Peri menopause?

[Kelwar]

Hi, I just wondered if what I am going through is perimenopause... I've basically always had a 30 day cycle.. for the past 8 years or so my periods have been ridiculously heavy on day 2.. flooding the works.. 10 years ago I had cin3.. that was treated and since then all smears have been fine, last one was last year.
My last three periods have been 27/28/29 day cycles.. but this month I started spotting on day 21, and again on day 24/25 and 26... brown type discharge with a bit of fresh blood.. is this normal for a woman of 42 or should I be rushing to my gp?
Thanks in advance for any advice X

Hi Kelwar, sorry no advice from experience but am piggy backing your thread if you don't mind as I was going to start similar. We sound like the period opposites! Am mid 40s regularish cycle (25-28) but this month am around 33 days. And whilst I know I'm right age for peri menopause it dawned on me I am not sure how you confirm it! Do you just toddle along unless other issues or is their the peri equivalent of your pregnancy booking in appointment. Am also conscious this period may just be an anomaly and late!

Grrr there^

Hi myrtyle No need to have perimenopause confirmed and most people will have the odd period which is a bit later than normal so nothing really to show peri yet with you yet. Most women only see their doctor if/when they have symptoms impacting on their lives.

Kelwar, maybe wait and see when your period starts, it might just be it starting as I always spot for a few days before starting now. Make an appointment with your gp if you feel you need reassurance though.

Hi Kelwar, the irregular periods are common during peri. Check your FSH, if you are in peri, it will be high.

Thank you, I thought I must be peri now.. oh the joys of getting older!

FSH isn't necessarily high when you're in peri (and is less likely to be in the late reproductive stage which the OP is likely to be in). A GP isn't likely to spend money doing hormonal tests over one incidence of spotting before a period, and very slightly early periods. Like I say, go to them for reassurance if necessary but don't panic about impending menopause.

Worth looking at the STRAW information out there

www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3340903/

Shows what happens to FSH levels, as well as going through the different stages of a 'typical' menopause. The subtle changes you're seeing mark you as typical of stage -3a when you look at it.

Also worth having a look at this free tool which helps identify what your symptoms are and record them over time - you can then print the info to discuss with your doctor www.beingeve.net/symptoms-tracker
there's also an article about it here: www.beingeve.net/be-blog/blog/identify-the-symptoms-and-signs-of-menopause

I'm 41 and had irregular periods recently . 2 weeks apart then 40 days and have been feeling constantly light headed and dizzy for about 2 months😩. Going to see dr to see what the heck is going on..

Hi all.. wanted to join in on this conversation as i am unsure if i am starting peri menopause also? I am 39 have had 3 kids though first 2 i had pretty young! This yr i have noticed that i am goining more weight easily even tho i keep up with exercise. And do not eat a great deal! Also i have terrible mood swings and have now started bleeding every 2 weeks and after intercourse.. anyone else also having these symptoms? I haven’t been to the doctor as of yet but am starting to get a lil worried.. 😔

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Hi sophie79, my cousin started having periods very two weeks, she had the depo shot and now has no periods at all.. def worth chatting to your doctor just to be safe.. I can def relate to the weight gain and excercise not shifting anything... I was always really slim and I had to buy a good couple of sizes bigger recently.. not impressed! How long have the periods every two weeks been going on? My spotting seems to have stopped but I'll give it a couple more weeks to see if it starts again.. if so I'll go to the doctor.. better to be safe now we are mums!