Hi, I have noticed my periods have completely changed for the last 3 cycles. I used to be able to assume I would have light staining on a liner for a day then medium flow for 2-3 days and tailing off with maybe browny red by end of day 5. I used to often get a sense of ovulation (slight pain) and definite water retention and grumpy feeling before my period, no cramps though.

The last 3 cycles have started with spotting, never really had this, but used a liner with hardly anything, maybe on wiping or nothing for about 2 days and then a bleed for 2/3 days, but not even close to medium flow I am used to, then very light on a liner for up to 4 days with an intermittant nothing on the liner some of the day for the last couple of days. I also have not noticed the PMS symptoms but a sense of mild cramping which I have never had before.

I feel much better in myself than for a couple of years, although I suffer from anxiety and have been under some pressure for the past 6 months, I also have a cervical polyp due for removal which is not symptomatic. So I am wondering if these changes in periods are premenopause, I am freaking out a bit about the lightness, as if they are going to just stop coming in the next month or so. I wasn't prepared for that as I have no other symptoms I have noticed that much. Or maybe this change in period is "normal" - it's the length and lightness that I am not sure whether to "worry" about or not. I will ask the gynae when I have the polyp removed but meanwhile I am a bit baffled.

Thanks

Women do experience changes in their period throughout their life. When you first start your period you're not at all regular, you can have a 7 day period, very light, no cramps, one month, then go a few months with nothing, then have a 4 day period, very heavy, and tons of cramps. After a few years most women settle into a routine for their periods, but even then, things can change. You can go years having a normal regular cycle that you can track to the day, and then suddenly be off for a month or more.

I would discuss this with a doctor if it's concerning you. Better safe than sorry. Sadly, we really have no way of telling you what's going on, there are many possibilities and no way to test anything online.

Good luck.

I realise I missed out the vital bits of information :-o I am 42 and was wondering if this was a "normal" change premenopause, or maybe just due to stress. I mentioned it in passing to my GP and she didn't seem to think it was anything but age and to watch - I don't have much confidence in what to watch for. She seemed to think light bleeding wasn't an indication of a problem, heavy is usually a problem - but I am disconcerted by the pattern of it! As you mention, maybe at this age periods start to change to what they were like when younger, I can't remember how they were - just know I have been familiar with my cycle for many years and this is a change I am confused by

I realise I missed out the vital bits of information :-o I am 42 and was wondering if this was a "normal" change premenopause, or maybe just due to stress. I mentioned it in passing to my GP and she didn't seem to think it was anything but age and to watch - I don't have much confidence in what to watch for. She seemed to think light bleeding wasnt an indication of a problem, heavy is usually a problem - but I am disconcerted by the pattern of it! As you mention, maybe at this age periods start to change to what they were like when younger, I can't remember how they were - just know I have been familiar with my cycle for many years and this is a change I am confused by

I'm 42 as well. I used to be regular as the phases of the moon (okay, a bit more reliable than that ;)) but for the last 2 plus years I go months with a period at all. In fact, right now I haven't had a period in 8 months. I've been tested for menopause changes, and apparently it's not menopause. My doctor also isn't concerned. His explanation was what I posted to you. Our periods can change. They start of without a pattern, and sometimes that's how they end as well.

Have you had a blood test to determine if this could be the beginning of menopause, or did the doctor not bother to test?

Hi, thanks for the reply, no the doctor didn't test. They sort of said it might be hormonal and slight changes are to be expected. I am bleeding again tonight, bright red after thinking the period was over! I am sure it must be hormonal. I am finding it hard as never had any problems or changes in my periods in all the years... Doctor said unless it was heavy heavy for over a week to ten days it is considered OK.

If yours is not menopause I wonder whether its just changes for other reasons we don't know, doctors don't know and its all OK!? I guess I am looking for signposts as to when to "worry" - I will try and take it as it comes.

I trust my doctor. One thing I have to say, if I have a complaint or worry, he goes the extra mile to rule everything out.

I do worry that your doctor didn't do the blood test. It's simple, and an easy way to find out if this could be menopausal. I would demand the blood test.

But, at our age, this is supposedly normal, or so I've been told. Still, if you're concerned, then your doctor should be doing everything possible to relieve that concern, or tell you definitively "this is what's going on".

For me, it's been determined that it's because of other issues. I have a thyroid condition, and I'm also severely anemic. All tests done have ruled out menopause or other conditions, so basically, my doctor believes it's because of the anemia.

I would ask your doctor to run more tests. But that's easy for me to say, I live in Canada, testing is free. Not sure if it's the same for you.

