I've been trying to track my cycle deligently (i guess you could say to use for "evidence"). However, I am confused as how to do this since now my cycles begin with several days of spotting. I guess my question is...Do you count the first day of spotting as the first day of your cycle or the day the "real" period starts?

I know this sounds like a stupid question but I want my numbers to be correct as I am tired of Drs brushing it off because "I'm too young".

Up until the age of 40 I was 28 days like clock work.

Theses are the numbers I have so far:

26
24
26
25
21
18

They seem to be gradually getting closer together; I'd rather it be further apart instead.

Thanks

Hey Suze,

I count mine from the day that I begin seeing the spotting... I don't know how old you are but it definitely looks like peri is starting... Keep being persistant about your symptoms and about hormone testing, they brushed me off too!


Best Wishes,

TJ

Thanks TJ, I also have been counting from the first day of spotting. Seemed to make the most sense to me.

I am 42 years old and have had moderate to severe peri symptoms since age 37 (this is when severe night sweats began and the extreme anxiety). The extreme irregularities in my period didn't start until I turned 40. I am not sure why doctors think 42 is way too young it's not like I'm 32 trying to convince the doctor that I'm in peri. Every generalized thing I've read said general concensus is menopause is anywhere from age 45 to 55 (which I don't agree with) but 42 isn't that far a stretch from 45????????? What is wrong with all these doctors?? And to make it even more difficult my mother and both grandmothers had hysterectomys at early ages so I can't say I have a family history of early menopause to strengthen my case.

Thanks again:)

Suzeeq mine from last nov are

20
20
17
21
16

This month so far gone 22 days, but have pms symtoms for two weeks now.
Was hoping mine would go futher apart to hun.

Ps suzee agree with you . I went to Doctors a few years ago aged 39 and they did a blood test and said i was boderline. My sister stopped completely at 39.

I know more people between 39 and 47 stopped than i do over 50s.

In fact my freinds in theer 40s have mainly stopped or having irregulars liek we are, my over 50 freinds are still going strong.

Hi Suze,

I'm 46. My periods were always regular, too. When I was in my early 40s, I went through a period of about a year to two years where the periods whacked out a little bit. They got closer together. Also, lots of days of spotting, sometimes lasting up to two weeks. Doctors said my blood tests were all normal and I was not in peri.

Between about 43.5-46, things straightened out.

Now I've missed a period for the first time, had months where I've had nothing but spotting, then three weeks later got my period. I never had the very heavy period thing, but today is the first day of my period (after having missed for a couple of months), and I think I'm there

Good luck,
Missy

Thanks Molly it makes me feel much better to see someone elses numbers that are similar to mine. Both of your replies were very reassuring. I really appreciate everyones input. I think at this point you ladies are what's pulling me through. I had 3 really bad days this week, yesterday was the first day this week I felt semi-normal. And to make it worse my son is home for spring break this week and all we've been able to do is hang around the house and now he has to leave tomorrow morning and I feel like I lost the whole week with him!

Great to talk to you suzee because i thought i was the only worlds worst worrier lol.

Having a bad day myself today i am even struggling to type my head is all over the place and i just want to sit in and cry , i have never known anything like it in my life.

I am so outgoing and happy until this period in my life.

Sorry you missed precious time with your son but feeling as you do cannot be helped and just explain you are having womans troubles and will be better soon.

Hugs Suzee xx

Thanks...I'm very sorry to hear you're having a bad day Hopefully it will improve as the day goes on.

I too was outgoing and would hit the mall at the drop of a hat...now i find myself a home body having to force myself to go out to do anything.

My son has been very understanding and insists he doesn't feel cheated.

You want to hear about world's worst worrier (and this was waaaayyyy before peri) My mom said when I was 5 she said "Susan, if you don't stop worrying so much you'll have an ulcer by the time your're 7" My reply at age 5 was...."oh no, something else to worry about!" So worrying has always been in my nature and you can only imagine how peri has exacerbated it!

Are you a virgo

Yup! August 26th!

Hi Suzeeq:

When i started peri, it started with migraines but then my period got closer together like you are now. I would have a period and 14 or 17 days later, have another one. This went on for a few years and then they started to get further apart. Now I haven't had a period since December and finally my doctor tested my hormones and my estrogen is very high. She is mailing me the numbers so I can see them but I haven't received them yet. I think she said my estrogen was 125 or something like that so I am unsure if I am done or not. So, I think it is normal to get closer together like that for awhile. At least it was closer for me. I was your age when it started. I am now 48.

Mopsy

You had two periods a month for a few years??????

Ugggg...tell me it isn't so

Susan

Hi Suze:

My cycles used to be 28 days like clock work too. I mean I could set my watch to the day and time, at least until I was 36. My last six months have been:


24
50
26
25
25
27
24

Last year for about 8 months, I had periods that were about 16-18 days apart. I hate peri!!!

kimdnov April 18,2009

I am the biggest worrier and now it is out of control with my kids and husband. I have to call or text them so much because I am so worried about them for no reason. I am a virgo!!! Does anyone live in northern California? I would love to have a
friend that can relate. I am not working right now and I know that is part of my problem. I am on bhrt that has helped
with a lot of my symptoms but not the excessive worrying. Is there any light at the end of the tunnel. Is there anyone
that feels normal after peri? I guess I should focus on the positive things.... I did get my sleep back. I just wish I could
stop worrying so much about everything. It is hard on my family. I used to be so happy and productive. I would plant
flowers and shrubs, clean everything, cook , dance , listen to music and now I just try to get through the day. I miss my
passion. I used to be the one that always tried to help other people to look at the bright side.... I want her back!!

Kim

Hi Susan:

I didn't have a period twice a month for a few years but it happened every few months or so. I got used to it I guess and then it started to space out ore and more and now I have only had one period since July of last year. Hang in there. I know it stinks but I am so glad for this board. It has kept me sane.

Mospy

Suzee we are doomed to years of this

I joked with my husband last night and said when the blasted things finaly go i am having a mass orgy .

LOL! At this pace we may be too old for that by then...

I just wish I knew how many years we're doomed to!!!!!! I've already lived through 5 years of this crap. I'm hoping that the drastic changes in my cycle means it's getting closer. (and hoping that my cycles will start getting further apart; this closer together crap *****!)

I cried like a baby when my son left this morning and my husband was like ...."why are you crying????? You didn't cry when he left at Christmas." And all I can do is look at him like a lost puppy and say "I dunno know". Makes me feel so stupid.

Hey !!! you are not stupid.

Anyways orgy over lol i started today but at least this month i have lasted 27 days. That means in another two weeks i will be on again lol.

Can anyone please tell me if there blood colur changed to really dark red? never seen it that colour before now another thing to fret about.

Mine is also much darker like a mahogany red, very intense...is that what yours is like? Mine used to be fire engine red.

I long for 27 days.....

Uggg......

Yes that is exaclt it suzee, it has changed colour now i give up.

Be interesting to see when the next one comes.