When did your period stop?

[Lykia]

I'm 53, soon to be 54 and my periods are still regular as clockwork - every 28 days. They're not heavy or awful but I'm just really bored of having them now and wondered how much longer I've got to go.

My mum had a hysterectomy in her 40s. So I can't go by what age she was.

On the upside whilst I have slight peri symptoms - a bit of brain fog, the odd sleepless night but apart from that I feel fine. So sometimes I think I shouldn't complain about my periods as my peri symptoms are mild, hence I'm not taking HRT.

However are the symptoms likely to get worse when I enter the menopause?

Probably not long. You are already on the late side. 51 is average and almost all women are post meno by 55 (56 very latest.)

It's important to keep an eye on it as sometimes women have said they are still having periods much later than that. The sad fact is they have uterine cancer and aren't aware that's what the bleeding is (especially if it's not every month.)

However are the symptoms likely to get worse when I enter the menopause?

How long is a piece of string!

No one knows. It's very individual. You might get loads once your periods stop or not a lot.

Thanks for that. That's what concerns me a bit tbh. I've heard it's not great for them to go on for too long as that could be a sign that all is not well.

I was wondering at what age I should start to get concerned.

52 for me.

I’m still going at 54😩 have started in the HRT though so fingers crossed!

56 but very heavy periods before that. I have PCOS so had a lot of missed periods up to six months, also had a baby at 45 so perhaps had more eggs who knows my mum was 44 when hers stopped

@Lykia Almost all women are 'done' by 56 although sometimes- rarely- not.
If the bleeds are regular, that's good. If they carry on beyond maybe 57, I'd ask your GP for an ultrasound scan- very simple, non invasive and can identify anything wrong.

Actually, @Lykia 53 isn't old. I was 53, although between 52-53 they did become irregular. I think you are likely to see changes in the next year.

56 didnt get irregular or heavy before. One month i just didnt have a period and never had one again. Apart from some sweats i have not had any other symptoms of the menopause. Fingers crossed it stays that way. :)