Questions & Answers : menopause symptoms, period

Perimenopause side effects

Editor — Mon, 23 Apr 2007 14:42:00 GMT

Question:

I'm 51. I have always had regular periods – every 28 days. This year, I skipped a period in March. I then got my period [every month] from April to June. I have not received my period since. I know that I am going through my changes. I have been getting hot flashes.

Lately, I have been feeling breathless and my chest hurts. I had a physical and was told that my heart is fine. I would like to know if feeling breathless is another sign of menopause.

Bernice

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Answer:

The feelings you are describing sound like they are within the range of normal perimenopause side effects. That said, chest pains should never be casually dismissed. It would be a good idea for you to have another checkup and confirm that what you are experiencing is related to the approach of menopause.

When will I be finished menopause?

Editor — Mon, 23 Apr 2007 14:37:00 GMT

Question:

When are you completely finished with menopause?

Name withheld

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Answer:

A good rule of thumb is 24 months after your last period, but it varies.

How long will this last?

Editor — Mon, 23 Apr 2007 14:36:00 GMT

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.

Am I in perimenopause?

Editor — Mon, 23 Apr 2007 14:27:00 GMT

Question:

I am 43 and I’m going through menopause (my doctor did a blood test and said that I was). I have not had a period for four months now and just recently had a period. Is that normal?

Name withheld

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Answer:

Irregular periods are a typical manifestation of perimenopause.

Concerned hubby asks about menopause

Editor — Mon, 16 Apr 2007 19:10:00 GMT

Question:

My wife is having menopause symptoms. She has had an off and on menstrual cycle for a month. What is the usual prescription for these types of symptoms? She is going to see her ob/gyn within the next two days. What is going on here?

Concerned Hubby

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Answer:

Well, it’s great that you’re concerned, but the irregular cycle you’ve described doesn’t trigger any alarm bells. The trip to the doctor is worthwhile, however; your wife should have a checkup now that she’s experiencing perimenopause.

Heavy menstrual flow

Editor — Mon, 16 Apr 2007 17:49:00 GMT

Question:

I am 46. I have not had any hot flashes, but I do have mood swings. The last six months or so, my periods have been real heavy. This last month’s period was just as heavy, but 16 days later, I still have a light blood discharge. Is this normal?

Name withheld

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Answer:

It doesn’t sound particularly worrisome. But given that you are experiencing perimenopause, you should go for a checkup with your doctor to discuss steps you can take to ensure your continued health after menopause.

Ovulation during menopause

Editor — Mon, 16 Apr 2007 17:26:00 GMT

Question:

My question pertains to the ovaries and the actual menstrual period. When you go through menopause and your period stops, is it possible for your ovaries to continue to function? And, if they are still functioning, does this mean that you can still become pregnant? Or that you haven't completed the menopausal phase? My mother is 67 years of age and her one ovary is still functioning; the doctor is talking about removing it.

Robbie

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Answer:

We’ve never heard of a person being “through” menopause while having a functioning ovary – the two should be a contradiction. But we’re not physicians. If you have questions, you really should speak with your mother’s doctor.

Do symptoms cease after perimenopause is over?

Editor — Mon, 16 Apr 2007 17:08:00 GMT

Question:

Once you reach menopause, do you still experience symptoms? I have been told that peri-menopuse is when you experience the symptoms and, after you stop having periods, the symptoms cease. How long do you have symptoms once you have not had a period for two years? Is depression a symptom?

Cecilia

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Answer:

Generally, the symptoms end within a year of reaching menopause. Your depression may be related to menopause, but probably not. You should see your physician – clinical depression is treatable. If it’s determined that your depression isn’t clinical, lifestyle changes and/or counseling could be the answer.

Reoccuring period in menopause

Editor — Mon, 16 Apr 2007 17:03:00 GMT

Question:

I am 51. In the last year I have had my period stop for approximately two months – once in the spring and then again in early fall. In the spring, I did experience hot flashes and the odd incident since. They seem to be mostly at night. Luckily, they are not unbearable. I just finished a period four days ago. Now it looks as if I am getting another period. Is this normal and need I be concerned?

Karen

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Answer:

It definitely sounds like perimenopause. Irregular periods are a normal part of the process, so your letter isn’t sending up red flags. That said, it would be worthwhile meeting with your doctor to talk about treatment options, as well as the changes you will undergo when you reach menopause and beyond.

Sensation in ovaries

Editor — Mon, 16 Apr 2007 15:52:00 GMT

Question:

On the right side, I guess where my ovaries are, I'm feeling a fluttering sensation, like a heart beat. I'm 44. Is this part of menopause?

Karen

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Answer:

It could be. Some women experience formication, which is a bothersome skin sensation. If that’s what it is, it’s difficult to diagnose and treat, but hormone therapy or antihistamines may help. See your doctor and get more information.

Hair loss and resuming period

Editor — Mon, 16 Apr 2007 15:28:00 GMT

Question:

I am 47 years old, and I have not had a period since January, 2006, and before that it was July 2005. Last week, I started bleeding; nothing real heavy, just like a normal period. Right before this started, I noticed my hair was falling out in handfuls. I have been to the doctor once, back in when all of these symptoms started; they did some blood work and said I was in menopause. Is it normal to go for that long without a period then start again?

PJB

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Answer:

You are considered to have reached menopause after 12 months has transpired since your last period. It is unusual for you to have a period after a gap of more than a year.

Spotting during menopause

Editor — Mon, 16 Apr 2007 15:27:00 GMT

Question:

I've been in menopause for six years. I recently started spotting and it has continued for six weeks, on and off. What could be the cause of this?

Cathy

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Answer:

Spotting after menopause is abnormal, but irregular spotting during perimenopause – the time leading up to full cessation of menstruation – is fairly common. Still, it would be worth getting it checked out by a doctor.

I'm in menopause! Has my period returned?

Editor — Mon, 16 Apr 2007 15:19:00 GMT

Question:

I went though my perimenopause and had my last period approximately three years ago at the age of 53. As you say, free as a bird, and loving it – no more period and no more cramps, etc. All of a sudden, a few days ago, I experienced pre-period symptoms (tender breasts, lower back ache, mood swings, etc.). Then there it was – I started to bleed for about an hour. The next day, a bit of spotting. Is it possible to experience a mini-period three years after having been through menopause, or should I be visiting my doctor?

Name withheld

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Answer:

You should visit your physician. The bleeding you’re experiencing is atypical. No cause for panic, but it needs to be checked out.