I was just wondering when any of you started going thru menopause? I was diagnosed w/hypothryoid a few mos ago and periods just stopped. Its not like I started skipping or spotting but just stopped. I am 47. I am very irritable/depressed at ti mes so much I can't stand myself. I went to new doctor and when i told her this she just smiled and said "well, you are at that age". I thought perimenopause took a few years?

By Colette on Monday, October 2, 2006 - 02:15 pm:

A lot of the moodiness can be linked to your thyroid condition. My mother found out the hard way. Find the best endochrinologist you can to treat that and you may start to feel better. Don't just chalk it up to permenopause.

By Lorebunde on Monday, October 2, 2006 - 06:02 pm:

I was just wondering what ages other woman were when they went through or rather started gong thru the change. My dh insists I am but to me its just something to throw in my face if I'm having a bad day. I thought this all started in ages 50's.

By Dawnk777 on Monday, October 2, 2006 - 06:30 pm:

I'm 46 and my periods are still coming like clockwork. I don't think I can answer your question.

By Colette on Monday, October 2, 2006 - 07:02 pm:

I think it tends to start around the same time that your mother started. Isn't there some kind of menopause test the dr does?

By Marcia on Monday, October 2, 2006 - 11:16 pm:

The doctor can check your hormone levels. Even though I only get my period about once a year, my hormones were still in the normal level at my last check up.

By Hol on Tuesday, October 3, 2006 - 10:09 pm:

Hello fellow Rhode Islander!! I was 52 when my periods stopped completely, but I went through peri-menopause for about five years. I was forty seven when my periods started getting irregular. Most of the time, they were early instead of late. However, in February 1997, I hadn't had a period for two months. Then my oldest DS passed away suddenly in March of 1997, and I got it and it lasted for three weeks.

I didn't have the moodiness, but then when Dan passed away, the doctor put me on Zoloft for the depression, so that might have helped get me through menopause, too. I took it for several years. (My Mom had a nervous breakdown when she went through menopause.She and I are VERY different people, though, so I knew that I wouldn't have that problem).

In June 2001, I stopped having periods altogether. However, after Sept 11 that year, I "spotted" for a couple days. Like the rest of the country, I think it was just the shock. I haven't had anything since. I am done.

I, too, have hypothyroidism which was diagnosed in 2001. Mine manifested by weight gain and all over body ache. I not only have to take Synthroid, I take Cytomel, too. One is T4 and one is T3. The body ache didn't really get better until I went on the T3 (Cytomel).

Yes, have your OB/GYN check your hormone levels. That will give you an idea where you stand.

By Dawnk777 on Tuesday, October 3, 2006 - 10:38 pm:

I'm noticing the periods are getting a little closer together. I have pretty much always had a 31-day cycle, so my period would often start on the same day every month. It seems like it's more on a 28-day cycle now, if not even a little shorter than that. So, maybe things are changing a little bit, even though the periods haven't really gotten THAT irregular yet.

By Lorebunde on Wednesday, October 4, 2006 - 08:37 am:

Thanks for the feedback. I did have my gyn check for perimenopause, blood work. She just said it was borderline. I just think its strange how they just stopped after being regular. I don't even have spotting.

By Hol on Wednesday, October 4, 2006 - 01:58 pm:

Joan - Are you on Synthroid? THAT can affect your periods because it alters your estrogen level. My GYN gave me a whole explanation about your Pituitary gland sensing lower levels of levothyroxine, and affecting your other hormones. Maybe after you've been on it a while, they will come back.

By Hol on Wednesday, October 4, 2006 - 02:03 pm:

When your DH throws it in your face, do what I did. If he thought that I was being b****y, I would say, "At least I have an excuse. What's your's?" LOL!

By Lorebunde on Thursday, October 5, 2006 - 09:42 am:

I know this sounds crazy, but this morning I was even going to fake that I had my period, between a close friend at work and DH. The co-worker was telling me about someone that is in denial they are in menopause. I felt like she was talking about me. If I say I have my period, I won't have to listen to all of this "face it, you're going thru menopause. I know it sounds childish but thats what I felt like doing. I may take Colettes advise and see a endochrinologist. Thanks to all again!

By Kaye on Thursday, October 5, 2006 - 09:48 am:

Really everyone is different. My family goes through early menopause. My mom had a couple of years of charting periods, but was through by 39, her sister got pg at 38, completely stopped menstrating at 41, their mother stopped at about 40. Ultimatly it doesn't really make a difference. But you do need to go the doc and make sure there isn't any med stuff you should do now.