Hi,
I have read many of the symptoms of menopause, and many of them say that their periods are closer together, mine are farther apart. I did have two in August, but none since. Although one day last week, I had a bit of pink, not much, and then the next day I had a little brown. That was it. I am 46, and I have most every sypmtom of menopause. Does anyone else have cycles that are missed? Thanks for the help.

Hi oldermom, Not sure if everyone would agree, but from what I gather, it's hard to determine your stage of menopause based on the monthly cycle, if that's what you're asking. It definitely sounds like you're peri, but yes irregular periods is very much a part of peri. For me, I skipped 3 in a row earlier this year (got hot flashes and night sweats too) and a couple of years before that, I skipped one. They were closer together one year, then farther apart the next, then they were regular, now they're trying to be closer together again. It went from a clotty heavy flow to lighter and darker in color for awhile and now it goes from bright red to watery. Not sure if HRT affects any of this, but I've been on a few different kinds for short intervals thru all of this, so maybe mine is not a good example. I've heard some women's flow just stops and that's it for them, they're done. Well, they are the lucky ones!

Did anyone catch the episode of Sex and the City where Kim Catrall's character misses her period and she suspects menopause and gets very depressed, then she ends up in bed with some guy and he says "Either you're a very old virgin or your flow just came!" ... then she got very excited because she wasn't old and dried up after all. He was mad because the sheets were very expensive. It was funny and it made me feel a little better about all of this, even if just for a moment!

Laura

I'm 48 and have had the same thing for a couple of years. I miss one, the 2nd or 3rd one is a lot heavier after that. Do you have all the other joys (cramping, bloating, achy) when you miss? I did in the beginning but now when I miss it's prety much symptom free except for the emotional bit (PMS).

I have most other symptoms of peri (from that helpful list of 66 symptoms) and just had my hormone levels tested at the Dr. Should have results tomorrow I hope, just for my own piece of mind.

My Mom is in her "social security years" and STILL going thru menopause -- just went back on HRT to deal with all the symptoms. I hope I don't last that long in THIS phase of my life!

Hi Laura,

Thank you for responding! I have so many other sypmptoms also! It sure isn't fun getting older. Do you experience nausea also? And, this bloating. I just asked my friend today about these symptoms, and she says she has the same symptoms also. At least I don't feel too alone! Thanks again!!

Hi Z's Mom,

Thanks so much for your reply. I'll tell you, I have had the most terrible nausea. I feel pregnant. I'm not though. My husband, and I both have been "fixed". Anyway, do you have that symptom also? What a joy it is to get old!! Thanks again!

Z's and Oldermom, The only time I experienced nausea was when I was taking the low dose birth control pills. Bloated?! Oh yes! We're talking "5 months pregnant" bloated. I have to wear two different sets of clothes because of it. But you're right, it's now only when I have a period. And if I recall correctly, it was the same way when I was younger. PMS?! Oh yes, it's bad and getting worse as time goes on, whether I have a period or not. When I don't have a period, the PMS symptoms last longer. My hope is that the people I'm around when that is happening will wait till I walk away and say behind my back "oh don't mind her, she's menopausal." It would be better than them saying "what a bit*c." My biggest fear is that I'll be like your mother, having these symptoms well into my 60s and 70s. And since that is my fear, it will probably happen, I think that's what women's intuition really is. If anyone finds a cure for the bloatedness, please let us know! As for the nausea, someone once told me chamomille tea is used for nausea, so you could try that.

Laura

Hi Laura,

Thanks, I'll try the tea. I did notice that when I have the nausea, a hot flash comes right after.