Ho

I am 45 and my periods have started coming every 16 days instead of my very once regular 27.

I don't know why i have got my self into such a state but its really worried me.

I am teary and down.

Has anyone else got shorter periods ?

Thank you all x

Hi,
I am having the same problem. I am 46, will be 47 next month. I used to get my periods every 28 days like clockwork, then I skipped two months, and for the past three weeks, have had spotting for five days, then nothing for four days, spotting again for 5 days, then nothing for 9 days and now a full blown period. In the past month, I have had three episodes of bleeding.

Saw my GYN last week, he thinks it is perimenopausal breakthrough bleeding, also had a transvaginal ultrasound, still waiting for results on that. Called the doc yesterday when I started bleeding again, unfortunately they were closed. I will call first thing Monday morning to tell them my latest saga. I'm sure they think I'm out of my mind!! Maybe they're right. lol

Just want you to know you are not alone with these symtoms.
Good Luck!!

Thank you tys mummy I hope your results are ok.

When i googles pre menopause they seem to go on about longer periods rather than shorter and thats what worried me more.

Putting loads of weight on around my tummy too, never had love handles before lol.

I have found Peri to be totally unpredictable, nothing is by the book. I never know what to expect, which makes it so difficult.
Short periods, long periods, no periods, spotting. Hot flashes, cold flashes, etc. etc.

But that said, I do go for twice yearly exams at the gyno, that include a vaginal ultrasound and Pap, and of course the internal exam.
I no take take HRT, as my Gyno says nooooo!

So I would not worry to much, if your not by the book!

As someone who has gone through this for about 10 years now, you sound perfectly normal to me. I never had "regular" periods most of my life. My cycles would be 35-40 days and occationally I would even skip periods in my 20's and 30's. Then came my 40's and instead of getting more irregular I suddenly had cycles every 28-30 days like clockwork. That lasted about 5 years. Then about 4 years ago (in my late 40's ) I shortened my cycle to about 20-22 days. What a bother, and then I would spot for 2-3 days before and 4-5 days after so it seems I had my period all month. Finially 2 years ago they started getting longer again and I would occationally miss a month. This year (I am now 54) I have missed a few months, had heavy periods, light periods you name it. I missed the last two months and felt really horrible last week with PMS type symptoms and guess what I got yesterday. The good news is when you do get your period the hot flashes stop or lessen for a while. So I think it is normal (whatever that means in perimenopause) to get shorter cycles with longer periods and spotting before you start actually missing months. I hope I am in the last year of this.

I want to thank you for putting my mind at rest, and also for mentioning the coldness, everyone says they get hot flushes (I wish) I am always cold.

Nothing down for getting old is there? lol


xx

My Doctor told me to keep a record of dates. Also I am crying at adverts that arn't even sad, I just cry at nothing , i don't feel depressed though .

I agree - it's perfectly "normal" to have periods come closer together in peri-menopause. My experience was that they came closer together for awhile, and then I started having long stretches between them, until they stopped altogether.

I'd also get yucky brown spotting that went on for days and days - this made me very anxious (everything did, LOL), and my doc assured me that it, too, was normal. The first few days of my period got heavier, so the bleeding was exhausting, and kept me somewhat housebound.

It's always wise to check out anything that doesn't feel "right" about your body, and during your yearly physical at least, you should mention any concerns to your doc. My own doctor was wonderful, and really helped me through all the worries.

Estrogen levels are shifting crazily during peri-menopause, and it definitely affects things!

(((HUGS)))

JJ

The first part is exactly my experience so far. Irregular up to 5 years ago, 31-38 days on average. Then 3 years of 28 day-cycles exactly. Then gradually down to 24 days followed by now, 23, 35,22 etc, but the total period lasts 10 days+ inc spotting. I haven't started missing months yet but it sounds like that's the next step. At least I know what I can expect, (although all our peri experiences are different!)

Hugs

Dear Paganwoman,
Thank you for bringing up the point that when you start your period the hot flashes seem to lessen for a while. I had a hard time believing I was having hot flashes because I only got them starting about 12 days before my period. Then I would wake up drenched at night and during the day it was not so much "flashes" but just that hot nasty sweaty feeling all day, my wrists even sweat. I have always been a person who could not get warm, so this was just bizaar for me. Then when my periods would start the hot flashed would leave and I would be more comfortable until 2 weeks later. I also spot for literally days before my period. Start, bleed very heavy, then four days later stop for a day or so then start again for a couple of days then stop altogether. This just *****.

Hi everyone took me ages to find these boards again as i had a pc crash.

Hope you are all ok.

I went to the Dr today to tell him about my irregular periods (now every 16 days and sometimes missing one), he was no help at all.

He said he wanted to do a smear test when i stop bleeding, and said it was not down to age even though i am 45 and been having hot flushes and all classis symtoms.

I have been crying all day he has set me back I wish i never went.

I now feel like he has diagnosed cervical cancer and dismissed premenopause, but thats my paranoia lately i may be wrong.

Hi molly:

Try not to be too hard on yourself. This time of life is scary for all of us. I have all these wonderful symptoms that I do not understand but am learning that they seem to be normal for peri. I have the added weight in the middle. Last year I had two and three periods a month and now they are coming further apart. I used to be regular as a clock from age 8 until 35, not anymore!

Please do not believe that you have cervical cancer. The chances are extremely slim that there is something actually wrong other than peri. It is smart to get checked to be sure. I did and it took a load off my mind.

Keep your chin up and know that here you are welcome and in the norm.

Hugs to you,
Jeaninne

Thank you Jeaninne i never worried as much in my life.

I thank you for putting my mind at ease, i know i am being silly but i cant help it my mind is in a fuzz.

I will of course get the smear dome but i know deep down this is due to the menopause as i awake with hot flushes and am 45 years old so i am just being over sensitive.

God i even cry at adverts now.

Thanks again Jeaninne , take care xxx