Does anyone have any problems with their period? Like it lasting longer? Mine's not heavy but it's been about a week and a half and doesn't seem to want to quit. I am 48 and nearing menopause but my period is so messed up sometimes. It will come after 2 weeks or it will be 2 weeks late. It will last 3 days or 14 days. It's just really odd. There seems to be no rhyme or reason. Any ideas?
I there!i am kind of a newbie too. Just diagnosed in feb.
So i am also 48but i had a hysterectomy in 2006. I think you might be in perimenopause but i am not sure. It might be a good idea for you to ask your doctor about it, especially the heavy long periods. I was terribly anemic from heavy bleeding. And my sjogrens i think complicated that. My iron is still low. So maybe call your doctor.
Oh and welcome!:-)
Seeing a gynecologist might be a good idea. They have lots of ways to help.
You can't afford to suffer w/this long. It will zap your energy fast. You can become anemic quickly too.
I am 57 almost 58 in May, and thought I wasn't going to start this time, and low and behold I started lightly bleeding then it will stop few days and then I will feel a bit of pain then a bit more and on and on. When am I ever going to be totally menopausal? :D
susanep :)
Hi Swedge - welcome to the forum.
If you don't already, keep some sort of chart to show your doctor about your cycle. Probably for the two years before my cycle stopped it was real erratic . . it would either come often or have longer than normal cycles, some times last a few days - other times, last over a week.
I would talk to your gynecologist about this. I think there's a blood test they can do to test your hormones to see if you are entering perimenopause.
From my own experience and what I've read, as you are entering into perimenopause your cycle will be like a roller coaster. All over the place!
I printed out a one page yearly calendar and would use highlighters to indicate when my period was due, when it came, and how long it lasted. It was helpful to the doctor to actually "see" how much time there was between periods, length, etc. I might be wrong, but I think your periods will come farther and farther apart and be shorter the closer you get to actual menopause. I was soooo happy when that monthly cycle phase of my life ended.
Bucky
Swedge
I know post menopausal bleeding can be a warning sign for endometrial cancer. . . and should always be checked out (Someone I know died from this; also younger women can get this cancer). The lining (for post menopausal) gets thick or changes to a kind of precancerous condition (I think called dysplasia), which can move to cancer.
The above probably doesn't apply to your case, but it doesn't hurt to talk to the doctor. . . . That's a long period. . .
Livvie
TO SUSANEP,
If you are 57, and having pain with this bleed I would say you need to ask your Doc for a smear test.
If you have always been fairly regular and no spotting in between period, then all the more reason this needs investigating.
Hasten to add that although it is not common for a woman of 57 to still have periods, it does occur,but go see about it,
Let us know how it goes, Dolly
Swedge - I am also 48 and had my last period just before I turned 47. (When I had not had one for about 2 months, I had a blood test done which confirmed I was menopausal).
And the way you are describing your current "lack of routine" is much like I was the last couple of years. Like someone else said, there's very little rhyme or reason during this time. Your cycle has a mind of its own, but then one day, it will just stop and it won't come again! I have not missed it at all, but was very surprised that I went through it as young as I did.
Dear Swedge,
I was fully and totally POST menopausal at 41.
before that for about three years I had periods that would come closer and closer together and then skip a month.
My GYN said he thought it was from the tubal ligation I had had a 37. He was completely wrong.
It was peri menopause.
When my periods stopped and I started flapping the covers at night because for the first time in my life i was HOT, I called the doctor to see what I should do.
Get a pregnancy test was the first answer! LOL, I said the doctor was gonna have to pay for this kid all the way through college.
Of course I wasn't pregnant, but totally post menopausal.
Keep track of what is going on, and talk to your doctor. Blood tests can give information.
Keep us posted.
Hugs
Elaine