Start of perimenopause

[Hi7]

Can anyone describe their experiences of first menstrual cycle changes in perimenopause pls. Is having two periods close together actually normal?

Perfectly normal OP

I’m just about to turn 51. I have cycles anywhere between 18 and 45 days. They are shorter, but heavier, with clots and flooding. Both my sister and my mom didn’t hit menopause until 60, so I think mine will be around for a while yet, as much as I’d be delighted to see the back of them. I’m also not on any birth control or HRT. Contemplating a gentle dose of Prozac though for my rages, irritability and low mood.

My periods kept coming closer together until I was bleeding gor 2/3 weeks per month. It was super heavy too with clots. Night sweats, migraines, flu like symptoms. Started HRT and haven’t looked back 💖

NotaCoolMum. That’s awful. Did they
send you for tests to let you know the cause?

Oh no Cheesedreams tonight. Dud you friends need to go for tests? What was it causing so much bleeding?

At age 49, what you are experiencing sounds completely normal. But if you are worried, contact your doctor.

Hi Sonjadog. Thanks for your reassurance. I basically bleed 7 days, 5 off and started again ( although light) and now on day 9 and like a normal period in terms of flow. So, so far in past 21 days I’ve bleed for 16 of them. This sound usual from your experiences? ❤️

I think you need to book a GP appointment, they can look at treatment to help. I am also 49 and I’m in perimenopause. I either have two periods a month (like you are currently experiencing) or don’t bleed at all for a few months. I tried HRT but I didn’t get in with it and I’m just managing the symptoms myself. But I definitely felt better after seeing my GP and the menopause specialist nurse at my GP surgery.

Do you think it’s just perimenopause?

Thanks Zoflora mummy. Did they say that this kind of bleeding was normal - two periods in a month? What sort of gap between can you have when two close together? I only had 5 days before bleeding started again- albeit very light until now 8 days later like another period
Also did they do a scan? I’m waiting on call back from gp but I’m worried.

They didn’t bother doing a scan, I’ve had this several times and it’s completely normal for perimenopause.
Sometimes I’ve only had a day or two between bleeds. My auntie was the same as well.
I really think you need to book an appointment to put your mind at ease and also perhaps discuss how anxious this has made you? Anxiety can be a symptom of perimenopause too.

Yes, completely normal. I have experienced similar as have many other women I know of my age. Don't you know anything about menopause and its effects? These kinds of cycles are very common when you are reaching the menopause, which at your age you are. I suggest you do some reading online about it, there is a lot of information out there.

I have experienced very similar recently after previously having pretty regular cycles.
First month was about 3 weeks of constant spotting but no proper period, then had a proper period about a week later. I then went about 2 weeks before spotting again & this progressed into a full on period a week later. The last day of that period was heavier than I have ever experienced before and was basically 24 hours of flooding and clots. The next day the bleeding pretty much stopped.
The following month it returned to a normal 4 week gap between periods.

I went to the doctor and he sent me for an ultrasound which I had on Friday, just to check all was okay. My uterus and ovaries apparently looked very healthy so it appears to just be perimenopause sending my periods haywire. I am 52 now.

Go to see your GP just to put your mind at rest but it sounds likely it is just perimenopause.

Irregular periods are very normal at your age - I would keep an eye. It’s more likely to be hormones than anything sinister - however that doesn’t mean you don’t see your GP to be sure.

Mine has been all over the place the last year. In my 40's

Sometimes they skip or are 10 days late or are 10 days early.

Sometimes spotting lasts days before it arrives.

I've always been super consistent, so know it's peri and then some other symptoms too.

I'm just in perimenopause - my cycles have been regular since I was 12 and now at 38 they're a bit all over the place - anywhere between 24 and 38 days this year. My GP said I should definitely make an appt if my cycles decrease to 21 days or less so I'd definitely go see someone. I have no idea what is normal though, I'm afraid; my mum said she barely noticed going through the menopause which was quite recent so I don't think she's forgotten. She's been no help so I haven't a clue!