I apologize if I sound a little dense, however, after poking around the message board, I still need to clarify this. I am 45.4 years old. I have had regular cycles for years, usually day 28, but it was not unusual to get it on day 23 or so every once in a while. Generally cycles were pretty much fast. Heavy, though not alarming a day or so and then it was over in 3 days. I noticed cycles lingering a few more days but nothing dramatic. Then, last month I got it on day 23 and it lasted 10 days. Every time I thought it was over, it wasn't. It was very light the last 5 days, just a liner was enough. This month I am on day 33 and nothing is happening. This is way out of the ordinary for me. I guess I never thought about how perimenopause would begin in terms of my cycle. I called my doctor to ask about it and got a pleasant no information response from the nurse. I feel a little weepy and depressed. My breasts are swollen. I feel bloated. My last annual exam was July. I have no other health issues. I don't want to sound unstable (ha ha) but this is the age where lots of people around me have health issues, and suddenly I find myself preoccupied and worrying irrationally about this. Has anyone else felt this way? I appear perfectly normal and am fully functioning. Would you tell me how perimenopause starts, what to expect? If I miss this cycle entirely what will happen? Will I be PMS until I get one? AGH! I am so glad I found this site and can ask other women.

Hi Janis, What you're going through sounds quite normal. I am 47 and have started skipping cycles. What happens to me is I usually have pms and don't get a period. The pms subsides until I would be due to have another period. It's like you're going through normal cycles but don't get the bleeding (these are called phantom periods) these can last a few years before you actually stop altogether. Everyone is different and goes through menopause at their own pace. Good luck to you and keep reading......there is a wealth of information here.

Hi Janis I agree that this sounds normal. I am 48 and have not had any changes in my cycle. Always 28 days apart, but they are different. I am sorry for the lack of response you received from your doctor's office. If it would make you feel better, maybe you should schedule an appointment. I am also relatively new to this site and have found it really helpful and it is good to know that you are not alone.

Thanks so much for your replies. I guess it just surprised me to be missing cycles at 45, although it shouldn't. I have been experiencing other symptoms but thought I was a few years away from irregularities. What makes me feel uncomfortable is my own lack of knowledge -- I have a lot of reading to do. I am glad to have found this site.

I'm 45 too and my cycle is changing but not really drastically. Just little things....my period lasts a few days longer than before... but it has been late, early, etc. My mother was completely finished with her periods by the time she was 46. My sister, who is 47 went many months without a period and now they have returned with regularity.

Hi Girls, you all sound perfectly normal, my periods started to go all over the place when I was 44, I would go 3 months without one and then have two very close together, one very heavy and one very light, mine were like this for about 18 months, also the hot flashes had started. I am now post and haven't had a period for 17 months, so don't worry there are so many wonderful helpful ladies on this board you will get all the help and advice you need. Also don't forget the Recommendations pages with lots of helpful advice. Best of luck and keep posting,Luv Jenniffer;)

Thanks for the reminder, Jenniffer! For those who don't know, the Power Surge Recommendations page can be found by clicking here.