periods - Menopause Message Board

Shamrock · 03-09-2006, 12:06 PM

I'm 47 and have had pretty normal periods up until about a year ago when they started getting irregular. I saw my GYN and they did all kinds of tests-blood,ultrasounds,etc. Basically everything was fine except that they found I'm anemic and put me on iron and folic acid supplements. The past 2 months my periods were very light,almost non-existent they were so light. This month I'm now on Day 12 of what seems to be a never ending one! The first 2 days were light but since then it has been very heavy with huge clots and floods sometimes. I spoke with my doctor and she told me it's fairly normal for my age and won't get concerned unless it continues for a month! I can't go on BCP's because i have high BP. She did have me do some thyroid blood tests which I'm waiting for the results on. I feel like I'm going to have to buy stock in a feminine hygiene product company! It's awful to be out and about and have to worry about whether or not you'll have an "accident",ruin underwear or clothes,etc. I realize that erratic periods are supposed to be "normal" at this age but has anyone else gone through this?? It's embarrassing to say the least!

Perfume77 · 03-10-2006, 07:32 PM

Hi:
That's happening to me, too. I just turned 39, and don't know if I am going through perimenopause or what.
It's been almost 5 weeks. It will just flood, with huge-huge clots, then I get nothing for the rest of the day (thats how its been this past week) prior to that, it was just a heavy period. (the previous 3-4 weeks) When its in its "nothing" phase, its still spotting, then...flooding again, huge clots, etc. Kinda depressing. I go see a doc next week, so I am nervous.

I dont have pain, or cramping....just these weird, super-long, never-ending bleeding spells.

Chelle2 · 03-11-2006, 03:08 AM

Irregular periods mean just that - irregular for you, individually. With me, I had very light almost non-existant ones before menopausing. I had heard many women talk about the heavy flows, but frankly, I could have gotten by on panty liners alone towards the end.

You do right by going to a gynecologist to get it all checked out, though.But remember, when it comes to irregular periods, everyone's different. With me, I experienced skipping periods for like a year before I stopped. It was a gamble each month - would I get one or not, and so happy when I wouldn't get one .The frustrating part was never knowing WHEN I would get one and that's where ruining sheets came in.I took to keeping a towel on my side of the bed.

Shamrock · 03-12-2006, 10:32 AM

Thanks for the replies! It's so nice to know that this actually happens to other people! I know what you mean about never knowing anymore when it may happen. I actually do have a towel on my side of the bed while this happens since I don't want to have to invest in any sheets! Very frustrating to say the least!! Thanks again and good luck to all of you!

smvdelv · 03-12-2006, 10:48 AM

Shamrock,

I can totally relate. I am 48.5 and have always been "regular" with "normal" periods every 28 days, lasting 5-8 days. Had a "normal" period on December 1st, then nothing til January 27 when I started spotting. Since then, all bets have been off. Mostly spotting, but a day here and there with moderate bleeding, heavy bleeding for a couple of hours on February 3rd, February 20th, then what seemed to be a regular period starting on March 1st, then spotting again til March 5th. Since then, off and on, mostly on, when Friday night all of a sudden, FLOODING for a few hours, with huge clots. Since then, heavy but not ridiculous. There has been some pelvic tenderness, a bit of cramping, but nothing major. I go to the doctor on Tuesday, and am nervous, but also happy to finally figure out what is going on.