Menopause

[Applejack87]

Hi , I’m looking for advice please I’m of menopause age and I haven’t had a period since June . However a few days ago I had spotting so assumed I was having a period but it’s very light almost spotting and dark is this normal ?

Maybe yes but you need a scan for reassurance! Abnormal bleeding is too common during peri.

Thankyou for your reply Emerald why would I need a scan ?

I had very light periods like that once or twice before I completely stopped. I wouldn't worry at this stage.

It's perfectly normal.

You only need to see your dr if you have a full year of no periods (by which time they are assumed to have stopped for good) THEN have some bleeding.

During peri, periods can be all over the place either more often, less often, lighter, heavier....you name it!

You've missed around 4 cycles and that is normal at your age.

Thankyou for your reassuring replies I was a bit concerned as I've been spotting the last few days and its very dark ,

My last period was 24 May and lasted 21 days. They’ve been all over the show for a couple of years now. Well, on 23 October I came on again. I couldn’t believe it, I had no warning. It’s been a “full blown one” again. So I went more or less 150 days and then came on. I am fuming!

I am 53 by the way and started my periods at 11. Give me a break!!!!

I am not an expert but If I were you I would ask for a scan for reassurance. Sometimes infections, fibroids or polyps can cause abnormal bleeding.

Hello. I'm 46, had regular periods until August but out of the blue was 2 weeks late. My last period was a week late and has lasted over 2 weeks as opposed to 5 days. I have no other symptoms, no hot flushes etc and energy levels are fine. Could I be peri at my age with no other symptons? I didn't start my periods early. Thanks

@Emerald in the UK scans are not given in peri for irregular bleeding as it's classed as 'normal' to have irregular periods. The NHS would only scan if it was a bleed post menopause or after sex, or if there was a lot of pain and other symptoms.

Ah I see Queen! There are differences at recommendations at my country and I personally think that every gyn has his own theory regarding hrt, the duration, the scans etc. So I prefer to get informed by my own and take my responsibility. Thanks for replying!

QueenoftheNights I thought 2 years (rather than 1) without a period was the definition of menopause? In fact my sister (a GP) tells me it is quite common to experience a year without a period, you think it's all over, then you have one last hurrah before it bows out for good - a kind of "Thank you and good night!"

No it is most defiinitely one year without (natural) bleeding at any age to be classed as post-menopause. This ensures that no woman is missed who might have cancer and therefore signals that investigations should take place. In reality there are many instances of menopause not being over by 12 months. The rules re contracpetion are different - use contraception for 2 years following LMP when under 50 and 1 year when over 50 in recognition that menopause and conception may be more likely under 50.