I am pretty sure I'm in the beginning stages of menopause. I'm 41 and have been having irregular periods for about 4 years. I experience night sweats on and off. My periods can be extremely painful when they run the normal amount of days, but I figure it's because I get a lot of clots coming through these days. Well last month was not normal at all, I basically was at a slow drip, no clots. Now it's still light but it's brown. At first I thought it was something else, you know, but no, its my period. I just want to know if this is a normal thing for menopause. I did have a pap last March and it was fine except for some bacteria which they said was within limits. I did have cryosurgery 15 years ago, so I can't help but worry just a little.

Barbara

I too am experiencing prememopausal symptons (don't tell anyone) and I'm 45. The night sweats. Having the same symptoms such as breast tenderness, mild cramping, bloating, etc.
What you're feeling is the beginning of menopause. The night sweats aren't as bad as the hot flashes, those you can do without.
Each month when you ovulate, one ovary will release an egg, then the next month the other ovary will release an egg. The hormone level could vary between ovary. The slight brown discharge could mean that was all you had to shed that month.
Don't be surprised if you start to miss a period once in a while.
I'd check with your gynocologist and have blood work done. They can keep track of your hormone levels and if the symptoms bother you or are interferring with your daily life, then maybe hpt would be needed.

Thanks for the input. I'm definitely going to gyn just to be sure. Again thanks!

Sorry Chippers, got the spread the love message. What you are experiencing Kahlan is called perimenopause. We can experience it for 4 - 10 years before going into full blown menopause.

Menopause is defined as not having a period for a full year after age 36. This is our secret, but I have only 4 more months before I hit my one year mark and I am only 42.

I am happy to hear you are going to your GYN to be sure. Only s/he can give you a proper diagnosis.

Thanks so much!

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Originally Posted by kahlan

Thanks so much!

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Im 49 and having all these symptoms too and am in the peri menopause. Some days I feel good , some terrible. I cannot take HRT. I had my hormone levels checked to confirm I was in peri menopause. Your not alone.