I'm worried about perimenopause

[Angelic]

Hi all

I turned 39 in the summer and since August my periods have become much lighter and shorter, to the point where I've been thinking with each month that passed I must be pregnant but clearly I wasn't. Anyway I think I started my period again today but again it's just really light and not normal for me. I'm starting to get more than a little concerned that this could be the start of perimenopause. My mum went through menopause early (mid forties) so is it likely that I will too? I can't bear the thought that it may be too late for me

x

 

[maybethisit]

I don't think lighter periods necessarily have anything to do with this as I gather they can change throughout life without having an effect on fertility - are you still charting? You could see then if you were ovulating...I turned 40 recently and my periods are lighter and shorter than they used to be but blood tests and OPKs show am ovulating normally and no reason not to conceive (although it's taking it's time!) and I was told by doc not to worry about periods as long as they are regular and not ridiculously light, it doen'st mean anything she said. Also even in the very worst case scenario that it was anything to do with perimenopause people still get pregnant during that, just makes it a bit more difficult, so don't despair! Maybe you could talk to your doc if you're worried, they might be able to do some blood tests and put your mind at rest x x x

 

[40s Gal]

I agree if you are cycling and ovulating, you can still get pregnant.
Hugs!

 

[Angelic]

I'm certain I was ov'ing up until August (I charted a couple of months and used opk's) and I did have a chemical in April. I stopped doing all that for a few months because I felt I was obsessing but I have decided to chart again and keep using the opk's. My doctor has also said he will look into mine and DH's fertility in the new year if we haven't conceived and I'm really grateful for that. Since last night this AF is becoming more heavy and painful so maybe things are trying to get back to normal now!

Thanks for your kind words

 

[Chilli]

Hi Angelic - I have a similar concern right now, my periods are very different and my cycle is getting shorter - I have lots of other symptons too and my FSH levels are quite high (12) - have you had them tested? Having said all of that I have seen some of the top specialists in the country and no-one seems very concerned as they say it's normal for 39! But still very possible to get and stay pregnant, it's just a waiting game... hope you don't have to wait much longer

 

[Angelic]

Hi Chilli

No I haven't had any tests done yet. I imagine they will do them when I go back for fertility tests in the new year if I havent conceived. We've only been trying since last christmas but it already feels like ages! What are FSH levels by the way? Do you know what other tests I can expect, if it comes to that?

 

[Sbee]

I have same thing so my acupunturist recommended this book

"What your Doctor may not tell you about premenopause" by John R Lee (about £8). It explains things and has some good points in it about what you can do to help your changing symptoms.

 

[Chilli]

Oooh Sbee, that sounds really interesting... any top tips? I take maca and royal jelly which I believe helps.

FSH is follicle stimulating hormone. The test is taken on day2 of your cycle. As you enter perimenopause the levels rise as your body is trying to stimulate OV I think but it's more difficult to do. Higher levels indicate a depleted ovarian reserve which means it will be more difficult to get and stay pg. My level at 12 is pretty grim for my age, 39. Other than that I'm afraid I can't advise you re tests as haven't had fertility tests.

 

[woozle]

The Susun Weed book "New Menopausal Years: The Wise Woman Way (Wise Woman Ways)" has a short chapter on fertility in your 40's.

Here's an article she wrote about fertility in your 40's which has quite a lot of information

Fertility After Forty by Susun S. Weed on Storknet

Nettle infusions seems to be very powerful for fertility at any age. The book mentioned one woman in her sixties who started menstruating again after drinking infusions.

 

[spacegirl]

Hi,

My periods got lighter in my thirties for sure and took longer to finish too (11 days of streaking). I read up on it and apparently it's quite normal for periods to change as you get older it doesn't necessarily mean anything. If you are really worried why not see your GP and ask for tests/advice.

 

[Chocciebutton]

Hi, I have just posted on here to announce that I found out I am pregnant today!!
I had blood tests reults 6 months ago that showed I had started the peri menopause and thats on top of other medical probs I have so try not too worry, I had been worrying and I neednt have! sending you luck your way

 

[Angelic]

Hi, I have just posted on here to announce that I found out I am pregnant today!!
I had blood tests reults 6 months ago that showed I had started the peri menopause and thats on top of other medical probs I have so try not too worry, I had been worrying and I neednt have! sending you luck your way

Wow congratulations! That's just the sort of post I wanted to see lol .

Really pleased for you

x

 

[Chocciebutton]

While you still have a womb and some sort of periods be them light or irregular I dont think anyone can ever say that you cant get pregnant!

 

[maybethisit]

Hey chocciebutton that's totally fantastic, congratulations!!!

 

[chanel]

Just to say they told me i was perimenopausal with my highest FSH being 74!

We concieved naturally after about 16months trying and gave birth to our healthy little boy in august.

don't give up x

 

[Angelic]

Thanks Chanel. I know I just have to be more patient and that it will happen for us eventually!!

 

[LiSa2010]

hi angelic!

give vitamin b complex B50, B100 your choice a try. its suppose to regulate your cycles and lengthen your lutheal phase. theres a whole thread on here about it with success stories.

the thread is: (Vitamin B6 - Lengthen luteal phase or increase progesterone)

good luck! 

baby your way! 

 

[Angelic]

That's really helpful thanks!

I've been temping this month and I haven't ov'd yet. I'm on CD12 and I always ov by now (usually between CD 8 and 10). For me it kind of adds fuel to the fire about perimenopause. I have been regular as clockwork until a couple of months ago. I'm using opk's as well and I got an almost positive last night so I'll do another one tonight and see where that takes me.

 

[LiSa2010]

another thing to look into that ive been reading about is Soy Isoflavones. its suppose to produce stronger eggs and also help with ovulation.

 

[ciarhwyfar]

The doctor told me to try taking Vitamin B6 for some nausea I was experiencing. I started taking 100 mg in addition to my prenatal, which only has 2.6 mg. I haven't noticed any side effects and I have been taking them for a few weeks now.

We are still waiting to hear back about some abdominal xrays I had done over a week and half ago now. If the B6 causes a BFP, I hope the other problem I have been having for a few months now turns out to be nothing.