My period is officially one week late today!!! I've done two home pregnancy tests, both are negative and I've had a blood test done with my doctor (I had to have blood work done anyway to get ready for my annual physical on the 16th, so I figured WTH... while I'm here!), which was also negative! So, what's going on? I'm always within a couple of days! I was two days early last month! I'm only 43, could it be the start of the dread M-word?!?

I really don't want to be pregnant! I just can't do it again! My kids are finally taking care of themselves! I just don't have it in me to do it again!

Do any of you go this late?

(I'm going Anon because I feel guilty about not wanting to be pregnant so badly!)

By Kate on Thursday, June 5, 2008 - 10:09 am:

Sounds like perimenopause....not official menopause, but the start of being irregular and it will take years for you to finally reach official menopause but in the meantime you'll be all irregular and messed up. FUN!

By Happynerdmom on Thursday, June 5, 2008 - 10:20 am:

Oh, heavens!! Don't feel guilty about not wanting to be pregnant! I'm 41, my dk's are 15 and 18, and if I got pregnant now, I would be a whimpering ball in the corner, LOL! I used to be very regular with my periods, but they are getting more and more irregular. Ditto Kate: perimenopause.

By Anonymous on Thursday, June 5, 2008 - 10:27 am:

Does it matter that my boobs hurt and I have cramps, as if I were getting my period?

By Dawnk777 on Thursday, June 5, 2008 - 11:20 am:

I feel the same way. No more babies. My kids are 18 and 16, and I'm 48! No signs of slowing down for me. My periods are still like clockwork.

By Bobbie~moderatr on Thursday, June 5, 2008 - 11:51 am:

At this stage of the game, I would be a wreck if I found out I was pregnant too... Especially since it is impossible for me to get pregnant. Don't feel bad, I am sure nearly every woman, that "knows" they are done having children, goes through a similar reaction, panic, when their period is late. The emotions of dread and panic however can delay the start of your period.

Try not to stress to much and IF you are pregnant, you will deal with it.. Whether you wanted to be pregnant or not.

My friend was born when her brothers were 16 and 17 years old, her parents were in their mid 40's. They thought her mom had hit menopause and her mother was distraught when she found out she was actually pregnant. However, my friend ended up being a blessing in disguise.

Until they tell you you are pregnant, try not to stress, you could be delaying the start even further. (((ANON)))

By Boxzgrl on Thursday, June 5, 2008 - 01:03 pm:

My mom is going through the same thing and her doctor said the same as others... perimenopause. And don't worry about feeling guilty, I would DIE if I found out I were pregnant now, and i'm only 25! LOL I was 3 days late this month and refused to take a test because I didn't WANT to know if I was. Of course, I am on birth control so my chances were slim but with DH just coming home i'm super paranoid.

By Rayelle on Thursday, June 5, 2008 - 01:15 pm:

I wouldn't want to be pregnant now either for lots of reasons. I didn't especially want to be the last time I was lol but it all worked out of course. There are lots of reasons you can be late so if all those tests are negative I wouldn't stress about pregnancy. Some of my friends are in their late 30's early 40's and are getting irregular. I've been late a few times here on the pill and that is supposed to make you like a clock!I would think the cramps and boob tenderness might be PMS.

By Kaye on Thursday, June 5, 2008 - 01:18 pm:

I am just turned 37, For the past couple of years my cycles have been odd. I can be very regular for months, then been a week or two late. Oh and I can also be a week early. Fun fun times. Last year I was on my period for every major holiday!

Anyway, it is mostly likely just your body changing.

I attribute alot of mine to my 14 year dd. Her cycle is just regulating itself and I think we are tyring to work together!

By Jackie on Thursday, June 5, 2008 - 02:04 pm:

Well I am 43, will be 44 in August.My cycle comes every month,I have never been a regular 28 person. Anything from 26-35 is normal for me...I would think our bodies/cycles will start to change as we get older...

I am the odd one, I would love to be pregnant again...that wont happen my husband took care of that LOL

As Faith is nearing her 4th birthday(August)I often wish I could have just one more baby