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Readers questions answered by the editor

How long will this last?

Question:

How long does menopause last?

Lucy

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Answer:

Perimenopause can last six years or more. Actual menopause is simply the exact point at which the ovaries stop producing eggs, generally determined by going 12 months without experiencing a period, after which perimenopause may continue for another year, give or take.

Published Monday, April 23, 2007 10:36 AM by Editor

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Vicky June said:

After a routine smear last year I was sent for a scan as I was spotting in between my cycle. My periods were erratic and I had missed the occasionally one here and there. I was told at the scan I had a polyp and was referred to a gynaecologist. I informed the Gynaecologist I also suffered with terrible bouts of pain in my left groin area (something that I suffered with after the birth of my child eight years ago, which I think now is nerve pain). They offered me a laparoscopy to investigate the pain whilst undergoing the D&C to remove the polyp. Turned out after the op that there was no polyp, but they had removed a bleeding cyst from my ovary. The doctor asked if I wanted to have more children? which I had hoped for and it had been nearly eight years since my first child and I just hoped it would happen when the time was right.

My blood tests came back to reveal that my FSH level was high and they informed me I was entering menopause, already - at the age of 33. They referred me to the fertility clinic to see whether they could help us conceive a sibling for my daughter. My FSH was tested again months later for the Fertility Clinic and there was no change. My only option was to have donor eggs. I was devasted. I made my decision. I am grateful that I have my fantastic daughter and now believe it just wasn't meant to be. I am lucky that I had her at 26 years old.

After the op things had settled down with my cycle and I felt back to normal, until a few months ago, it all started again. Spotting in between periods, late periods, early periods, all over the place. This month I had a five day period, only to start spotting six days later and carried on spotting for a further 12 days. Then it became heavy, I had to even change my clothes, I felt it was just pouring. Luckily my appointment was with the doctor the same day. So I am now off for more blood tests, smear and swabs, scans etc....and am still devasted that I am in menopause so soon.

October 20, 2009 6:11 PM
 

JoDx said:

i began menopause at 35, 2 months after have a set of twins.  i am now in my 8th year and still going strong (w/all the menopause things)!  it's not fun.  have tried everything for my horrible hot flashes and mood swings.  just recently had a set of tests and am going to be getting on compounded hormone(s).  haven't done this in the past, but am willing to try anything.  hoping it all goes away soon.  i had always heard it can last 10 years.  my symptoms haven't even started to back off - if anything, they have gotten worse in the last year.  can't wait for it to be over.  

Jo in WY

November 7, 2009 12:11 AM

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