If you're over 40, what's your period like? Also a WWYD

[starburst604]

I feel like I'm in menstrual limbo these days. I turned 43 in December and for the last 6-8 months my period has been out of whack, with no predictability (after having an exact 28-29 day cycle for most of my life) I had my physical in January and my doctor chalked it up to having trained for and then finishing a marathon in November. Routine bloodwork including thyroid was normal. Since then it's gotten even less predictable - last time my cycle stretched 8 weeks and then I bled for over 2 weeks when it did arrive, very heavily for a lot of that time. I messaged my doctor at the 2 week mark asking if this was normal and if I was in early menopause, and she replied that she thought it was still from marathon training - but I have not even run regularly since then, just doing my regular workouts. She said there was more uterine tissue to shed from the long cycle which would explain the length of bleeding, and to take an iron supplement.  She felt it was still early for me to be entering menopause. She could put me on the pill, which I wouldn't mind, but mentioned that the risks at my age are elevated due to early coronary artery disease in my family history. She closed by saying if it kept up and I was concerned, she'd recommend going to a gyn.

It's now been 7 weeks since I started that last awful period and no sign of it so far ugh. I have a long weekend with just DH planned in 2 weeks and I just KNOW it will show it's ugly awful head for that! 

So if you're over 40, and/or have entered early menopause, is this how it started out for you? Would you see gyn at this point? With my insurance I don't need a referral and we've met our annual deductible already so I suppose there's no harm in getting things checked out, but I don't want to feel like I went in for something stupid since my PCP seems so unconcerned. 

Possibly of interest: I had a battery of testing with an RE when TTC my DD at age 37/38. I did have low ovarian reserve at that time, and now that I think of it I'm not sure my PCP knows that. Post-DD I did a Clomid challenge which showed I would respond poorly to stimulation for IVF, so we scrapped plans to have fertility treatments.

[downtoearth]

I just turned 42 and before and after kids I was a clockwork 28-30 day period person. When I was around 36-37 (after my 3rd kid) I had a weird 6-8 months where I would not get a period for like 8 weeks, then spot for like 3 weeks, then nothing again. But it seemed to even out again after that and was like clockwork. However, I've now had the IUD (Mirena) for about 5 years and I haven't had a period in like 4 years, so I can't speak to early menopause symptoms since I don't know if I'm having any.

[gummybear]

I am pretty much still clockwork, but my cycle has gone from 28-29 days to about 25 days. Once in a while I'll have a longer cycle (like this month I was 27) but for the most part, 25 days to a T. I still chart and can predict my period to the day bc my LP is 15 days. I just keep ovulating earlier. I'll be 42 next week.

ETA: I bleed very lightly because I've had an ablation. I was always a very heavy, clotty bleeder before that. My PMS symptoms are off the charts though. I am insanely moody and my boobs feel like they triple in size and are extremely heavy and sore.

[devonpow]

Well I’m on the pill - other than TTC and being pregnant I’ve been on the pill for 20+ years. After I turned 40 I had a few months of weird periods even on the pill - like two in one month and then skipping the next month. I went to my gyn who said I was fine but if I was worried i could have an internal ultrasound to look for cysts even though he didn’t think I had them. So I went (because I’m always convinced it’s something horrible, lol) and after the ultrasound that dr came in and asked why i was there because my ultrasound was totally clear. I said I was having irregular periods even though I’m on the pill blah blah blah. She asked how old I was, I say 40,she says “well that’s why!” OMG I feel like every ailment or weird thing i see s dr about these days they say “well, you’re over 40!”. Ugh

So i say it’s normal but could be cysts. Doesn’t hurt to go in. Isn’t getting old fun??

[wildrice]

I don't know the answer to your question, but can I throw in a side question since we're talking about periods changing? I've noticed in the last several months that mine are lighter than ever. I'm about to turn 37 and with my last period, I think I used 5-6 tampons total. And I think only 1-2 were even completely soaked. I really haven't noticed any other health changes. Is this normal? I'm on BC and my periods are still pretty regular, though occasionally a day late.

[cleo29]

Mine are still pretty regular, just went from 31 to more of a 28 day cycle. My first two days can be crazy heavy, like going through an ultra tampon in less than 2 hours. but, overall not much has changed. Oh, i do notice that i hold on to water a good week post-period and maybe only a day or two before it starts where it used to be the opposite.

[cleo29]

Oh and my doctor did say if menopause is starting cycles will get more spread out vs. coming closer together. definitely make an appointment.

[imojoebunny]

I got Mirena. My whole life is better. My periods got worse in my 40's, and at 45, I had to have surgery for ovarian torsion, and through that process I switched from paraguard to Mirena. I am so much happier now, that I do not get a period.

[starburst604]

May 17, 2019 15:25:24 GMT -5 cleo29 said:

Oh and my doctor did say if menopause is starting cycles will get more spread out vs. coming closer together. definitely make an appointment.

That's good to know - last year mine were coming closer together, like every 3 weeks and then were over very quickly. Now total opposite. Guess I should just go to gyn. I hadn't thought about cysts as others have mentioned! 

[whitemerlot]

I just turned 40 and my periods are heavier and a little less consistent. I’ve had a couple shorter cycles of like 25/26 days here and there and then 28/29 days. I would go see a gyn just for reassurance. I saw my pcp last time but am going to see the gyn this round.

[doctoranda]

You may not be menopausal but perimenopause does some weird stuff to the body sometimes.

[rubytue]

My periods got so heavy after 40. My cycle time didn’t change until very recently (but that is likely due to some anticolagulants). I’ve also discovered that you can’t request a hestorectomy when you are going in for other surgery, it worked for my dog 😂

So I went from a clockwork 32 days to 28-30, and I have to get up at least twice at night to empty my diva cup. So frustrating!

