Is it starting?

[feral]

I’m 44.

Growing up I always had painful irregular heavy periods but always longer gaps 35-45 days. Had DS at 39 and after that they went to 28 day cycle with no pain or warning.

The last 6 months or so they’ve gone irregular again (pain still gone thankfully) - one before last was about 60 days after previous period, then it went to 24 days, then 29, and now it’s just arrived at 15 days!

Could this be the monopause or a possible symptom of something else? I’m a bit on edge about it as friend recently had similar and it was leukaemia- but she is seven years younger so symptoms were less likely to be menopausal.

Of course it's menopause! Of all my friends, and me, this happened by 45! Where 53 as average came from I have no idea! I know nobody who reached 53! All mid forties.

Get HRT quick and protect your bones! Enjoy your baby

What will the HRT do? Other than the irregular periods I feel fine.

I’d better get googling as I have no idea about any of this

HRT protects against osteoporosis OP and is often recommended for women who begin menopause in their 40s, which is premature (40-45 years old is early). My friend was in full menopause by 41.You're not considered menopausal until you've not had a period for one year.

So you are considered Peri-menopausal. You are still having periods, though erratically. Definitely get some bloodwork done at your surgery to rule out any other possibilities. Once it's confirmed that you are peri-menopausal, your GP will discuss your options.

52-53 is the average age in Uk. The range is from 45- 55.

45 is considered young. Many menopause specialists would advise HRT for medical reasons if your menopause (stopping periods completely) happens before 47 and carry on with HRT till early 50s. This is because early menopause is directly linked with heart disease, osteoporosis and even dementia.

OP you are in perimenopause. This might go on for a few years before your last ever period. Even if you feel well, it's worth bearing in mind the risks of low estrogen before the age of 50.

I'd suggest you see how you go for another 6 months. Your cycles might revert to regular again. If they don't see your GP and discuss. Bear in mind many GPs will dismiss menopause at 45 as 'normal' but it's not how most specialists see it.

dan I was 53 as were most of my friends. We do exist! (And my mum was 52 and my gran 50 - she'd be 120 if alive today.)

Just be careful it's not something else - I had same symptoms and when I went to see Consultant/had a scan turned out I had polyps and lesions in my womb. Often these can be cancerous but I was lucky mine were benign but I had them removed anyway.

If you are bleeding more heavily than usual it can be sign that the body is trying to expel something in that area that shouldn't be there.

Just make sure you see your GP to cover all possibilities. Most likely it is peri menopause but better safe than sorry!

polly Hi, you have helped me SO much. I am on HRT because of you. (I'm the poster in Spain that can get HRT OTC)

But, it is so strange, all my friends are menopausal well before 50. And me too, at 43. OP get yourself to a doctor, check it out, but it is not unusual at all.

Thanks everyone.

I have to see GP for something else in a couple of weeks so will mention then anyway.

I’m just gutted at having another period so soon.

A good friend of mine had her menopause at 39 so I know I’m definitely in the zone.

dan so glad you are doing ok!

It's menopause I think. I m 42. I had abnormalities with my periods like you, my gyn did not care at all and after a year I faced a lot of strange and severe symptoms, as insomnia, proplems with my insulin, weight loss, pains to my whole body, brain fog. I was thinking that I had lupus or something autoimmune. Hrt helps a lot! Take care!