I think you have a ways to go yet. However, you are at an age when irregular periods can start. I started getting hot flashes and periods that lasted 2-3 weeks or 2-3 days when I was about 46. The periods started to actually skip about a year ago then started to come every three months. However, yippeee! I will be 53 this year and so far it's been five months since my last period and I am crossing my fingers that its over for good! Once a women does not get a period for 1 full year then she is considered in menopause. But, Miz, be careful what you wish for, menopause is no day at the beach--especially in the beginning. In the beginning, when my periods started to skip I felt like I was in a perpetual state of PMDD! I suffered from all over body aches for which I had to take painkillers before I could get out of bed. Add to that, food cravings, annoying hot flashes and night sweats that kept waking me up at night, irritability, lack of concentration, absent mindedness and feeling like you're on an emotional roller coaster (feeling suicidal or homicidal--good thing I don't own a gun!), ******* dryness and lack of a *** drive--believe me, menopause has its drawbacks! One good thing I can say, some of the worst symptoms have passed and I read that once the period stops f...'''''''''
I think you have a ways to go yet. However, you are at an age when irregular periods can start. I started getting hot flashes and periods that lasted 2-3 weeks or 2-3 days when I was about 46. The periods started to actually skip about a year ago then started to come every three months. However, yippeee! I will be 53 this year and so far it's been five months since my last period and I am crossing my fingers that its over for good! Once a women does not get a period for 1 full year then she is considered in menopause. But, Miz, be careful what you wish for, menopause is no day at the beach--especially in the beginning. In the beginning, when my periods started to skip I felt like I was in a perpetual state of PMDD! I suffered from all over body aches for which I had to take painkillers before I could get out of bed. Add to that, food cravings, annoying hot flashes and night sweats that kept waking me up at night, irritability, lack of concentration, absent mindedness and feeling like you're on an emotional roller coaster (feeling suicidal or homicidal--good thing I don't own a gun!), ******* dryness and lack of a *** drive--believe me, menopause has its drawbacks! One good thing I can say, some of the worst symptoms have passed and I read that once the period stops for good and the hormones get back in synch the other unpleasant symptoms go away as well--that takes some women months or years! My doctor suggested I go on HRT but I said no. That stuff is dangerous and very **** on the body. It can cause cancer, stroke, heart attack and *** knows what else--NO thank you! HRT can kill you, menopause won't (although sometimes you may feel like you're dying or going crazy!) Menopause is a normal, natural process and its best to go through it naturally like women have been doing for centuries. Alot of it is attitude. I've chosen to embrace this new time in my life with gusto. I'm not getting older I'm getting better! Compared to bleeding, PMDD and doubling over in pain every months from cramps (I suffered terribly), I'll take menopause anytime! So hang in there and don't rush it you'll get there soon enough! ooopps! did I write a book and go on and on and on? Sorry, I've had some wine and when I drink I tend to get long-winded! LOL. Take care!
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