Have just missed my second period. This is all normal, right?

[HelenaQC]

I am 45. Periods have been generally normal up until now...slightly closer together for a few years, lighter bleeding, one missed one about a year or so ago.

Weirdly, I have been having all of my classic PMS symptoms this week...sore boobs, desperation for chocolate, weeping over YT clips, being pissed off at everyone, slightly loose bowels.....but they have gone now with no sign of any actual bleeding.

This is all par for the course, isn't it? I don't particularly want to see the doctor of there's no need.

(100% not pregnant, btw)

You ought to see a dr if this carries on for many more months because you are on the borderline of an early menopause- the average age is 52 in UK so 7 years early will put you at a much higher risk of heart disease and osteoporosis in your middle and older years.

Early meno is said to be under 45 but some dr have increased that to 47.

You would prob benefit from HRT at least up to the age of the average meno, for your long term health.

Really? I thought this was a symptom of perimenopause. Or is skipping them a sign of actual menopause coming soon?

Thanks, Pink. Will see the doc in that case :)

Even if you think you're menopausal still use protection. Lots of women on here who have had a surprise because they thought they couldn't get pregnant. You could try the herbal route if you don't want to go the medical route. It would be worth getting it checked anyway to confirm that it is menopause

Sounds pretty normal to me although as others have said it may be a little early. A chat to the doctor practice nurse might reassure you.

I'm 50 and my periods have been going a bit haywire for last 2 years- this year I have had three and also started with hot flushes and all sorts of unpleasantness. I saw my GP last week and have been prescribed HRT for the exact reasons pinkfrocks describes

How many periods do you have to miss for it to be a doctor issue?

Shall I wait another month and see what happens then? It's just that I keep reading that perimenopause can have your periods all over the place.

I am not having any other symptoms of anything....no flushes, tiredness etc. So I don't feel yet that I need any medical intervention - but would certainly consider HRT for my future health.

Interesting that you both feel this could be the beginning of menopause proper. I hadn't even considered that

TY :)

I missed periods, sometimes two in a row and then they came back with a vengeance! I only went to GP this time becuase of insomnia, hot flushes, vaginal dryness etc- I didn't have them until recently. I am still perimenopausal as are you if you are still having periods- 'proper' menopause is when they stop for good

Yes, Gatekeeper - I sort of feel instinctively that it's not over yet and would be most surprised if I never had another period. Not impossible, though, I know.

I think I'll wait and see what happens next month, and if there's nothing I shall go and see the GP.

You should keep a record for 6 months- that's prob what the dr would tell you.

Just so you can compare, I didn't miss a period until I was over 52.

At 45 they were as regular as clockwork.

Peri meno is the lead up to meno. It might take 1 year or 10 years from when things start to go haywire and you have a final period. But the fact is that you have missed 2 in a row . If you were to miss 6 in a row or have hardly any periods in the next year then your body would already be suffering from low oestrogen which is why you would be wise to think about HRT. It does not carry risks for most women under 50-ish because you are replacing what you would normally have.