Menopause - the signs?

Question

How do you know whether you are on the memopause?
Over the last 4 years i have only had a couple of periods, very light and only lasting a couple of days. I was never that heavy anyway. Have been sterlised over the last few years (periods were decreasing then anyway) and am a few stone overweight, don't know if any of these things affect it.
Doctor never mentions it when i have been for a smear, and for the first time ever my smear was abnormal this time and due to go for another one this/next month.
i am over 40.

Answer 1

Well it does sound like you are well on the way through the menopause. I suggest you ask for the blood test that will determine if you are still ovulating, or did you have your ovaries out? The blood test measures the hormone levels.... No harm in asking when yhou go for the next smear! Good luck!

Answer 2

How do you know if your starting this process? The period before menopause is called peri-menopause. During peri-menopause some women have no symptoms and others realize something is happening to their bodies.

Symptoms of early menopause are basically the same as for natural menopause.

Due to long term effects of oestrogen deficiency, the risks of developing osteoporosis or heart disease are considerably higher than for women reaching menopause at the expected age. For this reason, it is of extreme importance that advice is sought from your doctor. Treatment is usually long-term hormone replacement, with the risks particularly of breast cancer not increasing until after 50.

The most common is the hot flush however, women may sometimes experience several of the symptoms listed:

hot flushes and night sweats
aches and pains
crawling or itching sensations under the skin
headaches
vaginal dryness
reduced sex drive (libido)
urinary frequency
tiredness
irritability
depression
sleeping difficulty
lack of self esteem
forgetfulness


It doesn't show up on a pap smear. Menopause before the age of 40 is termed 'early menopause'.
It may occur spontaneously as a result of
- early failure of the ovaries, or
- be caused surgically when a woman has her ovaries
removed, or
- caused chemically by chemotherapy for cancer.
Symptoms of early menopause are basically the same as for natural menopause.

Answer 3

Usually you will follow the same path as your mother, if you are healthy and have not had other problems. I do know that before you are out of the period stage, you have to go one full year without having a period. My mother was 45 to 46 when she started into menopause. I started when I was 46 years old and I believe I am almost over it, I have just turned 49. There is not a certain age, there is an average, but that's about it. When you go into visit your doctor ask.

Answer 4

The average onset of menopause is 51 years, but some women enter menopause at a younger age, especially if they have had cancer or another serious illness and undergone chemotherapy. Premature menopause (or premature ovarian failure) is defined as menopause occurring before the age of 40, and occurs in 1% of women. Other causes of premature menopause include autoimmune disorders, thyroid disease, and diabetes mellitus. Premature menopause is diagnosed by measuring the levels of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH); the levels of these hormones will be higher if menopause has occurred. Rates of premature menopause have been found to be significantly higher in both fraternal and identical twins; approximately 5% of twins reach menopause before the age of 40. The reasons for this are not completely understood. Transplants of ovarian tissue between identical twins have been successful in restoring fertility.

Answer 5

The usual hot sweats, mood swings and periods being irregular, I was 39 and was told it was an early menopause. In 2 years I had one bad bleed and it was only while having a piddle. I am 49 now and its all over with no hot sweats nothing although I do take HRT and am due for a review soon.

Answer 6

menopause all depends on the individual,u never said whether you are gettin hot flushes...which is aslo is a factor,with the menopause,,,as for the doctor there will try and fob you off any way and say you are too young..just keep a diary on your periods like i have to do..then see what happens in the future,another factor is general fatigue,but you could always check out nhs direct and look up the information...

Answer 7

If your periods were regular and now becoming less than you have probably started the menopause - given your age. Some women get no symptoms other than periods stopping.

Answer 8

My Dr told me the average a woman goes through menopause is 55 yrs. When you go in for your next check up bring it up. Sounds like you are well on your way.

Answer 9

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