No period - is this the start of menopause?

[May50]

I'm 48, and after being on the pill Microgynon for years I decided to stop in August, just to see what my body was doing. I am now single so didn't need to stay on the pill for contraception purposes, and given my age I thought it probably better. Since stopping the pill I had 2 periods , both around 26 days - so initially I thought I was back on track. Historically I had always been as regular as clockwork when not on the pill.

It's now been 43 days since my last period, I have had ovulatory pain/tummy pain - but no period. I'm sort of in limbo now as I have no idea when or if I will come on. Would I go and see the GP at this stage to discuss? I have no other symptoms I don't think. A friend of mine mentioned she was going to have a blood test to see if she was menopausal. Is this the normal thing to do? I basically feel fine and normal - just no period.

It's the beginning, but it is a long process

Not sure I would go see the GP, unless there are other problems.

I wouldn't see the GP either - though it's your call. My impression, though it's years since I was on the pill, is that it can take some time for any kind of regular cycle to re-establish itself.

I'm past menopause, and I think people more typically go for advice if they are having trouble symptoms such as night sweats or hot flushes, and want to know how best to manage these/discuss HRT.

Or you might want to go if managing an irregular cycle - which might include heavy periods - was very problematic.

OK - great thanks. I never generally go to the GP anyway if I can help it so I'll just see how it goes. I'd be absolutely delighted not to have another period again, but at the moment it's the not knowing - I have to be prepared every day, just in case.