Menopause, anyone?

[Geek1]

I am 49 and was declared post-menopausal this year. This doesn't mean I'm through it, but it does mean my periods have stopped and my 'beautiful' uterus (health professionals words, not mine) has changed in the way it's supposed to. I'm guessing I still have another 10 years on this ride, though, so I thought it would be interesting to have a thread to share our experiences.

[moonbynight]

I'm reasonably sure I'm in perimenopause (the early stages of menopause). Can't say I'm a fan - more frequent periods, weight gain, and decreased sex drive. I'm finally single(ish), but my interest is just way down.

[Vampire]

The big M. Wow! She's a bitch. Been there, done that. In all fairness tho we are all different in this. Everyone is effected differently. Personally I think it depends on one's general fitness and overall health. I started going into menopause about 52. Went through the usual suffering etc. Now at nearly 60, I think I'm done. Someone told me 7 years was the norm. In my case, that's about it. It can certainly be a different time Good Luck ladies.

[MimiCaro]

I think I am in my peri because I still have heavy cycles every month. I started early in life and I was told that I will have Menopause later. Such a joy.. (dry sarcasm)

[KAtBiRD]

Three years here in peri. After 4 months without a period, thinking ‘this could be it…c’mon let’s make it to 12!’, it returned…twice within the month…ugh! I’ve been waiting for this to end since I turned 13, c’mon already!

[Geek1]

Well I didn't know the average was 7 years! That's interesting. My perimenopause started 4 years ago when I was 45. Period got erratic and then faded away altogether. For those 2 years I had hot and cold flushes, but mostly they're gone now. I remember going 11 months without a period and then having one and being gutted, so @KAtBIRD I feel your pain! I haven't had a period for 2 years now, so medically I'm post-menopausal. I was a bit shocked when they used this phrase, but it's just medical speak for if you haven't had a period for at least a year. Doesn't mean it's over. It's nice being able to have unprotected sex without worrying that I'm pregnant, but I'm still waiting for the mood swings, hypersexuality and cognitive problems to kick in

[Vampire]

@Geek1, I think it depends really on the person's overall health. I didn't get any mood swings or Cognitive issues. Not everyone does. A bit emotional in the early part was my first real symptom. I got a high libido in the early stages but then it crashed. permanently. I'm nearly 60 years old now. Only the weight gain to sort out. And the will power, or wont power to sort it. It all comes down to hormone balance. And not just the sex hormones. There is a lot of post-menopausal issues no one talks about.

[Kea]

Does anyone get easily tired during their perimenopause? I'm dead tired after working 8hrs nowadays. As in, all I do after work is have a shower, dinner then hit the sack.

[moonbynight]

Does anyone get easily tired during their perimenopause? I'm dead tired after working 8hrs nowadays. As in, all I do after work is have a shower, dinner then hit the sack.

I think that sounds worth bringing up with a doctor. It might be related to menopause or aging, but there might be an underlying cause, like anemia or a thyroid problem. and it could be treatable.

[Kea]

I had my blood tests done and they're normal. I'm 45yo.