Hi I'm new here, and have been in peri-menopause for about 3 years (I'm 44). During the past couple of years my periods have been very irregular. My doctor in the town where I used to live did a blood test, which I understood was to see if I was through menopause yet. They told me that they couldn't tell if I was peri-menopausal, only if I was through with menopause. (I wasn't) Then they told me that I should have a period every three months unless the blood test showed that I was through menopause, so they gave me hormone pills to start my period. Now I live in a new town and have a new doctor. I haven't had a period in almost 3 months and am wondering if I need to make an appt. to see him. Do I need another blood test? More hormones? Just relax and let nature take its course? Any help/suggestions would be appreciated. Julia

Julia - hi I am 44 also - I found a women gyno specializing and familiar with perimenopause and the symptoms that can drive us crazy - hormones you mean birth control pills ? I went cold turkey on everything and do the natural way with vitamins, diet, excedrin for migraines and exercise - I do take Ativan for anxiety which I know know what it is - I found the birth control pills were masking my perimenopause symptoms and making me feel worse. You really need to educate yourself with this site, find a good dr. and experiment until you find what works. I know every month is weird - strange symptoms but pretty regular in the classic signs of perimenopause. What hormones are you taking.?

Gunner - thanks for your reply. I'm not taking any hormones. The doctor gave me something a couple of years ago to make my period start and I'm just wondering if I need to do that again, that's all. I do take evening primrose and have found it helpful with the hot flashes and night sweats.

Julia When I started feeling the symptoms of peri a couple of years ago, my doc told me exactly what yours said, that you couldn't tell where I was at with the starting point of peri/meno. I was put on a low dose b/c pill and started feeling better. About 6 months ago, my periods lasted a couple of hours. I have now been off the pill for 3 months and haven't gotten my period at all. I go for my annual check up next month at which time my levels will be checked. I agree w/Gunner that the pills were masking alot of things. If I had to guess, I believe that I am more than 1/2 way through peri although you never know. I don't think it's unusual that you've missed a few periods. If I were you, I'd research a new doc and get your annual exam whenever it's time. Keep us posted. EJ

My advice to you Julia is go on instinct. That's basically what I did. If I had a symptom and it frightened me because I wasn't sure what was causing it? I went to the doctor. If it was something 'typical' of menopause, like night sweats and sleeplessness, I went with the flow. But I say IF YOU AREN'T SURE, and you are leary about how you are feeling, let your doc know. It's better to be safe than sorry, and it's ALWAYS good for the anxiety level to have a "peace" of mind!! (I'm 44 too and have been going through this since I was 39!) HUGS! Kleeo