Question: 

I am 53 and have not had a period since 2001. I feel great and walk five miles, three times per week. I am five feet six inches tall and weigh one hundred five pounds. I am calling my condition amenorrhea because I do not believe that I have had any of the other symptoms of menopause. I have not seen a doctor in 30 years and am not currently on any hormone replacement supplements. I do take two vitamin supplements per day meant for senior citizens and have one martini per day, along with a sandwich and salad.

Name withheld

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Answer: 

You haven’t asked any questions, so we’ll just offer a few comments. Given your age and the fact that you haven’t had a period in six years, menopause is probably a better description – some women have few, if any symptoms, when they reach menopause. Mind you, it also seems possible that you “skipped” experiencing perimenopause – or marking the passage of menopause – by inducing amenorrhea through low bodyweight and low calorie intake. Amenorrhea is not usually considered a good thing. We would tactfully suggest that you’re long overdue for a routine physical. Your activity level is great and you clearly feel well – good! But why not take the most basic precautions?