Periods stopped suddenly

[TheId]

I'm 45
I've always had regular periods like clockwork every 28 days and I hadn't noticed any change. Maybe a bit shorter cycles lately 25/26 days but that's all.
I have had no symptoms that I've noticed. No hot flushes certainly, no spotting.
I did get increased sex drive mid cycle and some weepiness and constipation pre period but think I've always had those (or for years anyway)
But my periods seem to have just suddenly stopped out of the blue. I've missed 2 months now.
I've taken endless pregnancy tests all negative
I am a normal weight and haven't lost weight or anything. Can't think of any other reason

I am just not ready for this!
I bought 2 huge boxes of tampax last period. I am still carrying some in my handbag thinking it's going to happen at some point. I really thought it would be a good few years yet
Does this happen to some people that you get no warning at all? Is it normal or should I see the GP?

Mine went with a delay of two months between periods, then 3 - 4 months, then 6, then I went a year and thought that was it then had one more. I was 51. So you might get another and always worth checking out with GP

Thanks Neckless
I think I am going go to see the GP but I just worried they will dismiss me for going about a normal thing.

Reading the board a bit more (all this I have never thought about before) I see it can run in families. Unfortunately my mum had breast cancer in her 50s and has been on tamoxifen and similar drugs since but I think she was still having periods until then.

I’m in the same position - I’m 50. I’ve been attributing the lack of periods to lockdown and stress, and apparently lots of women are finding the current weirdness affecting their periods. Of course it might be menopause, especially at my age. But the sudden stop is so weird.

I'd miss three months' and then it would start up again and be normal for 9 months, then I'd skip again. Sounds very normal at our age.

I missed a couple A few years ago. I just got my head round the idea it was all over and then they just came back as normal. I’m 49. I think it’s more common that they become more erratic than just stop, certainly true amongst my friends. Although I do know a woman who just stopped.

Weirdly I noticed that I have had a few hot flushes in the last couple of weeks and I was two weeks late is month.

I'll not throw the tampons out yet then

Maybe I am just missing a few months. I so am not ready to be menopausal.

Good thing I didn't throw the tampons out. Period started today after 2.5 months

So I guess it's not the end but maybe the beginning of the end.

So I suppose it's logical that 3months womb lining to shed is going to cause a very heavy period but this is the period from hell. Flooding through max tampon plus max pad in a few hours, horrible cramping pain and feel really drained with all that. Have had to change bedsheets 2 nights running and now think I'll have to sleep on a towel.

This is not worth having a few months off.

Hi,
I’m 48 now but at 45, like you, my periods stopped abruptly. No spotting, no gaps, nothing. I’d been working nightshifts for a while and I’d put it down to that but I left that job last year and still nothing.
I stopped in the July and by October started feeling symptoms of menopause. I hadn’t even thought it was menopause tbh but it was obvious once I started developing other symptoms.
My first symptom was increased sex drive!! Ridiculously increased! It did settle after 6 months though but definitely more horny than I was before. Then, hot flushes...neck upwards mainly, thirst, eyesight (ended up being told I had presbyopia so need glasses for reading) then, this week went to the GP as I’ve been itching near my vulva on the left side only. Again, menopause. She took a swab but reckoned it was hormonal changes. I have never suffered down there before.
Biggest thing though is my change in mood. I feel different. Struggling at home and feel detached a lot. On the verge of walking away from a 22 year marriage. Hormones have a lot to answer for so be prepared as I think symptoms can be stronger if periods stop abruptly!!

I heard that you miss a few cycles but apparently the first fully missed cycle is the sign that you're into the last 2 years of peri menopause

I had the same as you, OP, in my mid-40s. Regular as clockwork for years, then my cycle length changed, could be shorter or longer. Then I noticed I'd missed one, and next thing I knew I was having a really heavy period from hell as you describe it. I put up with it for two years before I saw my GP. In went a Mirena coil and that was it - no more periods. I actually don't know when they stopped. All I know is I had it removed two years ago at 54 and haven't had one since, so I know I'm out the other side.

So from everyone's experiences it sounds like this could be the start of another 2 or 3 years of peri menopausal fun. I guess I'd better buckle in for the ride.

I've had a HRT supply problem so I've weaned myself off I've not had a period for 2 months and I am crossing fingers this might be it,I'm 49 so a few years on from you but I was regular as clockwork I was on HRT for 18 months because of perisymptoms