[livinitup]

I also got Mirena in my late 30s/40s and love it.

[badgergrl]

After having to go home from work to change my clothes after bleeding through an ultra tampon and pad backup in my 45 minute commute I gave up and begged for an ablation.

I was 39 at the time and sick of being on the pill. I was on a high dose pill which they discontinued and then I basically bled every day with break through bleeding.

I tried mirena but it made me go bald.

I still get my period with the ablation but it’s totally manageable with a few normal tampons and some panty liners. I don’t regret it at all.

[thatgirl2478]

40 here - mine's still 28/29 ish days give or take a day and while my day 2 has gotten significantly heavier, the actual active bleeding only lasts 3-4 days with a few days of gunky discharge at the tail end. I am not on any form of hormonal contraception since DH had the big snip.

[starburst604]

May 17, 2019 16:35:47 GMT -5 thatgirl2478 said:

40 here - mine's still 28/29 ish days give or take a day and while my day 2 has gotten significantly heavier, the actual active bleeding only lasts 3-4 days with a few days of gunky discharge at the tail end. I am not on any form of hormonal contraception since DH had the big snip.

That was me up until last fall! Ugh I miss that.

[erbear]

I just turned 41 and my period has gone crazy. I'm generally pretty regular - 31 day cycles - but in the last year, it's been closer and closer (now around 26 days), so heavy and accompanied by debillitating pain for the first day. It sucks.

[flex]

I'd say you're perimenopausal and what you're experiencing is totally normal for your age. I say this because I went through the same thing. I'm fairly certain you're not in early menopause, but everyone's different. Perimenopause can go on for years; menopause is a length of time when you go without a period for a full year--at that point you're post-menopausal. 

Peri is THE WORST for pain, shortened cycles, heavy bleeding, etc. It's no fun, but if you learn to take preventative measures you won't have any "accidents".


ETA:  During one of my very last periods, I thought I was going to pass out behind the wheel coming home from work because there was such a huge rush of blood (sorry for the TMI).  My DH told me I was white as a sheet when I got home.

[eddy]

I am almost 38 and have a crazy light period now. I am on no BC. Like I don't even need to wear a panty liner. the little bit comes out when I pee and that is it. My OB tells me this is normal as I age. But I still think it is weird.

My cycle is still decently regular. I am in the 28-30 day range still.

[fivechickens]

I never had a regular period in my early twenties. I could go months without a period. Now, in my 40’s, I have them every 28 days like clock work. They are different though. Some months I can’t function but other months it’s like any other day of the week.

[cereal K]

First, go see your Gyn!

Second, I’m not there yet, but I did just have my Mirena replaced (this is my third - one after my first kid, one after my second kid, and now refreshing after the 5-yr mark). I asked my Gyn about pre-menopause bc I don’t have a good family history to ask/learn from (mom and grandma had full hysterectomies in their 40’s). She said more and more women are using IUDs to manage through pre-menopause to help regulate hormones and cycles. Definitely ask about that at your Gyn appt!

[luckyno7]

I just turned 40 in August. My periods are still fairly regular but the flow has changed. I have 2 light days one crazy heavy day and 4-5 annoying days (light enough to need something).

ETA and my husband can tell when it’s going to start cause I turn into a raging bitch (my words not his...he doesn’t say anything but then 2 days later I’m like got my period and he’s like I know).

[luckyno7]

May 17, 2019 16:35:47 GMT -5 thatgirl2478 said:

40 here - mine's still 28/29 ish days give or take a day and while my day 2 has gotten significantly heavier, the actual active bleeding only lasts 3-4 days with a few days of gunky discharge at the tail end. I am not on any form of hormonal contraception since DH had the big snip.

Sorry....I don’t mean to overstep my boundless. Make sure you husband gets retested that it worked. We had two friends it didn’t work. The first round out cause they got pregnant and the other found out when he went back for his check up.

[spindle92]

I am 44 and just got an IUD in last year after my dr would no longer prescribe me the pill (due to my mother's breast cancer diagnosis).
no period at all is glorious.

[starburst604]

Thanks everyone, I called for an appointment with my obgyn. Sounds like it could be normal perimenopause, but can’t hurt to get checked.

Maybe I’ll ask about Mirena though I’ve always been really, really reluctant to use an IUD.

[joenali]

41 and my periods are horrendously awful. I bleed so much that I’m getting a second iron infusion in the past 5 months. I was diagnosed with adenomyosis which is like endometriosis but it affects the inside of the uterine muscle. I have horrendous pain as well for about three days every month. I take tramadol for pain. One period I took over 50 Advil and nothing touched my pain. It’s been so bad.

[joenali]

May 17, 2019 15:19:54 GMT -5 wildrice said:

I don't know the answer to your question, but can I throw in a side question since we're talking about periods changing? I've noticed in the last several months that mine are lighter than ever. I'm about to turn 37 and with my last period, I think I used 5-6 tampons total. And I think only 1-2 were even completely soaked. I really haven't noticed any other health changes. Is this normal? I'm on BC and my periods are still pretty regular, though occasionally a day late.

Omg! So lucky! I use at least 40 tampons per cycle. Plus pads. Every hour I need to change.

[joenali]

[scout8]

When I'm not on the pill, I get my period every 19-21 days. Fun. Post 40, they were also super heavy, similar to what a couple of posters above described. Except, lucky me, every three weeks instead of four.

I'm 47 and now on lo-loestrin and I don't get my period at all on it. It's wonderful. My only concern is how I will know when I go through menopause since I don't get a period.

[boiler717]

With DOR 5 years ago, I would not be surprised at menopause now. My friend with DOR started menopause around 36.