Test

[rainbowstardrops]

Hi all. I've literally just turned 50. I was on the pill for years and then the mini pill because my then GP said it would carry me through to my menopause.

A good while back, I stopped taking the pill religiously (a conscious decision) and then stopped taking it completely.

I kind of expected my periods to start again in some form and eventually but they didn't, so I've just bought a menopause test kit and it's come up as positive for the menopause!!!

I don't quite know what I'm feeling right now and I don't quite know why I'm writing this!!!!

I had kind of hoped it would say positive but now it does, I feel kind of sad/weird too!!!

Am I making sense to anyone??????

Sorry for the ramble. I just don't know what to think right now while I'm cooking the family dinner!!!!

Oh wow, they say every day is.a school day! I never knew that there was a test that you could buy to definitely show that you are in the menopause!!

The tests are a waste of money. The prey on women not understanding. Sorry!

Your hormones can be all over the place in peri and if you did the test tomorrow it might show something different.

There are tests available from a GP but NICE guidance says GPs are only to do these on women under 45 (as the tests are unreliable.)

The test ( the proper one!) has to be done on days 2-5 of a cycle, and repeated in a month.

I just stumbled across the idea when I saw a test in a supermarket! I sat on the idea for a while and then bought one from Amazon because Tesco delivery without bags now and I didn't fancy the delivery driver plonking it on my kitchen counter!!! 🤣🤣🤣

I have a second test that I will try in a couple of weeks as I have no idea of any cycle because I haven't had a period for yonks!!!!

I am well aware that this isn't written in stone but just made me stop in my tracks today! I'm guessing the tests are based on something????

To be honest. I am completely in the dark about the whole menopause thing, I am of a similar age to you OP.
I don't have any periods or symptoms, so I just merrily plod on.
There doesn't seem to be any information or guidance around & the information that is around seems to contrast itself a lot of the time!

Menopause is officially classed as 12 months with no period.

There is masses of info out there- look at the websites of Menopause Matters and My Menopause Dr (both sites written by doctors.)

Menopause is officially classed as 12 months with no period.

In women not using hormonal contraception of any kind including the Mirena coil.

Can I hijack to ask a question, as jingling's here?

I had a 10 month gap before my last period, I've no idea when the next one could be. I don't want a period on holiday. Can I use norethisterone while I'm away? Will it work the way it used to?

Well, Pickles, you'd have to take it for a long time before you go- like a week at least, plus while you are away.

I think it would be reassuring to be honest. Otherwise, I'd risk a massive heavy bleed while out all day on bus tours etc.

• @JinglingHellsBells* thanks for that. I have no idea how long it's been because I went from taking the pill every day for years then taking it every few days to now not taking it at all.

A friend of mine said she didn't have a period for over a year and thought all was done and dusted but then suddenly had a period again???
I guess it's just a minefield!!!

I've been like a furnace for a good while now and could happily walk around without a coat on and don't get me started about night time!!!!!

I think I need to research this whole bloody malarkey now