostly from scratch, but am not perfect and know things could be improved.