Is this it then?

[nellyjelly]

Until very recently my periods were regular as clockwork. I hit fifty in April and it is like a switch has been flicked. I missed a period which has never happened (unless when I was pg)' then had a period which suddenly went after 2 days, usually at least 5 and then 2 weeks later I am having another period!

I thought your periods got less not increased! How disappointing!

Feeling a bit sad that my fertility is ending as is end of an era. Will I need HRT? What else can I expect. Feeling apprehensive to say the least.

Yes, it's it :)

Cycles can come further apart or closer together- or both.

Have you got kids? If you have and the number you want then it's easier to come to terms with loss of fertility. You can't stop it- so stop worrying.

No one can say if you will need HRT- it's there if you feel you need it, but most women see how they go. If you have really bad symptoms which affect your work or quality of life then maybe HRT would help.

You might have no symptoms at all- or they may start only after your last period which could be a year or even 4 or more from now. It's very different for everyone.

Thanks. Yes have kids.

Becoming very forgetful which am sure is a sign.

Everyone becomes forgetful in middle and old age!

You and me both nelly, I am 50 in August and my periods were always regular as clockwork. Had one in April and then nothing until yesterday. I am going to keep a note of dates to see if there is any pattern at all but by all accounts they can become very erratic. Not sure about HRT or what the best options to consider.

I felt a bit like you, even though we did not intend to have more children - we have 2 DS's - part of me would always have liked more. I would probably not have done after my mid-40's anyway, but I think it is getting to the stage when you know you have more choice in the matter.

I have been getting some hot flushes especially at night, but apart from that - and the forgetfulness!! - feel not too bad. Long may that last!

After all, 50 is the new 30

Nelly, I suddenly felt 'hormonal' one day in May last year, aged 50. I remember thinking this was 'it.' I felt uncomfortable and down for a few days. Then I got the sense that this was just another one of mother nature's wonders - exactly the right thing happening at exactly the right time! Generally I've felt fine. I've had this sense of my body adjusting, and don't feel the need for HRT or anything. Slight warm flushes... but as someone who doesn't like feeling chilly, I don't mind them at all!

This thread is making me feel a bit better. I'm just 48. About 10 months ago I missed a period and had a week of hot flushes, stripping off to cool down- the lot. Then my periods started again until April. My period didnt start in April , just hot flushes for two weeks and then nothing til yesterday and my period started.

I'm guessing it is the start of menopause

me too. Missed a few periods at the beginning of the year, they came back in April and recently they've started to be every 2 weeks with the added bonus of a bit of flooding . No hot flushes though i did have those a couple of years ago. GP did blood test and said yep, this is it. Brilliant/