This is all new to me. It scares me. I am 48, for the last 9 years I have gone threw hot flashes and now last month for the first time on my due date for my period I just had 6 days of brown spotting. Is this the final stages of menopause? Thank you.

-nanci

Answer:

Thanks nanci, for sharing your concerns with the rest of us here at Menopause Insight. I assure you, that you are not the only one who has fears and uncertainties going into menopause. I’m sure all women are a little bit scared at first, because it’s a new experience. The best way to cope with the uncertainties and symptoms that menopause brings to your life, is to inform yourself about the subject as best as possible. This way, you’ll at least know what to expect and can put your mind at ease. Especially since you’ve got things such as hot flushes to worry about!

For women at all stages, reading about menopause can be very helpful. Here are a few very informative and comforting books that can be purchased on Amazon.com:

·        “The Menopause Survival Guide,” by Donna Rogers  

·        “Menopause for Dummies,” by Marcia L Jones, PhD, and Theresa Eichenwald, MD.

·        “Your Perfectly Pampered Menopause: Health, Beauty, and Lifestyle Advice for the Best Years of Your Life,” by Colette Bouchez

The symptoms experienced during menopause are different for every woman. Women can sometimes experience hot flushes up to five years before the end of menstruation, and can continue for a few years after.

Your menstrual cycle is also affected during perimenopause and menopause. Your menses may become lighter or heavier and can cause an increase or decrease in cramping. Eventually, your menses will begin to lighten and occur less frequently, until it finally stops. It’s completely normal for you to be experiencing some irregularity and spotting with your period. As you have guessed, spotting is very much a sign of nearing the end of menopause. Eventually your period will stop all together. Once you have not had a period for 12 months or longer then you have finished menopause and can no longer get pregnant.

The important thing is to try not to worry. Menopause is a completely normal experience, one that you can make the best of. Try the following suggestions for coping with the changes:

·        Make a healthy lifestyle change - exercise regularly and eat a healthy diet. This can ease the symptoms of menopause.

·        Social Support - talk to others who have gone through similar experiences, such as a mother, sister, or friend.

·        HRT - Talk to your doctor. HRT may be appropriate for women with severe symptoms.