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Menopause

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Original poster

I'm 53 and haven't had a period for 64 days, do I need to "do" anything?

30 replies

Wahtnow · 06/12/2023 13:56

I can't say I've had any symptoms and I don't imagine this is it all over but it must be it?

I had some mild sweating about the time my period was due, but I also had a cold, so it could have been that. I haven't noticed anything else, maybe some brain fog, but that could also just be lack of motivation/interest.

Anyway, I appreciate that if this really is it, I'm very lucky, but am I supposed to report it to anyone medical? I.e. are you supposed to do something /get checked over, regardless of symptoms?

Realistically, what's likely to happen next? Periods had been really regular and normal until last month.

OP posts:

ForHeavensSakeRichard · 06/12/2023 13:58

You don’t need to do anything but, if you want to discuss HRT for the benefits such as bone protection for example, book and have a chat with the GP.

Autumcolors · 06/12/2023 14:01

I think menopause is done after 1 full year w no period. There are lots of resources online. Maybe have a browse

MagpiePi · 06/12/2023 14:27

I used to 'miss' a period when I was starting peri-menopause, so I don't think you can assume you are through menopause having just missed one.
My symptoms - night sweats, severe mood swings before periods and mild depression/lethargy got gradually worse and I went onto HRT. Best thing ever! I couldn't believe the energy levels I had after starting it, and looking back, wish I'd started it sooner.

It's worth having a chat with your GP; ask if there is a menopause specialist at the practice. If you do go onto HRT you can always stop if you don't like it.

IbizaToTheNorfolkBroads · 06/12/2023 15:05

I’m also 53. I don’t think I’ve had a period for about a year. I’ve never felt better! I wasn’t planning to do anything. Do I need to?

TomeTome · 06/12/2023 15:10

Thanks for asking this as I have no idea!

BooseysMom · 06/12/2023 15:29

I'm 51 and I missed a period, the first since having DS 10 years ago! I thought the same as you, that this must be it! I felt great..and then bang, it came back with a vengeance! It didn't last particularly long but omg it was heavy and painful with some clots. Sorry tmi! I felt like it was a miscarriage. I have had 2 previously.
Until now mine were the same, regular and normal. I wonder if i have more awful ones to come and should I get the coil fitted?
I don't like hrt. I have tried different regimes and nothing worked for me. I'm better without it.

RosesAndHellebores · 06/12/2023 15:33

No you don't have to do anything except be glad you got to 53 and have had barely a symptom.

It's different for everyone.

StopWithYourNonsense · 06/12/2023 15:36

You don't nee to do anything. I hope you're lucky enough to have seen the last of your periods. I started missing one or 2 when I was 53, then had 6 horrendous years, before my periods finally stopped when I was a few months off being 60!

Mindymomo · 06/12/2023 15:40

From aged 51 to 53 I had around 8 periods, my last at 53. I pretty much started hot flushes when my periods became scarce.

JinglingSpringbells · 06/12/2023 15:48

If you don't have symptoms you don't need do anything at 53.

You may find you experience more symptoms as your hormones fall lower.

It's a but of a myth that end of periods= no symptoms (some women find their symptoms only start after several months with no periods.)

NeverDropYourMooncup · 06/12/2023 15:51

Carrying the most heavy duty sanitary protection around in your bag at all times would be a good idea - as the period after a skip can be rather spectacular.

Passthecake30 · 08/12/2023 06:48

I had irratic periods for a couple of years, and then a couple of years of nothing before my symptoms got so bad I needed to do anything. Like OP said I would carry some jumbo towels and spare knickers around as you might be in for some interesting times!

pickledandpuzzled · 08/12/2023 06:53

Exactly what the last two posters said.

Carry a small bag with spare pants and sanitary items. It’s much too soon to trust it!

When the gap has been a year, you can leave the bag at home.

Twice I got to 10 months then had another period.

Junemoon222 · 08/12/2023 06:58

This reply has been deleted

We're afraid we don't believe that the OP is genuine so we've removed their threads and posts.

tribpot · 08/12/2023 06:59

I can now quite regularly go for 70 days between periods (I'm 51) so don't be surprised if this isn't the end of it, just a new phase of deep joy in the perimenopause.

OhhhhhhhhBiscuits · 08/12/2023 07:02

As others have said take spare knickers and a lot of sanitary products around with you. I am 46 and have hadn't had a period for 3.5 months, the one I have now is horrendous including flooding my just changed tampon at the school nativity 😭 I wish I had worn period pants as well to be double safe! I won't make that same mistake again!

BooseysMom · 08/12/2023 16:12

NeverDropYourMooncup · 06/12/2023 15:51

Carrying the most heavy duty sanitary protection around in your bag at all times would be a good idea - as the period after a skip can be rather spectacular.

Yep, can definitely vouch for that!!

Tryinghard19 · 19/12/2023 22:38

Be prepared just in case is also my advice. I went 72 days and boom it started and I’m still bleeding 17 days later 😑

K4tM · 19/12/2023 22:46

I’m 52, heading toward 53. Have g had a period for 18 months. Feeling great. No HRT, but taking prescribed Vit d as I had joint pain. I did try a month of HRT but then had a ‘period’. Decided I couldn’t be bothered with that. My question is do you have to have periods if you have HRT?

Mossstitch · 19/12/2023 23:58

My last period was at 49 after 6 month gap ( which did take me by surprise) when I thought it had finished for good. No HRT, no major problems, now in my 60s. Didn't do anything🤷‍♀️, its great being free of periods🥳

BooseysMom · 20/12/2023 10:34

Mossstitch · 19/12/2023 23:58

its great being free of periods🥳

I can't wait! I'm sure it's having periods that causes all this crap! When you think girls start them at around 12 and finish 40 years later...it's a nightmare and so unfair. As my DM used to say, "next time I'm coming back as a man!!" 😆

Floopdifloo · 20/12/2023 12:24

I’m not experiencing any of this yet myself, but a question for anyone who can answer -
I take the pill purely as a way of controlling my periods. I’ll do a mix of running packs together and then occasionally I’ll take the break and have the “period”. How do you know when you’re starting the menopause if you don’t have natural periods? My mental health is terrible anyway so any change in mood wouldn’t be an indicator for me.

Pater01 · 20/12/2023 15:18

I cant wait to be period free! Just started HRT only 47. Was fine on combined pill then BAM had everything happen peri related in summer. So no idea where I am in the journey.

Floopdifloo - my understanding is the pill gives us a bleed so not a real period. So could be until you come off it, you wont know if you are period free. If its working for you dont come off it I say.

Biscuitsneeded · 20/12/2023 15:21

My last (I thought) period was back in July. Was really sure that must be it. Guess what? Period turned up on Monday out of the blue...

BooseysMom · 30/12/2023 06:23

Biscuitsneeded · 20/12/2023 15:21

My last (I thought) period was back in July. Was really sure that must be it. Guess what? Period turned up on Monday out of the blue...

Mine went away for a month then decided to hit me with the worst bleed ever. The pain and all-over weakness was off the scale. Then a break of 3 weeks and I get another one, only this one was not painful at all, heavy-ish and only lasted 3 days. Dreading the next one..

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