How will I know?

[PissTestRightNowDaniella]

I'm on my third Mirena coil so haven't had a period for about ten years (apart from a bit of spotting).

How on earth am I going to know I'm menopausal without periods?

Would you take years of waking up at three in the morning and the occasional night sweat as signs that it's happening or about to happen?

Don't want to get my Mirena taken out in case it unleashes a monthly world of hell.

I don't think you will know unless you have the coil removed and see if your periods return. I was 53 when my GP told me to come off the pill for the same reason. My periods never came back - I'm now 57 so assume the Menopause has happened without me knowing (apart from the occasional hot flush and night sweat)

Perhaps I'll keep this Mirena in until the end of its life in five years (was told that due to my age, it can stay in for longer) and then maybe not replace it.

@PissTestRightNowDaniella i'm in the same boat - had my (very first - wish I'd done it years ago) Mirena fitted in 2017 when I was 48 and was told it could stay in until menopause done but I'm still getting monthly periods and really don't want to take it out and go back to (as you so brilliantly described it) monthly world of hell.

The problem is I've had nothing other than a tiny bit of spotting now and again for years. Until I get to the 'hot flushes every five minutes' stage I don't think I'm going to know for sure.

I was the same as you. I had my Mirena put in at 46 because perimenopause had sent my cycle doolally. I had it taken out at 53, wondering if that was it and I'd be out the other side without much ado apart from a few mild symptoms, or if all hell would break loose. Luckily for me, three years on and not a sign of a period so I'm sure I'm done.

It's weird not knowing when your periods actually stopped and you became menopausal though. I was asked at a medical appointment and had to admit I really didn't know. I told the doctor to put down 51 as that's the average age. I'm kind of annoyed that I don't know in some ways, as I like to be aware of what my body is doing, though I'm very glad I had the Mirena.

OP, you don't give your age but your symptoms would suggest you're in perimenopause at least. I'd be inclined to leave the Mirena in situ as long as you can as there's some evidence it can make any symptoms milder. In fact it can be used, along with added oestrogen, as a HRT regime.