Thanks for the encouragement. I live in the UK and tests are free on the NHS but Gp's tend not to do them unless criteria are met and I guess the heavy bleeding is the criteria! Interesting you mention thyroid - I have had low energy most of my life with other symptoms that were not debilitating yet affected me, mainly anxiety due to many stressfull life events. Anyhow I cannot count the number of times I went for blood tests in my 20's. The last time I demanded a test was 4 years ago now, just after a bereavement, I asked for thyroid test as the quality of my hair was very different and other things, anyway they sort of said it was borderline and I went my own way and treated myself for adrenal fatigue which was the other thing the imbalance may have been.

Anyhow, the thing that is frustrating is that all of the low energy has all but gone, my metabolism is better and my PMT has disappeared! Part of me thinks my hormones are adjusting to these changes - its very hard with GP's here to get them to take you seriously for anything that isn't really impacting you and because I have a history of anxiety they always put it down to that.

I am glad you have had answers to your concerns, I will try again with my GP :)

I'm so sorry that you're not being taken seriously about this.

I would really try for a second opinion, and keep asking until you get some answers.

Are you on thyroid meds, or did they say it wasn't necessary?

Do you take any vitamin supplements?

I will ask to see another GP. They didn't follow up with the thyroid, they said it wasn't necessary, I had high cholesterol too, only the LDL the good stuff was plentiful, which to me is another indicator of thyroid/adrenals. I was fuzzy headed and spacey at times etc.

I started following an adrenal fatigue programme myself, sleeping patterns to help, drinking lots more water, a good multi vitamin, B vitamins, Zinc and high quality fish oil. I have no idea if all of this is what has created a better sense of well being, but I feel a lot better. The only thing now is this change in my blood flow.

Fortunately I have two friends with thyroid problems, on medication and I am certain my thyroid or adrenals are not and have not been functioning properly but not enough to need medication. Very frustrating, I WILL try the GP again.

Did they test you for anemia, because what you're describing could also be attributed to that.

I really wish I could help you further. I'm not a doctor, I only know what I know because of changes in my own life. But I have a great doctor that actually tests, and makes sure that I know what's going on, and why. Your best bet is to find a doctor that can help you understand better what's going on.

A simple blood test should provide some answers. Tell the doctor you want to be tested for thyroid, anemia, and menopause, then go from there.

Until then, it sounds like you're doing all you can to be healthy, and it's working. If you don't get a regular period every month, is that really such a bad thing? I know I don't miss it. ;)

Ahh, thanks for your messages, I understand only a doctor can tell me exactly, it's helpful to just hear about other peoples experiences. As you can see, I am not conifdent in the doctor to help and have to charge myself up to go there with the same old things! I will try again though and thank you for the recommendations of what to ask for - all of those are things they should do I think.

I guess I should be grateful that the period is the only wonky thing at the moment! I guess I just freaked out with the change and keep wondering if it's serious, but the GP did not suggest anything untoward. I got it into my head that abnormal bleeding = cancer, which it doesn't. Feel so ignorant at my age, not having a clue what abnormal bleeding is or isn't but I think I have read enough now to accept that age is doing funny things to my body or something is and not to be overly concerned.

Thanks again for sharing your experiences, I am a little envious of your doctor situation, here in the UK it is even quite hard to see the same doctor each time you visit. Fingers crossed I get somewhere.

Move to Canada. :)

Okay, that may be a bit extreme, but it is an option. :)

Just keep demanding answers. This is your health, your peace of mind. If one doctor won't, or can't give you answers, then see a new one. Do your research, know what to ask for, what tests you want done, what concerns you have, and demand, don't ask, that they not only do them, but give you answers.

Remind them that you're not a doctor, but that you know your own body and you know when something isn't right, and telling you "it's okay", isn't enough. You want to know why it's okay, and if they can't tell you why, then question it.

Above all, keep doing what you're doing. Be proactive about your healthy. Continue the supplements you're taking (I think that's a great idea) and continue asking questions. When it comes to your health, you're in charge, and if your doctor isn't willing to set your mind at ease, then it's time to find a new doctor.

Stick around on this site, there may be questions you can answer, or you may have more questions yourself. It's a great community. We have a few health professionals on the site, and they may be able to give you better advice that what I posted. Like I said, I'm not a doctor. I answered your question because you sound a lot like me, we're the same age, and I'm going through something similar. But, we're all different. In the end, a doctor is really your best bet. But, I wouldn't worry too much. :)

I hope you decide to stick around. If not, I wish you all the best, good luck, and most of all, no worry.

Thank you - yes moving to Canada might be a little extreme! Very empowering words you have written, I try to stay this way, hard sometimes. You are right, I am in charge. :)