Is this the end? I always thought I would be so happy to see it, er, I mean NOT see it, but IS this it-does it just stop?
I am almost 39 years old, have never had (and have been told I could not have) any children. (Mr. Lurker and I still give it the old try, though);). And I haven’t gained any weight.
I haven’t had a period in 2 months and had previously been pretty regular. It just hasen’t shown back up since around tax time, middle of April.
I am under no more stress than usual. I can think of nothing different in my routine or diet, and I feel ok.
So do I give the jumbo box of tampons away to a worthy menstruater? (sp?). What gives? Or, uh, what DOESN’T:)
Thanks, L
Nah, I think you just skipped a period. or two.
As I understand it, there’s a couple of years of perimenopause first, when your cycle changes in regularity. (I’m 48, and this is where I am – unfortunately, the change in regularity is that my cycle has been shorter, not longer, for the last couple of years, and is currently swinging between 24 and 30 days. sigh.)
If you’re concerned, go talk to a medical professional – but I’m really doubting it’s menopause.
You probably go for regular gyno checkups, right? Just ask next time. The actual age range for perimenopause varies quite a bit from person to person.
Ummm – is it possible you’re PG? Missing 2 periods is often the first sign. If you still have ovaries and a uterus, and the hubby still has everything functioning, just because somebody told you that you were infertile doesn’t mean it couldn’t happen. I’d get one of those early-warning tests if you haven’t already.
Someone I worked with had almost the identical experience. She had a 16-year-old son, and had been told that due to hormone problems she would never have another child. She was in her late thirties. Boy, was she surprised when the test results came back from the doctor. She sat in complete and utter shock for about an hour. She was in the mid trimester already, and had not realized it because she was so irregular anyway, and was a somewhat plump woman. About 6 months later she had a beautiful tiny daughter.
Twickster and MLS, thank you for your replies.
Let me be more specific. What is it like? Do you go through the extreme mood swings, hot flashes, etc. that are the stereotypes perpetuated in the mass media?
I am relived (why, I don’t know) to see that this is probably not the case with me, but this has got me thinking: what will this be like? What can Mr. Lurker be in for? Will I throw plates (and very good plates I might add) at him for minor offences? Will I cry when a my african violet dies? Is that all just hyperbole?
Just Wanting To Be Prepared…L
It varies all over the place. The only really annoying problem I had was waking up in the middle of the night drenched in sweat. This, of course, leads to not feeling rested in the morning, which leads to the usual things that are wrong when you’re tired. Then I had to have a complete hysterectomy for entirely different reasons. I got on hormone replacement, and all the symptoms vanished. It’s just absolutely wonderful not to have to worry about birth control, sanitary supplies, PMS, cramps, all that cr@p.
Some women have virtually no symptoms at all. I don’t know anyone personally who’s had mood swings. The things portrayed in the movies, etc. are mostly exaggerations for dramatic or comedic effect. The most common thing I’ve seen in friends my age has been the temperature control problem.
YMMV
I had always had 3-day light periods but once it started I had very, very heavy periods with large blood clots; and they were very irregular, getting farther and farther apart over a period of about 2.5 years until they ceased. The only other outstanding symptom was these terrible headaches. I used to call them “hormone” headaches, as they were very distinctive from a normal headache. Never had body temperature changes, which I understand only affect about 15% of women, thank god! Yes, it’s wonderful not to have to worry about all that anymore. One good affect was that I have RLS (Restless Leg Syndrome) and it vanished for about two years. As far as the emotional part, I don’t think I was overly emotional, but then again I was divorced by that time and lived alone, so I didn’t have anyone to throw plates at! Seriously though, I don’t remember it as being too bad; mostly inconvenient.