New Here - Help? - Menopause Message Board

KelliD · 02-27-2006, 04:20 PM

Hello All!

I am new to this particular board and hoping someone here can offer input.

I am 43 years old and come from a line of women who historically have had to have complete hysterectomies around this same age.

I do not yet have an appointment for my physical, but these are my symptoms...maybe someone can shed some light?

For the past year my periods..regular like clockwork...have become highly irregular. I will often be quite late, as many as 9 weeks late!

When I do have my cycle, it is extremely heavy with much clotting. Even when I do not have my cycle, around the time that it is due I cramp as though I AM on my cycle.

I am wondering if anyone else's journey into menopause began this way, or if this might be fibroid tumors?

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated!!! FYI...there's not a chance I could be pregnant. I am not sexually active.

Belle2003 · 02-28-2006, 01:19 AM

All of your symptoms could be perimenopause. Women can start this at 35 and up. I am not a doctor, but they do not seem to be symptoms that would require a hysterectomy. I found the book by Dr. John Lee, "What Doctors May not tell you about premenopause" extremely helpful. You should see if your library has it. It lists all of the possible symptoms and what you can do yourself to help alleviate them.

The majority of the ladies on this board who have not hit total menopause have irregular periods, heavy bleeding with clots just like the ones you are experiencing. If this is your only symptom so far, you should count yourself lucky

Middleagedcrazy · 02-28-2006, 06:43 AM

I had a partial hysto. at 42 and the doctor not once told me that would shove me into menopause earlier! My best advice to you, is to ask around, maybe older co workers than you and get recommendations on doctors. I have finally decided that I want to find a women doctor. I don't think a man has the capacity to care enough, to treat women in menopause. At least I haven't found one yet! Good Luck.

katidid95 · 02-28-2006, 12:51 PM

I would guess your symptoms are very likely due to perimenopause. Irregular cycles, heavy or light bleeding all go hand in hand with it. However, it's always a good idea to rule out any other complications. I did and once I knew my uterus was okay, I could concentrate on how to treat my peri symptoms. Talk to your doctor about menopause and if he/she dismisses the idea that you could be experiencing symptoms, find someone who will listen and treat you properly.

KelliD · 02-28-2006, 02:00 PM

Thanks so much for the input ladies! I am making an appointment with my doctor today. I have a female doctor and believe she will listen. She's pretty sharp! I am guessing this has to be peri because the only pain I have is some cramping on or within 24 hours of the date I should start my period. Other than that and the occasional grouchy short-lived rise in body temperature, I am great!