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Eileen G · Jan 26, 2009, 09:38 AM

I'm 47 and have always had regular periods. However, in December, I didn't have a proper period, but I did have about three weeks of spotting. It always felt like it was about to start, but didn't.

Right now (end of January) I have cramps and lower back ache, it feels like a normal period, but there's absolutely no blood.

I'm definitely not pregnant, and I haven't been under stress or done anything unusual recently.

J_9 · Jan 31, 2009, 03:52 PM

At your age, and I'm not far behind you (44), you are most likely beginning to experience perimenopause. This can last for 1 - 5 years before menopause actually begins.

Eileen G · Jan 31, 2009, 03:54 PM

Thanks. I've been reading about "phantom periods" which sound just like this: feeling of period but no blood. A sign of menopause. Ugh

J_9 · Jan 31, 2009, 03:56 PM

Yeah, I know menopause... ughhhh. I have been in it for about a year now, no biggie for me though. The average age of the onset of menopause in the US is 51 years old. So, we are right on the cusp of the average. Bummer huh?

DoulaLC · Feb 1, 2009, 12:39 PM

One plus... (had a hysterectomy last Nov.)... no periods!!
Let me just say, I am enjoying that aspect immensely... :)

Eileen G · Feb 1, 2009, 01:53 PM

Yeah, except I'm sort of expecting one at any moment. With the way I feel, I wouldn't bet on not having another one, and I've been warned that when it comes, it will be a humdinger.

Eileen G · Feb 10, 2009, 01:22 PM

For what it's worth, I've just had another period and boy was it a whopper. I was changing sponges every hour.

DoulaLC · Feb 10, 2009, 01:42 PM

Having irregular cycles can be a sign of perimenopause. You may want to check with your doctor. They may or may not decide to do some blood work to check hormone levels and a pelvic exam/ultrasound to determine if there may be another cause.

Eileen G · Feb 10, 2009, 01:53 PM

Had a full physical recently. No mention of perimenopause except that I'm the age for it. Got a full poke-and-prod examination, including smear test. The worst they found was flat feet.

DoulaLC · Feb 10, 2009, 01:59 PM

Ahhhh, well there you go... flat feet will do it every time... :)

It may have been just a fluke and a couple of off cycles, but if it continues, see your doctor again so that they can do a bit more investigating. Could be polyps, cysts, etc. which are more prone to happen as we get older. Sometimes they can be left and just kept an eye on, sometimes medications may be considered, and sometimes surgery will be the best option to fully determine a cause and remedy the problem.